Dancefusion Presents: OPEN Rehearsal
Historic Dance Reconstruction
Dancefusion, one of Philadelphia’s most recognized modern dance companies, is presenting an OPEN rehearsal on Sunday, February 24th between 3:30 and 5:00pm, to preview the reconstruction of José Limón and Pauline Koner’s historic work from 1960 called Barren Sceptre. This duet is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, depicting the rise and fall of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and their lust for power. Barren Sceptre will be danced by company member, Janet Pilla and guest artist, Meredith Rainey, formerly of the Pennsylvania Ballet. Additionally, six company members will dance in A time to laugh…a time to dance, two excerpts from José Limón's signature piece There Is A Time. The OPEN rehearsal is FREE to the public and will take place at the Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center, 3611 Lancaster Avenue in the University City Section of Philadelphia. Admission is free. Call for reservations 215-222-7633.
José Limón is one of the most significant choreographers of the twentieth century and Pauline Koner, a choreographer in her own right, was a solo artist and special guest artist of the José Limón Company for 15 years. Dancefusion is reconstructing Barren Sceptre through support from Dance Advance, a program of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage funded by the Pew Charitable Trust.
Dancefusion has been working with three reconstructing artists and master teachers from New York City: Ann Vachon, Director of the José Limón Institute, and Pablo Ruvalcaba, a José Limón Company soloist, along with Pauline Koner’s disciple Evelyn Shepard. Meet the artists at the OPEN rehearsal, along with guest dancer Meredith Rainey and Dancefusion company members, Elrey Belmonti, Justin Bryant, Alberto Colon Jr., Rachel Condello, Maya Johnson, Rachel Kantra, Janet Pilla, and Christine Taylor.
The rehearsals of Barren Scepter and A time to laugh…a time to dance will culminate in Dancefusion’s 20th Season "Kick-off" at the Iron Gate Theater, 3700 Chestnut Street, on March 7 and 8, 2008 with performances at 8:00pm. On Friday, March 7, we will offer an educational matinee performance at 10:00am for college students, school students and public. The Program will also present historic works, Concertino by Pauline Koner and Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter, by Anna Sokolow; as well as repertory works, Off the Hook, by Collin Connor and Christina’s World by artistic director Gwendolyn Bye.Save the date.
For more information, tickets and reservations contact: Mary Ziogas at 215-222-7633
Release Date: Wednesday, February 6th 2008
