Art, Politics, and Uncertainty Embolden Panel Discussion at Performance at Steps

The Steps Beyond Foundation, Steps on Broadway's non-profit arm which connects artists and community through dialogue, performance, and artistic collaboration, invite industry professionals and emerging dance makers to discuss "The Arts in Uncertain Times." Explored over two events, Artists Talk: Dance Criticism in Uncertain Times,April 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. and Performance Lab: Choreography in Uncertain Times, May 20, 2017 at 8:00 p.m, both events will take place at the Steps Studio Theater on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Moderated by Juilliard graduate professional dancer turned Neurosurgeon, and the foundation's Chairman of the Board, Allen Maniker M.D., the Steps Beyond Foundation, will welcome Siobhan Burke, a New York Times and Dance Magazinecontributor, former Editor in Chief of Dance Magazine, Wendy Perron, Financial Times arts critic Apollinaire Scherr, and author of What the Eye Hears: A History of Tap Dancing and New York Times contributor Brian Seibert. Topics will include the perception of art and politics in the current political climate, and the potential impact of the impending changes in government funding and support of the arts and its impact on the creative process.

Applicants from choreographers and emerging dance makers are currently being accepted for the Choreography in Uncertain Times Performance Lab on May 20-the deadline is April 24.

Artists are asked to present completed works, works in progress, or experimental concepts that consider current political concerns. Each choreographer selected for the lab will present a two to eight-minute piece and is granted the technical tools and support needed to cultivate an evening presentation.

"This Artists Talk and Performance Lab is a response to concerns in our community due to the election and proposed government policies," explains Artistic Director of Steps Beyond Foundation, Diane Grumet. "What is happening politically affects every aspect of the arts; from funding, to artist's visas and ultimately, censorship. This series is a way to bring the dance community together, explore issues and concerns, and find solidarity, courage, and a path to continue creating."

Steps Beyond Foundation, whose mission is to educate and engage the arts community, offers collaborative opportunities among established and emerging artists through community engagement, dance scholarships, performances and special events. The Artist Talk Series is focused on community connectedness and breeding new ideas. The most recent Performance Lab took place January 28, and featured theater dance performances by Angela Joy, Dionna Pridgeon, Matt Williams, James Kinney, Billy Griffin, Natasha Natraj, Rachel Dolen, and Glenn Giron.

Artists Talk: Dance Criticism in Uncertain Times will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017 in the Steps Studio Theater, on the 3rd floor. All tickets are $12, with a reception to follow. Tickets are on sale at https://stepsnyc.com/steps-beyond/special-events/artists-talks-series/artist-talk-tickets/

Performance Lab: Choreography in Uncertain Times will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017, also in the Steps Studio Theater. Tickets will be available for sale in early May. Applicants can submit their works at https://stepsnyc.com/steps-beyond/performances/the-performance-lab/application-guidelines/performance-lab-application/ - The deadline for submission isApril 24. For information please visit StepsNYC.com/steps-beyond.

Steps on Broadway is located at 2121 Broadway at 74th Street, and is accessible by the 1,2, and 3 trains.

Launched in 2015 and directed by Diane Grumet, The Steps Beyond Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and sustaining dance artistry and cultivating supporters of the dance community. The Foundation offers collaborative opportunities among established and emerging artists through community engagement, dance scholarships, performances and special events.