DNA Presents RAW DIRECTIONS, 2/9-11

Dance New Amsterdam (DNA), a progressive dance education and performance center, will present four new works by established choreographers seeking to discover new dimensions during the 2011-2012 performances of RAW Directions. The three-night run, February 9-11, 2012 at 8:00 p.m., features three world premieres - Inertia, part 1 by Elke Luyten, the sky is empty by Elisha Clark Halpin and The Land of Maverick; Unbranded by Philippa Kaye. Shannon Gillen will present a work in progress of BOTLEK, which will be developed into a full evening at a later date. Each of the four choreographers will premiere a 15-minute work.

RAW Directions pairs artists with an artistic consultant to experiment with new ways of crafting their work, and to learn from and share with their peers in a supportive workshop environment. “With the mandate of 'working in a new direction', these four artists have been pushing themselves to find new ways of answering questions and creating their work,” says Bessie Award winning performer and choreographer Lawrence Goldhuber, who has worked with the artists this season as the artistic consultant. “Each peer group session has been illuminating, especially for the choreographers looking at their colleague's process, to observe how things change from month to month.”

After four months of intense research of the international shipping industry, Shannon Gillen incorporated maritime concepts into the choreographic application of BOTLEK (named after the largest Rotterdam seaport). “It’s about beauty, scale, ocean, boats and unpredictable events in isolated conditions,” says Gillen. “DNA has been an unbelievable haven for me to explore; maintaining long-standing relationships with artists as they develop is part of what makes DNA so special, and is one reason why it continues to be an important creative resource to me.” Elisha Clark Halpin delves into the female identity in a raw and starkly honest way in the sky is empty. Her company’s (ETCH Dance Co.) athletic style and dynamic range bring a more physical, vulnerable and personal interpretation of the human experience. “Inspired by Sylvia Plath’s quote ‘I talk to God but the sky is empty,’ I sought to look at my work’s subject and content and push myself to find new ways to create. My work is stronger and more realized because of the unique structure of this showcase and Lawrence Goldhuber’s mentorship,” says Halpin.

Philippa Kaye investigates the conundrum of history in her Americana piece The Land of Maverick; Unbranded. Seeking to connect the dots and follow the trail that leads to the land of the free and the home of the brave, Kaye’s company of dancers carve a traditional path. “The term ‘maverick’ was coined from a man, Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803-1870), whose cattle could be distinguished by the fact that they were not branded,” says Kaye. "Usually I am inspired by natural science; here I am interested in looking at politics and social science.” Elkye Luyten’s Intertia, part 1 is a solo dance work inspired by the logic and limitations of functional movement. Choreographed by Luyten and directed by Kira Alker, the two seek to create a dramatically charged experience without a narrative structure. “We feel a strong desire to scientifically and brutally investigate task movement, seeking out its simplicity and logic,” says Luyten. “The RAW Directions program at DNA has been a rare opportunity for us to engage in a critical dialogue about our work.”

Key to DNA’s mission, RAW Directions is a sequential development program aimed at supporting an artist to develop their work. Flexible residencies, peer sharing and mentoring interaction, feedback circles and advisory panels help shape and mold the creative and technical growth process on a professional level. “The power behind DNA’s programs is that we take the time to understand and implement ways for our programs to strengthen artists,” says Catherine Peila, Executive and Artistic Director. “Through space, monetary support and extended residencies, DNA helps artists gain a full perspective of their work. They garner essential skills that ensure opportunity for a deeper exploration of the tried and true and the development of new concepts and unorthodox methods.”

The 2011-2012 DNA PRESENTS Season is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts and by private funds from the Mertz Gilmore Foundation.

Performances take place Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dnadance.org, in person at DNA’s box office two hours before show time or by calling 212.227.9856 x225. Ticket prices for performances are $17 for general audiences; $12 for DNA members; $14 for students and seniors. To arrange discounted tickets for groups of six or more, contact mingle@dnadance.org. All sales are final.

Founded in 1984, Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) celebrates 27 years of cultural leadership in contemporary dance. DNA supports the life, career and longevity of dance artists through ongoing high quality contemporary dance education, opportunities for choreographic exploration and innovative performance, and service to the field and the Lower Manhattan community. DNA fosters the development of new and experimental works through commissions, residencies and subsidized space. DNA is committed to training healthy dancers, developing new audiences and bridging diverse communities by exploring the role of dance across a spectrum of contemporary dance styles and cultures.

For more information visit http://www.dnadance.org/site/.