FJK Dance Presents UNTOLD

Fadi Khoury's FJK DANCE returns to New York with special guest artists and new collaborations over two evenings at Gibney Dance Center, 280 Broadway, on Thursday, April 12 and Saturday, April 14 for the company's 2018 presentation of Works in Progress. Both performances begin at 7:30pm, followed by a Q&A with the choreographer and a cocktail reception. Doors open at 7pm.

Three new works will be shown, including Fadi Khoury's groundbreaking multimedia performance and art installation, UnTold, where ancient Middle Eastern aesthetics are reimagined for the present by layering contemporary ballet and ballroom movements with sculptures and graphic designs. UnTold aims to shed light on the hidden beauty of Middle Eastern culture. Inspired by Arabic poetry, Al Mu'alaqat (????????) (a set of seven poems) is transformed into projections and theater sets. The designed Arabic written words dance and interconnect with the performers on stage.

According to Mr. Khoury, "UnTold aims to shed light on the hidden beauty of Middle Eastern culture at a time when stereotypes govern our perceptions."

FJK DANCE Works In Progress will also introduce guest choreographers Gary Pierce (co-founder of American Ballroom Theatre Company) and acclaimed jazz artist Debbie Roshe, both of whom are creating new work on FJK's company of ten dancers. The new ballroom work by Mr. Pierce, and a new jazz work by Ms. Roshe, will premiere at FJK Season 2018 this fall.

Tickets to WORKS IN PROGRESS are donation based with all proceeds being used to fund the company's 2018 New York annual season. SPACE IS LIMITED R.S.V.P to: sevin@fjkdance.com. Each Works in Progress evening will include a performance, followed by a Q&A and cocktail reception. Doors open at 7pm; performance at 7:30pm.

Since 2014, Fadi Khoury's FJK DANCE has used "fusion choreography" to blend a distinctive mix of styles including Argentine tango, Middle Eastern movement, classical ballet and ballroom dance. FJK Dance programs are seen as an opportunity to communicate peace, diversity, tolerance and harmony, in support of cross-cultural dialogue. Previous FJK Dance performances include New York Live Arts, Jacob's Pillow, Battery Dance Festival and Dumbo (NY), as well as international performances in China, Lebanon and Turkey. VIEW COMPANY DOCUMENTARY.

UnTold is a project conceived in two parts: the audience will walk through sculptures and paintings inspired by the pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, and then enter into the performance space to attend an all-new FJK DANCE fusion dance choreographic work. The shape and movement of Arabic calligraphy serves to inspire the dancers' movement. Arabic written words will dance, and dancers will interact with them. Egyptian percussionist and composer Hossam Ramzy provides the music for UnTold with his singular mix of Middle Eastern melodies and American Jazz. He hopes that his unique arrangements will lead Western audiences to a better understanding and appreciation of Middle Eastern music.