MorDance Returns to New York This Spring with SEASON IV, FROM THE CENTER

MorDance, in its mission to create modern, relevant movement that maintains the integrity of classical ballet, returns to New York's newest performing arts center as its resident ballet company this spring with Season IV, From the Center. The first company to perform on the Sheen Center stage in 2014, MorDance returns April 21-24 to present Propinquity and Apart from the Peripheral, both world premieres, and The Shape of Voice, a continuation of a work commissioned by the Columbia Ballet Collaborative in November 2015.

The ensemble of seven will reconfigure the Bleecker Street space to perform in the round, surrounded by audiences on four sides of the stage. This format will provide each patron with a unique view and experience of Artistic Director Morgan McEwen's works. Rooted in a classical ballet vocabulary but spoken in a contemporary dialect, McEwen's choreography overflows with athleticism and a distinctive musicality, qualities that resonate all the more in this compelling setting.

"As an artist, I am constantly seeking ways to bring the audience into my work," explains Mordance Artistic Director, Morgan McEwen. "This season, I am quite literally doing that by creating pieces that are meant to be viewed from all sides, that radiate from the center and projects in the round. A great deal of effort goes into a project in which the audience sits on every side of the dancer. It calls for a heightened attention to detail because there is no moment when dancers can turn their backs to sneak in an extra breath or work to make a one dimensional shape, as we often do. It is challenging, daunting, and wonderful."

Apart from the Peripheral| World Premiere

Music: Commissioned score by Niko Andreas (The composer, also a classical guitarist, will accompany a string trio for this performance.)

Lighting Design: Benjamin Williams

Set to an original score by Nilko Andreas, Apart from the Peripheral delves into the concept of and misconceptions surrounding erosion, a word that typically refers to breakdown and decline. However, many of the earth's most beautiful geographical landscapes have been caused by erosion, and the process can have a positive effect on humanity, as well. When we are broken down and excess is stripped away, we exist in a genuine and honest state that allows us to relate more naturally to the world around us.

Propinquity| World Premiere

Music: Evening Side by Four Tet

Lighting Design: Benjamin Williams

Created in residency at the Silo at Kirkland Farm, this piece brings American Ballet Theatre dancer Stephanie Williams together with MorDance in an exploration of nearness - not only in physical place, but also in time, order and relation. The work explores how these measures of connection can change the outcome of an event, relationship or experience.

The Shape of Voice| Restaging

Music: Caroline Shaw's Partita for Eight Voices

Lighting Design: Benjamin Williams

Originally commissioned in November 2015 for the Columbia Ballet Collaborative, this work is inspired by music composed solely of voices. This work eminates a raw and earthy texture, connecting with the breath and tone of the score as voices and bodies intertwine.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS AND VENUE INFORMATION

Tickets to Season IV, From the Center, are $25, $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://sheencenter.org/events/dance

The Sheen Center is located at 18 Bleecker Street in Manhattan and is accessible by the N or R Train to Prince Street, B, D, F, and M to Broadway-Lafayette or the 6 to Bleeker Street.

Morgan McEwen, ballerina turned artistic director, launched MorDance in January of 2013. MorDance has been named the 2016 resident dance company of Manhattan's Sheen Center, where they will hold their spring season and series of various workshops and events throughout the year. This young company, with dancers from some of the world's most prestigious companies, has playfully leapt to the edge of the classical ballet world. MorDance explores the use of athleticism in its aim to modernize and innovate while honoring the grace and beauty of classical ballet. MorDance premiered at Manhattan Movement and Arts center on May 3rd, 2013. The company has been invited to perform at numerous festivals, including Dance at Socrates, Counterpointe Project, and Sounds of the City. In 2014, MorDance helped The Sheen Center open their doors by being the first company to perform in their brand new black box theater. The company has also been granted space residencies at The Silo at Kirkland Farm and Mana Contemporary. MorDance aims to broaden the base of support for the art form of ballet, foster a greater appreciation for ballet, and develop future audiences through live performances and programs that service schools, families, individuals, and community groups.