Steps Beyond Foundation to Welcome More Artists for Performance Lab: CHOREOGRAPHY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES This Saturday

The Steps Beyond Foundation, Steps on Broadway's non-profit arm that connects artists and community through dialogue, performance, and artistic collaboration, announces Choreography in Uncertain Times, the follow-up to last month's panel discussion, Art in Uncertain Times.

Taking place on May 20 at 8:00 p.m., the foundation has curated a program of aspiring choreographers reacting to the current political climate, the precarious position of the arts, and the impacts this has on the dance community both in New York and at large.

Selecting from a large pool of applicants, the Performance Lab offers choreographers and emerging dance makers an opportunity to present completed works, works in progress, or experimental concepts in a highly-curated studio theater setting.

"Because we are a tight knit community that thrives on building each other up, this particular lab is a wonderful opportunity to open up a conversation that impacts and changes all of us," explains Diane Grumet, Artistic Director of the Steps Beyond Foundation. "This lab in particular, allows us to advocate for and nurture the ways in which our peers are responding to the current climate and the palpable threats made to our community. Perhaps with discussion will come a solution."

A diverse panel of industry professionals selected choreographers Angel Kaba, Chris Makens, Kat Nasti, Katharine Pettit, Keli Gunn, Sidra Bell, and Talia Putrino. Additionally, Davis Robertson will be premiering a piece on the dancers of the Steps Conservatory. The evening will include contemporary, hip hop, theater dance and jazz with each choreographer presenting up to an eight minute piece.

A brief Q&A completes the showcase, giving choreographers and audience members the opportunity to gain insight and join the discussion. A light reception follows.

The Arts in Uncertain Times Performance Lab will be held on May 20, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. in the Steps Studio Theater on the third floor. Steps on Broadway is located at 2121 Broadway at 74th Street and is accessible by the 1,2, and 3 trains. All tickets are $15, and on sale at stepsnyc.com/steps-beyond/performances/the-performance-lab/tickets.

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.