The Joyce Theater Announces 2017 Spring & Summer Season

Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater, announced today the organization's programming for its 2017 spring/summer season, kicking off with the sensational ballet star Wendy Whelan and in-demand contemporary dance choreographer Brian Brooks' second collaboration, Some of a Thousand Words, set to live music performed by the extraordinary string quartet, Brooklyn Rider.

Other highlights include the return of international troupes like Australia's Sydney Dance Company and France's Compagnie CNDC Angers-Robert Swinston from France. The Joyce will also host the debuts of several companies from abroad including Scottish Ballet, bringing three premieres, and two stellar companies from Germany:Hamburg Ballet will perform the New York premiere of John Neumeier's Old Friends; andGauthier Dance will present the New York premiere of its acclaimed NIJINKSI, a full-length ballet about the life of the famed Russian choreographer and dancer.

This season will also feature U.S.-based audience favorites like Stephen Petronio Company,MOMIX, Parsons Dance, RIOULT Dance NY, and Limón Dance Company. L.A. Dance Projectreturns after a wildly successful engagement last year. And, the season will take its bow with The Joyce's popular BALLET FESTIVAL, returning with five eclectic choreographers featuring styles ranging from neo-classical to contemporary.

Joyce Theater memberships on sale now; general tickets on sale December 1.

The following is a complete roster of companies who will be appearing at The Joyce Theater this spring and summer.

Wendy Whelan / Brian Brooks / BROOKLYN RIDER in

SOME OF A THOUSAND WORDS

A Joyce Theater Production

February 28-March 5

Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm

Curtain Chat: Wednesday, March 1

Tickets: $10-$75 (Joyce Members $38; $56)

In 2013, former New York City Ballet superstar Wendy Whelan entered the world of contemporary dance when she and four choreographic collaborators performed in Restless Creature, a Joyce co-production. A program highlight was First Fall, a duet in which she partnered with choreographer and dancer Brian Brooks. Described as "luminous" and a "tour de force" (Boston Globe) and "instantly intimate" (Chicago Tribune), First Fall was a testimony to the personal friendship and effervescent artistic chemistry which emerged from these two collaborators. This season, Whelan and Brooks return to The Joyce to perform all of the works in their second collaboration, Some of a ThousandWords, a program that includes First Fall and features live music by the sensational string quartet, Brooklyn Rider, performing works by Philip Glass, John Luther Adams, Tyondai Braxton, Jacob Cooper, and a new composition from Brooklyn Rider's own Colin Jacobsen. Underwriting support for The Joyce's presentation of "Some of a Thousand Words" provided by Virginia and Timothy Millhiser. Special support provided by First Republic Bank. Commissioning support has been provided by The Joyce Theater's Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work.

SYDNEY Dance Company

March 7-12

Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm

Curtain Chat: Wednesday, March 8

Tickets: $10-$50 (Joyce Members $26; $38)

An audience favorite since it first appeared on the Joyce stage in 1997, Sydney Dance Company returns with a powerful triple bill from three choreographers who push at the possibilities of movement with remarkable results. Rafael Bonachela, the Company's artistic director, stages his fervently charged Frame of Mind, featuring the Company's award winning ensemble performing Bonachela's signature high octane choreography.

Also on the program is Jocopo Godani 's Raw Models, a sexy, sinuous piece commissioned by the Company in 2011; and Gabrielle Nankivell'sWildebeest, a high-energy animalistic work, showcasing the dancers' physicality and power as individuals and strength en masse - their wildebeests within. Underwriting support for The Joyce's presentation of Sydney Dance Company provided by Kerry Clayton and Paige Royer. Additional support provided by the Australian Consulate-General, New York. Support for The Joyce's presentation of international dance provided by the R. Britton Fisher and Family Gift for International Dance.