DNA Presents Splice Japan 2/24-26

Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) presents up-and-coming choreographers and DNA Artists in Residence Mana Kawamura and Makiko Tamura in the Winter 2011 Season closer, SPLICE: Japan February 24-26. Sharing the stage at DNA, Kawamura will present Pandora and Tamura will present Order made-6-, distinctive works driven by life experiences both in New York City and their native prefectures of Japan. Kawamura and Tamura traveled to New York on artist visas to study America's diverse dance techniques and styles in 2006 and 2007 respectively, Tamura having come through DNA's International Student Visa Program. A post-performance talkback moderated by Yoko Shioya, Artistic Director of Japan Society, will take place on Thursday, February 24 in DNA's 130-seat theater.

As Artists in Residence, Kawamura and Tamura received time and resources to create their unique experiential work, which is representative of the fusion trend in contemporary dance that melds traditional non-western dance with the theatrical and modern aesthetic. As DNA magnifies its international programs and partnerships it steadily expands its global reach. Honoring the excellence of Japanese artists, SPLICE: Japan was made possible, in part, with support from the Japan Foundation. DNA is recognized as a worldwide educational destination for its International Student Visa Program and cultural exchange projects, and is equally committed to exposing audiences to thoughtful dance theater works that explore and practice global perspectives.

"As we delve deeper into our 27-year history of working with the global community, we are strengthening our international relationships while offering prolific performance opportunities. Our International Student Visa Program continues to thrive and it is becoming clear that DNA is the New York home for global dance artists. In fall 2008, we merged our rich cultural standing with DNA PRESENTS programming, launching the inaugural International Series, an essential complement to our abundant patronage of American dance," says Catherine Peila, Executive Director. "This season, the International Series continues to feature compelling artists from abroad, challenging American audiences both conceptually and visually with stunning works for the stage."

Mana Kawamura will present the world premiere of Pandora, a theater-infused work inspired by the legendary Greek myth. The piece marks Kawamura's first half-evening-length work and is influenced by elements of Tanztheater, as she represents the third generation of German-trained dancers in her family. Speaking of the work Kawamura says, "Pandora is my first investigation of vocal expression as well as the longest piece in my repertoire. The DNA residency afforded me the necessary time and space to delve deeper into my creative process than I could with my previous works. Through this platform, I have examined not only the surface narrative of Pandora's Box, but also the emotions behind the protagonist's fateful curiosity."

Having traveled from Japan to New York to study at DNA as part of the International Visa Program, Makiko Tamura will present the world premiere of Order made-6- on a familiar stage. Conceived from a single duet, awarded first place in The Joyce Theater Foundation's competitive series, The A.W.A.R.D Show! in 2009, the new work incorporates several duets of varying gender and race, as opposed to the award-winning Japanese couple duet. "I hope that this expansion will enable the audience to relate to the work more deeply, associating it with their own personal human experiences," says Tamura. "Order made-6- wouldn't exist without DNA. Not only did they provide numerous opportunities to develop the work in addition to the residency - I initially began creating the piece three years ago as part of DNA's Works in Progress (WIP) program - but also connected me to several unique artists which I have engaged in the piece."

SPLICE: Japan was made possible, in part, with support from the Japan Foundation.

Performances take place Thursday - Saturday, February 24-26 at 8:00pm. Prices range from $12 - $17. DNA is located near all major trains to Chambers Street/City Hall.