Elisa Monte to Depart Dance Company

Elisa Monte Dance, an emotionally charged and highly acclaimed dance company that champions individuality, announces its pivotal 35th season-marking the official departure of Elisa Monte as director from the company she began in 1981.

Centered around a celebratory New York Season at the renovated and rejuvenated Aaron Davis Hall, the 2016 celebration will feature three unique programs, drawing upon critically-acclaimed repertory from both Monte and rising Artistic Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher, plus two premieres, a retrospective of Monte's classics, culminating in a reunion performance featuring audience-favorite alumni from the company's 35-year history (March 2-March 5).

Fall highlights include a residency and performances at Dickinson University (November 7-11) and the board of directors' fall showcase on November 19 will offer pop-up performances, wine tasting, raffle prizes and a tribute to Elisa Monte. Winter introduces new partners and ideas with first-ever collaboration with the New York Youth Symphony as well as site-specific works around New York City. Spring engagements include a residency and performances at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts (March 14-20), residency at East Carolina University (March 28-April 1), and a Louisiana Tech University performance (April 14). Summer provides opportunities to see Rea-Fisher and Monte's work individually, with the former presenting an evening of her choreography at Triskelion Arts in Brooklyn (May 26-27) and the latter in a joint program at New York Live Arts (June 14-18), before Mrs. Rea-Fisher assumes the role of Artistic Director at the completion of this monumental 35th season, leading the company forward into the next decade.

"As the company reaches 35 years as a foremost American modern dance company, it is a time for a great celebration," explains Tiffany Rea-Fisher, current Associate Artistic Director. "Where many peers in the field from the earliest days no longer have viable companies, Elisa Monte has continued against many odds to maintain a company that performs worldwide each year to great acclaim as well as training and providing dancers with performance opportunities. The company wants the 35th anniversary home season to bring fans and friends together to experience the company's rich contributions to American modern dance and to view iconic repertory that has not been performed in many years."

Not only will this anniversary season mark a monumental transition for the company it also reaffirms their commitment to bringing dance into the communities where they live and perform. At the New York Season Elisa Monte will add to her collection of more than 50 works with the world premiere of Pangaea, the culmination of a 4-year study of issues that impact the planet and its inhabitants. Tiffany Rea-Fisher will premiere a new group work, Newton's Cradle, which examines the known and unknown consequences of one's actions. Audiences can expect special guest performers and alumni appearances, including Mrs. Rea-Fisher herself, as well as legacy material, and opportunities to engage with the artists through pre- and post-show discussions. The season also integrates a host of outreach initiatives to offer the New York community an opportunity to participate in classes, movement exercises and outreach events to build engagement with contemporary dance. Through these events and more this season will expand audience engagement with City College Center for the Arts at Aaron Davis Hall, a Harlem destination that bridges artists and patrons.

Elisa Monte Dance 35th Season Calendar Highlights:

November 3 - Susquehanna Performance, Selinsgrove, PA

November 6-8 - Reverb Dance Festival, New York, NY

November 19 - Fall Showing, New York, NY

January 6-12 - Dickinson University Residency, Dickinson, ND

January 16-17 - APAP Showcase, New York, NY

February 8-12 - East Carolina University Residency, Greenville, NC

February 26 - Collaboration with fashion designer Paola Hernandez, Brooklyn, NY

March 2-March 5 - 35th Anniversary Performances at Aaron Davis Hall, New York, NY

March 14-8 - Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Lake Placid, NY

April 14 - Louisiana Tech University Performance, Ruston, LA

May 26-27 - Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY

June 14-18 - New York Live Arts performance with Jennifer Muller/The Works, New York NY

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