Five Artists Forge New Frontiers on DNA's RAW Directions

Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) will present the Winter 2011 installment of its most exploratory series, RAW Directions, February 10-12 in DNA's 130-seat theater. The program grants explorative opportunities to five emerging to mid-career artists with proven choreographic track records, wanting to carve out new avenues for their work. Artistic Advisor Colleen Thomas mentors this season's artists: Shani Nwando Ikerioha Collins Achille, Jordan Fuchs, Elisabeth Motley, Eunhee Lee and Scott Lyons.

A post-performance talkback moderated by Laura Peterson, Artistic Director of Laura Peterson Choreography, will take place on Thursday, February 10.

Established in 2009, DNA's RAW Directions program provides established artists, possessing at least 10 years of choreographic experience, with a peer artistic mentor, two informal showings, a commission and artist fee, a full marketing and production support package, and free plus additional subsidized rehearsal space leading up to three performances of new 15-minute works in DNA's theater.

"RAW Directions was recently developed for the established artists who have decided to take a leap and explore unfamiliar creative terrain. DNA is known for supporting an artist's exploration to deepen their chosen creative path or delve into new territories. DNA has a long history of supporting emerging artists and their exploration of an initial path; it was time to offer support to the established artist who wants to explore new possibilities and even reinvention." says Catherine Peila, Executive Director. "We invited these five artists into our space and they are inviting us into their worlds. It is inspiring to be part of the process for these artists to take risks and explore their gestating ideas. The results are ripe with possibility and that's what is so exciting."

Empathizing with men, women and families spinning along inside the wheel of domestic violence, Shani Nwando Ikerioha Collins Achille/SNIC/Eternal Works will present the world premiere of Swing Us Sky Rain(bow). Ten years ago, Collins was inspired by Ursula Rucker's poem, The Return of Innocence. She collaborates with the poet for this excerpt of the evening-length work-to-be. "DNA has provided a perfect opportunity to craft and premiere the newest section of the work," says Collins. "In this portion, I am exploring the relationships of the abuser/victim and victim/abuser by examining the behaviors illustrated by the cycle of violence wheel. It is emotionally raw, and not only about demonstrating, but also re-living and remembering our experiences."

In Jordan Fuchs' world, or Strange Planet, disorientation and a pervasive undercurrent of aggression are the only constants, as the performers challenge each other to make sense of a landscape that is constantly influx. Currently a work-in-progress, Strange Planet has been in development for two years and is building towards becoming an evening-length work. "For Strange Planet, we have been exploring a performance context in which choreographic decision-making power is dispersed live to the performers; each one person is able to direct the work and each other," says Fuchs. "In this context, the performers are challenged to dismantle the choreography in the same moment as they perform it."

In Oops!, Eunhee Lee takes a look at the universal skill of making mistakes. The duet examines The Common practice of knowingly heading down the wrong path. In speaking of her choreographic process Lee said, "This piece is uniquely relatable in that it is based on the errors all of us make in life. The creative support the RAW Directions program provided was immeasurable, especially Colleen Thomas's mentorship. I was equipped with practical tools and valuable insight, enabling me to explore new ideas and deliver a more effective end result."

Known for creating provocative, witty and engaging dance-theater spectacles, Scott Lyons's new work will guide audiences through a shopping trip of Barnes & Nobles and give a rare front seat to one of America's favorite talk shows - The View. "I was initially inspired by the hit television show, The Real Housewives of New York, and the idea of its cast serving as role models for women throughout the country," says Lyons. "Going one-step further, I have created a platform in which the performers are preparing to take over the talk show The View. I am utilizing a cross pollination of genres and iridescent humor, inviting the audience to soak in the chuckles."

Elisabeth Motley, who recently launched MOTLEY DANCE, returns to Dance New Amsterdam with the company's first world premiere I Just Want to See You Underwater. The work addresses encephalitis, a brain disease Motley experienced, and the occurrence of a three-day-long hallucination wherein she believed herself to be a living watercolor. Surrounded by over 4,000 yards of rippling blue ribbon and accompanied by a complex motion picture, created by photographer Victoria Masters, the performers transition into an otherworldly environment, searching out autobiographical content on stage and reflecting upon distorted memories. "Those who go through any type of recovery tend to find a new found sense of body recognition," says Motley. "My ability to walk, speak, and function properly - it was backward. I discovered innate gestures in my process of relearning and recognized an inherent connectedness between my art and illness. Exploring these emotions, experiences and rare sensations with my company on DNA's stage brings a new meaning to RAW Directions."

Performances take place Thursday - Saturday, February 10-12 at 8:00pM. Prices range from $12 - $17. DNA is located near all major trains to Chambers Street/City Hall.

For more information, press tickets and inquires please contact Amanda Szeglowski or Amber Henrie or visit www.dnadance.org.