Suzanne Saltmarsh and SaltmarshDANCE will present "OBStacleS" at the Martha Graham Studio Theatre on Saturday, April 11th at 8pm and Sunday, April 12th at 3pm. The studio theatre is located on the 11th floor at 55 Bethune Street in the West Village.
In "OBStacleS" Saltmarsh utilizes a combination of dance and visual production to illustrate the obstacles, struggles and doubt falls we experience in life. "This ballet is a study in human endurance," says Saltmarsh, "How we conquer obstacles that all of us share in common." Through this endurance, the ballet demonstrates how we can become more empathetic and compassionate to one another. Through these obstacles and struggles, Saltmarsh explains that they can "enrich us to develop better relationships."
"OBStacleS" is a celebration of 30 years of mentoring from Ethel Winter, a beloved dance teacher to Saltmarsh. Winter performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company in the 1940s and 50s and later mentored and taught many students studying at the Martha Graham School and Julliard. Winter brought zeal and versatility to the stage as a performer and her passion for dance was evident in her many years as a teacher.
Saltmarsh first studied under Winter at Florida State University and later at the Martha Graham School and Julliard, bringing this performance back in full circle to the Martha Graham Studio Theatre. With her, Saltmarsh brings six former students of hers, all graduates of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, FL. Dancers Hilary Bodin, Landes Dixon, Matt Doolin, Ruth Howard Mikaila Koenig, Robert Stevenson IV continue to study and flourish in the dance profession, and will dance along Suzanne Saltmarsh in this authentic and remarkable performance.
Saltmarsh founded SaltmarshDANCE in 1999 as a vehicle to demonstrate her continuous passion for performing, choreographing and teaching. In her choreography she utilizes a collaboration in the arts, music, dance, theater, architecture, visual arts and literature. Saltmarsh has performed with companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company and San Francisco Opera Ballet. As a dance educator and choreographer, she has worked with institutions such as Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville University and the Marin Ballet.
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