Velocity's Bridge Project Returns in 2016

4 of Seattle's most promising choreographers create 4 new works in the pressure cooker of just 4 weeks at Velocity's Bridge Project - turning Velocity into an intense hive of urgency, excitement and dedication, kicking off Velocity's 20th anniversary year. This year's performance features exciting new work by emerging Seattle artists: ilvs strauss, Stephanie Liapis, Nathan Blackwell, and Ashleigh Miller.

ilvs strauss (Dance Magazine "Top Performances of 2014") brings her critically-acclaimed theatrical wit and imagination to a work investigating text based movement (Dance Narrative) in depth, playing with the layering of TEXT/SUBTEXT/SUPERTEXT. Before arriving in Seattle, Stephanie Liapis danced with major US dance company Doug Varone & Dancers. Through the Bridge Project she creates a new group work in part through improvisational investigation exploring displacement, and a deep desire to create wide-open spaces. Nathan Blackwell brings a queer, inter-media approach to examining the horror of existing in an infinite universe that has no concept of our humanity, and in which we exist as nothing more than molecular constructs orbiting in space. Ashleigh Miller explores the psychological process of despair, descriptions of patients experiencing euphoria and transcendent peace before plunging into a seizure, and kaleidoscopic hallucinations that mimic the self-organizing patterns of neurons.

The Bridge Project Creative Residency showcases Velocity's fierce commitment to supporting new generations of dance artists. Each choreographer receives the creative, financial and administrative support they need to develop their work. They also receive the creative support of a cast of dancers, and the choreographic mentorship of Velocity 2016 Artist-in-Service KT Niehoff, entrepreneurial generative artist, performer, producer, and co-founder of Velocity. In programming The Bridge Project, Velocity aims to enhance the artistic growth of the choreographers, and provide an entry point into the local performance scene for dance artists new to the community.

In 2016, Velocity continues The Bridge Project UW Dance Residency, a partnership of Velocity and the University of Washington Dance Department. This award goes to a graduate of the University of Washington who has been choreographing in Seattle, outside of school, for three years or less. Stephanie Liapis is the 2016 award recipient.

// NEW THIS YEAR! //

Thanks to Café Argento owner Faizel Khan, Velocity is pleased to announce Argento Dance Grants have been awarded to three Seattle dancers participating in The Bridge Project 2016. In keeping with Velocity and Argento's commitment to helping make Seattle a viable place for dancers to develop sustainable and prosperous careers, awards aim to support local dancers who demonstrate financial need. This year's grant recipients are Liz Houlton, Britt Gaudette, and Philippa Myler.

Argento Dance Grants include cash grants, one year free MVP membership, providing discounts to Velocity classes, events, and studio rentals, and 6 hours of free studio rehearsal time.

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