PS21 is thrilled to close out its successful 2013 season with internationally acclaimed contemporary American dance company Parsons Dance on Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, at 8 pm. Performances will include “Nascimento Novo,” “Brothers,” “Ebben,” “Caught,” and a preview of the newly commissioned piece to celebrate Ellsworth Kelly’s 90th Birthday, “EK90.” These two special evening performances will take place under the tent at PS21 at 2980 Route 66 in the town of Chatham.
“We always look forward to coming to Chatham, and we are particularly looking forward to sharing our new piece,” said Parsons. The new piece, “EK90,” was commissioned by Jack Shear to celebrate Ellsworth Kelly’s 90th birthday. “Our special friends in Chatham will be able to enjoy a preview performance before the piece tours in the fall and lands at the Joyce theater as the highlight of our 2014 season,” said Parsons.
David Parsons has enjoyed a remarkable career as dance performer, choreographer, teacher, director and producer and is considered one of modern dance’s great living dance-makers. He was a leading dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1978 – 87, and, in 1985, he founded Parsons Dance with lighting designer Howell Binkley. As Artistic Director, Parsons has created more than 80 works for the company, given more than 1,500 performances and participated in many educational and community outreach residency activities.
This is the eighth consecutive season that Parsons Dance will begin its season in PS21’s bucolic Columbia County home. “It is such a wonderful place for us to start the season every year,” said Parsons. “To be able to rehearse and live together in this way for a week is a special thing. And of course, there is nothing like Blue Plate meatloaf!”
Parsons Dance just returned from outdoor theater festivals in Italy. Before that they performed in ten cities in China. “We have had an incredible year, and the company is at its strongest,” said Parsons. “We welcome our new Executive Director, John Krasno, and two new dancers, Geena Pacareu Rynsburger and Omar Roman De Jesus, whose first show with the company will be at PS21. We are thrilled to have them and to drive forward with exciting new energy.”
Admission is $40 general admission, $35 for members and $25 for students. For information or to order tickets, please call 518-392-6121 or visit ps21chatham.org. Tickets will also be available at the door until the show sells out.
In addition to the two evening performances, Parsons Dance will hold a Master class for experienced dancers on Saturday, August 31, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. This workshop will focus on the contemporary style and movement of Parsons Dance and will be taught by a company member. Tickets for the master class cost $20 general admission and $15 for members. For information or to order tickets, please call 518-392-6121 or visit ps21chatham.org.
This program is made possible in part by Hudson River Bank and Trust Company Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
PS21 is a not-for-profit organization located at 2980 Route 66 in Chatham, NY.