Dance

Is being seen enough? is The Dance Company of Middlebury’s culminating performance of Spring ’21. This work weaves together stories of resilience as we are arriving to, excavate, and celebrate embodiment and collectivity, marking this unique and challenging moment in human history. This original evening-length work is performed by: Akwasi Agyeman, Lí Buzzard, John Cambefort, Bobbi Finkelstein, Rena Gao, Sam Kann, Hannah Laga Abram, KevinPark, Graham Shelor, Kaila Thomas, Liv Weisel, and Chloe Zinn.

The Dance Company of Middlebury (DCM) invites you to their first performance of spring ‘21. “What holds you? on loop” is an original installation submerging the audience and performers in layers of movement, text, projection, sound, and costume. Blending set material and improvisation, DCM will create a unique piece for each of four time slots at 7:30, 7:50, 8:10, and 8:30 pm. The work is performed by: Akwasi Agyeman, Lí Buzzard, John Cambefort, Bobbi Finkelstein, Rena Gao, Sam Kann, Hannah Laga Abram, Kevin Park, Graham Shelor, Kaila Thomas, Liv Weisel, and Chloe Zinn.

The Dance Company of Middlebury presents work developed collaboratively in coursework over January and spring, investigating the impact of differing sites on watching and participating in a collective creative experience. Free, limited audience capacity, will be available to livestream.

Goodman offers a master class in Latin dance styles, followed by a dance party! Samantha Blake Goodman is an interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles experimenting with the mediums of dance, moving image, and sound. Her unique movement approach, Attuned Movement, investigates the intersections of post-modern release based body mechanics with ideas of embodiment and uses of the spine explored in traditional Afro-Brazilian/Caribbean dance. Free, open to all experience levels. A virtual event sponsored by the Dance Program.

Upchurch’s movement is informed by African diaspora and often combines with spoken word to engage, entertain, and empower audiences. Free, open to all experience levels.
Please pre-register to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/F6k1KnRoL4xLouN58

In a discussion format, The Illustrious Blacks share elements of their process for constructing performance during the year of quarantine. With focus on the foundation (video, sound, costuming, set exploration in the 90’s) of their tool box for virtual performance they offer ways to exercise the muscle for creating virtual performance. Free, open to all experience levels. A virtual event sponsored by the Dance Program. Please pre-register to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/NtmUaggRPApBM1xs8

Sydnie Mosely and company share their experiences and methodologies in dismantling racism and sexism. Middlebury alumna Jessica Lee ‘13 will join additional company members in sharing their reflections. Free, open to all experience levels. A virtual event sponsored by the Dance Program and the Engaged Listening Project. Please pre-register on the Dance Program website to receive the Zoom link.

Since we can’t get together for a pizza party. There will be introductions from the faculty, an overview of the semester in the Dance Program, and a dance party. Contact dance@middlebury.edu for the zoom link.

Same but Different is a collaborative duet between Middlebury dance faculty Christal Brown and Lida Winfield, exploring their similarities and differences in a cultural commentary on race, age, and gender. 42 years young and recently orphaned, Lida grew up in the North, Christal grew up in the South, both of them grew up inhabiting small towns. Lida is white, Christal is black. As children, Christal was considered a genius and Lida was labeled dumb.

Artists all over the world are reimagining performance due to the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. In this context, we present a live stream event showcasing students’ unique movement practice. Students will perform original dances live or via pre-recorded video from the Dance Theatre. Limited seating in the MAC Plaza tent is available to view the stream, hot drinks will be served; click the button below to reserve a space. The livestream is free an open to everyone; visit the dance program website for link>>