Pro/Motion – week of February 26

 

Dear BDA community,

As we wrap up Black History Month and head into Women’s History Month, I hope you have had some time to reflect on the way these two overlapping demographics have impacted how we move, dance and exist in our circles. Notably in the dance world, both have made incredible strides and continue to be in the forefront of progress.

We at BDA know progress can’t help without support. We want to support YOU in your dance journey. Aside from offering fiscal sponsorship, dancer health days, open call auditions, weekly newsletters, centralized studio rental and class information, calendars of events and grants, we are also here to help get you the dance information you are looking for. Please never hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything else we can do to support you.

Warmly,

Carmen S. Rizzo,
Operations and Membership Associate

 

Congratulations to 2024 Next Steps Grantees!

Collage of 7 grantees photos dancing and headshots

These seven grantees, representing a range of dance and movement arts styles, will each receive multi-layered support from Next Steps, including $6,000 in implementation funds for new work, 250 hours of rehearsal space, and other professional development opportunities. Huge congratulations to Alexander DavisSavannah DunnAlissa FellerKimberleigh HolmanSimon MontalvoAlexandria Nunweiler and Cassie WangClick here to learn more about them and their work.

 

Congratulations to Abilities Dance Boston!

In a New York Times article about Henry Heard, the tap dancer and advocate for people with disabilities, Abilities Dance Boston was mentioned as one of the successors of Heard’s work in the dance community in increasing access to dance and producing work by people with disabilities.

 

BDA Member Events This Week

Poster of Samsara Nritya including event information and photo of two Indian classical dancers in red costumes.

The Dance Complex presents Samsara Nritya: Embracing Dualities through Indian Classical Dance. Samsara Nritya explores dualities through the lens of Indian Classical Dance styles. From delving into philosophical inquiries to navigating the realms of gender and artistic contrasts, this presentation seeks to unravel a myriad of thought-provoking questions. Saturday, March 2, 7-9 PM, at the Dance Complex. Tickets: $20.

 

Workshop poster with information over photo of two dancers pressing into each other's hands.

FREE! – Be a Pro at Saying No, a workshop led by Nikki Li, will explore embodied consent as boundary practices through the lens of Fusion Partner Dance. Participants will learn the basics of connection and consent, build body awareness, and practice setting boundaries through dance and movement. This workshop is great for anyone who is interested in developing an inner sense of consent and practicing giving and receiving no. No prior dance experience required, just willingness to move. Masks are required and will be provided at the door. Monday, March 4, 6:00-7:40 PM, at the Dance Complex.

 

Other events in the community this week:
JIG, a Trinity Irish Dance Company production, is a brand new work that offers a fresh take on TIDC’s internationally renowned, alternative approach to a traditional form. In its premiere season, JIG will redefine what’s possible for Irish music and dance. Centered by a live band, JIG will immerse audiences in an authentic experience that celebrates the power of vibrations, rhythm and movement. Wednesday, February 28, 7:30 PM, at UMass Amherst, Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall151 Presidents Drive, Amherst. Tickets: $10-$55.
It’s the fourth annual Motion State Dance Festival! This dazzling array of performances, dance films and artist/audience interactions presents the latest in contemporary dance. This year the Festival gathers over 25 dance artists—local and national, emerging and established—to share their boundary-pushing creative explorations with a growing Rhode Island dance audience. Wednesday, February 28-Saturday, March 2, at the Wilbury Theatre
Group, 475 Valley St, Providence, RI. Tickets: $20-$30
Saving Grace Dance Ensemble is proud to present “The Leaps and Bounds Choreography Showcase” featuring New England based choreographers/companies Douglas Davis Ballet, Ava Girard, Robyn Goulette, Jane Hannon, MP Dance Projects, North Shore Dance Collaborative, Tess Saoirse Dance Company, Maille Zelko and Seyong Kim from Western Michigan University. Guest companies include NSquared Dance Company and Safe Haven Ballet. Thursday, February 29, 7:00-8:15 PM, at the Rex Theatres, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, NH. Tickets: $30.

A combination of Who Cares? and Ballet Impérial, two works choreographed by George Balanchine brilliantly celebrating the technical virtuosity of academic ballet and the great St. Petersburg tradition, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet comes to the movie theater! Saturday, March 2, 10 AM, at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Tickets: $22-$25.

 

 

 

Photo of Back Pocket Dancers, multigenerational dancers reaching arms in multiple different directions.

Back Pocket Dancers is holding an open audition on Friday, March 1, 10:45 AM-12:00 PM at The Dance Complex, studio 2. The call is for dancers with any style dance background to join the multi-generational company. Rehearsals are Fridays, 10:30AM-12:00 PM at The Dance Complex. Compensation is dependent available funds and divided among members. If you have any questions, email Rozann@Rozann.net

 

Photo of dance group clumped in one corner of the stage exploring different levels.

National Dance Project Production Grants are made to projects led by professional choreographers or companies to support the creation and U.S. touring and/or sharing of a new dance project. Production Grants are awarded to 20 dance projects annually through a competitive two-stage application process. Apply by Friday, March 1.

 

 

Gif with alternating photos representing all art forms that can benefit from the grant.

This year, Creative Capital welcomes innovative and original new project proposals in visual arts, performing arts, film/moving image, technology, literature, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms. Applications open on Monday, March 4, 10 AM. The deadline for submitting is Thursday, April 4, 4 PM.