CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER'S 33rd GUEST ARTIST SERIES 2006

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE
September 23 & 24, 2005

"The ritual and journey of dance" Brooklyn born Ron Brown formed Evidence in 1985, since then it has performed nationally and internationally. The company performed in Cincinnati in our 01-02 season and we're delighted to welcome this energetic yet serious company back. The company delivers an exciting mix of African dance fused with modern while it tells stories about race, class, gender, and culture. Brown has set choreography for numerous companies other than his own including; Philadanco, Cleo Parker Robinson and DCDC. This will be a really spectacular opening to our season! Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

photo credit: Basil Childers

Risa Jaroslow & Dancers
November 18 & 19, 2005

Risa will be bringing The Becoming Whole Project to the Cincinnati community. This work investigates sources of resiliency and strength among human beings or in other words, what makes people feel whole. While in Cincinnati Risa and company members will work in the community with individuals and organizations in workshops designed to explore the questions wholeness through movement and storytelling.. This material and some of the participants will be a part of the culminating performance of "Whole Sky". A must see for everyone interested in community. "exquisite, like a drop of air suspended in honey." Says Jennifer Dunning of the NY Times. www.hightidedance.com NPN

photo credit: Anja Hitzenberger

Bridgman/Packer Dance
February 3 & 4, 2006

A co-commission by the NPN, Dance Place and CDT will present "Under the Skin" In this new work, the performerer's bodies and costumes become video projection screens, morphing their identities and revealing multiple layers of consciousness. Evocative transformations unfold with sensuality, visceral partnering, humor, and surprising shifts of perspective. Resounding brass and striking rhythms played live by composer/saxophonist Ken Field. Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer have been collaborating in choreography and performance for the past 27 years, they're old friends to Cincinnati , having set work for CDT repertory company in the past. Don't miss them! www.bridgmanpacker.org NPN

Ben Munisteri Dance Projects
March 17 & 18, 2006

The National Dance Program, The NPN and CDT support this residency by a young New York company, led by Artistic Director Ben Munisteri. The company will present new works "Thunderblood" set to an original score by Evren Celimli and "Not Human", choreographed to a collage of animal sounds.. Ben makes ensemble works that are abstract, musical, formal, virtuosic, and appealing. Deborah Jowitt of the Village Voice says, "Munisteri makes smart, beautifully controlled dances that are wild at the core." www.munisteri.com NEFA NPN

photo credit: Lois Greenfield

Phoenix Dance Theatre
April 21 & 22, 2006

A premiere tour for this company from Leeds, England, don't think of staid English culture, think of English rockers and contemporary athleticism. Now one of Britain's leading contemporary dance companies, artistic director Darshan Singh Bhuller chooses choreographers for this repertory company with an eye to an eclectic mix of innovative work which is communicative. The subject matter of their work is wide-ranging, from popular culture to classical art, and current affairs to entirely abstract concepts. They choose to reflect the experiences of a multicultural society. www.Phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk

photo credit: Chris Nash

To view more images of Phoenix Dance Theatre go to the photo gallery.

Choreographers Without Companies Concert
June 2 & 3, 2006

- Witness the creative visions of area choreographers performed by artists from the region.

This year's concert will include work by six choreographers and a special reprisal of a duet by Cheryl Wallace. This concert is dedicated to the memory of Cheryl and her wonderful spirit and choreographic elegance and wizardry.

The choreographers selected for this year's concert are:

Paige Cunningham, Alfred Dove, Whitney Jacobs, Rebecca Parker and Holly Price,
Susan Moser and Fanchon Shur.

Previous concerts have included works by: Diane Germaine, Jason Hatcher, Rachel James, Judith Mikita, Susan Moser, Carrie Rohman, Fanchon Shur, Cheryl Wallace and Missy Zimmer & Andrew Hubbard. Dancing is extremely strong and the evening is always unique and thoroughly enjoyable. Jim Knippenberg said of the 2005 concert, " full of innovation and closer to the edge of the envelope than we usually get here."