Press Release: Joy of Motion Dance Center’s Annual Dance Project Features Choreographic Works from Eight Local Choreographers

November 13, 2012

Joy of Motion Dance Center’s annual Dance Project engages dance artists throughout the DC area, providing a platform to present new works of all styles. This year’s showcase takes place Saturday, December 1, 2012, 8:00 p.m. at The Jack Guidone Theater, 5207 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015. General admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets for children, students and seniors are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Concerts/Events page of joyofmotion.org. This year’s showcase features eight works from local choreographers, as well as special performances from JOMDC’s resident adult hip hop company DCypher Dance and resident adult ballet company The Classical Repertory Dance Theatre. Please see below for more information about each of the featured choreographic works:

1)       “We’re Working On It” choreography by Lauren Carnesi, performed by Lauren Carnesi & Dancers

  • This modern piece deals with two people searching and struggling to figure it out. Before being able to find whatever it is they’re looking for, they have to see if they can depend on each other and work as a team

2)       “And Every Year is Zero” choreography by Hayley Cutler, performed by darlingdance company

  • In this postmodern dance, a couple tries to remember their relationship as it truly was. As small hazy memories melt together, it is more difficult to remember that things weren’t always perfect.

3)       “Paper Dolls” choreography by Beth Elliott, performed by Beth Elliott Dance Group

  • This modern dance playfully explores the subtle individuality seen in paper doll figures cut at the same time. Off-set arabesques call to mind unfolding and complex paper shapes, while strong angles suggest the scraps left behind. Paper Dolls portrays subtle feminine strength, suggests self-reflection, and is a celebration of the beauty of the individual.

4)       “Shielded from Sight” choreography by Rachel Hoopes, performed by American University Dance Company

  • This modern piece began in the Fall 2011 student choreography program, Choreolab, and was performed at the 2012 American College Dance Festival at James Madison University and the 2012 AU Spring Dance Concert, Upside Down, Inside Out.

5)       “Abuelo’s Requiem” choreography by Sara Herrera-Kopetchny, performed by Aras Dance

  • This contemporary piece explores how the loss of a loved one brings a broken family together can help people set aside their differences and mend relationships in the process.

6)       “How Small A Thought…” choreography by Michelle LoBrace, performed by LoBrace DanceWorks

  • This modern piece was inspired from the music (Steve Reich, Proverb). The instruments and the voices either contrast or go hand in hand with the dancing. Throughout the piece, the audience will feel emotionally involved within their spirituality.

7)       Hip hop choreography by LaToya McKay, performed by Fierce Collabo

8)       “Inclination” choreography by Katie Vaught, performed by Katie Vaught and cohorts

  • This contemporary ballet piece is about hidden feelings and the way they can impact us even when we refuse to acknowledge or act on them. It shows how we affect each other sometimes with little more than a glance.

At the end of the concert, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performance. The winner will receive 100 hours of free rehearsal space at Joy of Motion Dance Center, as well as a $100 gift card to Joy of Motion Dance Center.

About Joy of Motion Dance Center

Joy of Motion Dance Center aims to provide the highest quality dance education and performance experiences that reinforce the principle that the art of dance is for everyone. Joy of Motion Dance Center teaches and encourages people of all ages to integrate dance into their lives for better individual and community health and well-being. Since its founding in 1976, JOMDC has earned a reputation for excellence in dance education, diversity and innovation in programming, and community service. JOMDC has been honored with the Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts and the Mayor’s Art Award for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education. For more information, please visit joyofmotion.org