Parsons Dance brings bold athleticism to DWT stage – Oct. 18-19
October 12, 2016
Led by famed choreographer David Parsons, dubbed “one of modern dance’s great living dance-makers” by New York magazine, Parsons Dance continues to pursue its mission to deliver positive, affirming, life enriching experiences to audiences worldwide at Diana Wortham Theatre on Tuesday & Wednesday, October 18 & 19, at 8:00 p.m.
New York City based and internationally renowned for creating and performing contemporary American dance with extraordinary artistry, Parsons Dance maintains an accessible and enriching element that appeals to diverse audiences. Founded in 1985 by artistic director David Parsons and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, Parsons Dance is known for its energized, athletic, ensemble work; the company has collaborated with iconic artists across all disciplines including Billy Taylor, Milton Nascimento, Allen Toussaint, William Ivey Long, Donna Karan, Annie Leibovitz, and Alex Katz.
Having toured more than 383 cities, 22 countries and 5 continents at the most notable theaters and festivals worldwide including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Maison de la Danse, Teatro La Fenice, and Teatro Muncipal do Rio de Janeiro, Parsons Dance retains a repertory of more than 75 works by its artistic director.
In addition to choreography and performance, Parsons Dance engages audiences of all ages through education and outreach programs. The company hosts post-show discussions, open rehearsals, studio showcases, and open company classes, as well as three weeks of summer workshops in dance and choreography for pre-professional dancers and in-school workshops for public school students in New York City. Parsons also launched the GenerationNOW Fellowship, a yearlong mentorship under the company’s tutelage that culminates in a commission that premiers as a part of the Parsons Dance’s season at the Joyce Theater and joins the company’s touring repertory for the following season.
Raised in Kansas City, David Parsons received an MFA from Jacksonville University as the first Howard Gilman Fellow and an honorary Doctorate from the University of Missouri. Parsons has cultivated educational partnerships with Marymount Manhattan College, Broadway Dance Center, and the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.
Pre-Performance Discussions – October 18 & 19
Parsons Dance company members lead pre-performance discussions at 7:00 p.m. in the theatre prior to the 8:00 p.m. performances. Pre-show discussions are free to ticket holders. We regret that patrons may not be admitted to pre-show discussions after 7:10 p.m.
Parsons Dance Master Class
Intermediate level, local dance students are invited to participate in a dance master class led by Parsons Dance company members hosted at the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville. Please call 828-255-5777 for more information.
Matinee Series Performance – October 19
Parsons Dance’s performances are also a part of the Matinee Series for Students and Families, with a performance on Wednesday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. For individual tickets, call the DWT Box Office at 828-257-4530. For Group tickets, complete the Matinee Series order form, available on our website: www.dwtheatre.com.
Parsons Dance’sAsheville performances are presented with support from the Arthur J. Fryar Charitable Fund through the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The performances is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council. Further support is provided by Performance Sponsors William R. & Clarita Burton and Michelle & Eddie Dorf; and by Mainstage Dance Series Sponsors Hedy Fischer & Randy Schull, Susan Holden, Tina & John McGuire, Ronna & Rob Resnick, BMW of Asheville, Diamond Brand Outdoors, Jag Construction, and Mosaic Realty; with additional support provided by Media Sponsors WCQS 88.1 FM and WNC magazine.