Carolyn Dorfman Dance Unveils Collaborative World Premiere at NJPAC Performance and Gala Benefit

Carolyn Dorfman Dance, whose bold and dramatic works connect life and movement, hosts its annual performance and gala benefit at New Jersey's premiere performing arts center (NJPAC), Friday, April 8, 2016, at 8:00 p.m. Ten of Dorfman's stunning dancers will present the world premiere of Traces-her newest work in collaboration with her stellar artistic team from her award winning, Interior Designs. Her riveting and explosive Echad and the sensuous duet Keystone will also be performed during this celebratory evening. The Jerry Vezza Quartet will entertain during the pre-show reception, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and at the dessert reception following the performance. Traces will have its New York premiere the following weekend on April 16th, 8:00 p.m., at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), Long Island City, Queens.

During the gala, two annual awards will be given: the Encore Award will be given to Charles Robertson, Art Director at Doyle Partners, the graphic designer responsible for the 2015 brand identity refresh for the company as well as the designer of the our gala invitation for six years straight; and the Keystone Award will be given to Russell Aubrey, a former Carolyn Dorfman dancer (1989-1991), long time and current costume designer and an esteemed board member since 2014.

Dorfman's newest work, Traces, is a full company work that captures the richness and depth of the multi-ethnic artists of Carolyn Dorfman Dance. The work explores the forces that create and change us--divide and connect us. At its core, it is a work about memory, history, and now. From our creation to migration, from our awe of the universe to our attempt to control it and each other, Dorfman continues her exploration of the dynamic and shifting equilibrium that is essential to our survival, individually and collectively.

Wallace Stegner once said, "There is a sense in which we are all each other's consequences." "This quote encapsulates the inspiration behind Traces," shares artistic

director Carolyn Dorfman. "Every single person and culture matters and has an impact on the world. No gesture is too large or small, local or global, you change the world and those in it. To be human and alive is both a great privilege and responsibility."

Utilizing the talents of the same musical collaborators as Interior Designs (2013), Dorfman commissioned a new score by award-winning composer Svjetlana Bukvich. Blending electronic and live music, Bukvich on Minimoog is joined by electric-violinist Susan Aquila, harpist Jacqueline Kerrod, and percussionist David Rozenblatt in performance.

Traces is presented as part of the Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance and made possible by a generous grant from The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and in part, with support from The O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation and New Music USA, made possible by annual program support and endowment gifts from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

General admission tickets are $45 to the Victoria Theatre performance at NJPAC, http://bit.ly/20RFWMM. Individual Gala tickets start at $200 and includes light dinner and cocktails at 6:00 p.m., an 8:00 p.m. performance, followed by a dessert reception with the artists. Gala tickets can be purchased online at http://cddc.ejoinme.org/gala2016.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theater is located at 1 Center Street in Newark, New Jersey. The theater is accessible by NJ Transit Newark Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast or Raritan Valley line trains, AMTRAK Northeast Regional trains or PATH trains to Newark Penn Station.

REPERTORY DETAILS

Traces (2016) - World Premiere
Choreography: Carolyn Dorfman
Composer: Svjetlana Bukvich
Video Projection/Design/Interactive Technology: Kate Freer (IMA) and Dave Tennent (IMA) Lighting: Marika Kent

Costume: Anna-Alisa Belous Set: Ben Hobbs
Length: 30 minutes

Episodic in nature, Traces explores the forces that create and change us across time, distance and circumstance. Through the juxtaposition of image and narrative, this full ensemble work follows the evolution of common origin and human development.

Echad (2002)
Choreography: Carolyn Dorfman
Music Composed, Arranged & Adapted: Greg Wall

Set Design: Carolyn Dorfman and Acadia Scenic
Original Lighting by John Evans, Recreated by Marika Kent Costumes: Russell Aubrey
Lighting: John Evans

Echad, the Hebrew word for "One", refers to the power of one community; the uniqueness or oneness of each individual and the delicate balance between the two, that is the essence of our humanity. At the center of the work is The Wheel. Both abstract and metaphorical it signifies the circle of life and community. It can embrace, imprison, give birth, cause death, create conflict or support, separate or join, burden or free, thus creating a shifting, changing image of human/community equilibrium.

Keystone (2012)
Choreography: Carolyn Dorfman
Music: Rufus Wainwright, Louis Armstrong, and Jamie Randolph Costumes: Anna-Alisa Belous

Set to classic songs by Rufus Wainwright, Louis Armstrong, and Jamie Randolph, Keystone is a duet that explores the endurance of relationships and the concept of staying power in a world that continues to embrace fast digital communication that is not aligned with the human pulse or true intimacy.

Carolyn Dorfman Dance connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic works by founder and artistic director Carolyn Dorfman and nationally renowned choreographers. The company's ten multi-ethnic and stunning dancers tap their unique talents to present high-energy and technically demanding dance that unleashes the powerful storytelling and imagery of its visionary creator. This distinctive combination takes audiences on intellectual and emotional journeys that ultimately illuminate and celebrate the human experience. This is contemporary dance that moves you to think, feel, laugh, cry and engage. The highly acclaimed ensemble is known for emotional resonance and artistic excellence both in performance and in its interactions with audiences, students, and the community. Sharing art and process is the hallmark of this company. For over 30 years, Carolyn Dorfman Dance has appeared at major theaters, dance festivals, universities, schools, museums and galleries regionally, nationally and internationally.