Parsons Dance Company to Perform at Eccles Center, 12/20

PARK CITY, UT - "One of the hottest tickets in contemporary American dance" (The Toronto Star), Parsons Dance Company soars onto Park City's Eccles Center stage for an encore performance on Dec. 20. Stunning athleticism meets joyous movement in a mixed repertory performance featuring new pieces as well as beloved creations by the world-renowned choreographer, David Parsons. Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 435-655-3114 or online at EcclesCenter.org.

Four sizzling pieces are on tap for the evening: New Orleans inspired "Whirlaway," set to the music of legendary jazz trumpeter Allen Toussaint; Trey McIntyre's duet "Hymn;" the new work of former Parsons dancer and Generation NOW Fellow Natalie Lomonte; and two classic works by David Parsons, his signature piece "Caught" (featuring a soloist leaping more than 100 times as strobe lights create the illusion of flight) and "Bachiana," a humorous look at the formality and grandeur of baroque tradition set to Bach.

Since 1985, this contemporary company of eight virtuosic and gorgeous dancers has brought precision and exuberance to stages around the globe. Founder and artistic director, David Parsons, who has been called "one of modern dance's great living dance-makers" (New York Magazine) and "one of the great movers of modern dance" (The New York Times), is a prolific choreographer with a vision of building audiences for contemporary dance. Maintaining a repertoire of more than 70 works (20 of which have commissioned scores), the company stays true to its mission "to deliver positive, affirming and life-enriching experiences to audiences world-wide... to create and perform dance works of extraordinary artistry that engage and motivate diverse audiences."

Parsons Dance Company has the gift of delivering tremendous joy with each performance. One Washington Post reviewer admitted to a "twinge of guilt that comes from finding Parsons so much fun." And critics repeatedly tout the dancers for their energy, sexiness, exquisite technique and daredevil flair. The company's feel-good style is accompanied by artistry and depth. As The Toronto Star puts it, "Parsons provides choreography that's consistently intelligent, witty, well-crafted, and humane."

Formerly a lead dancer with The Paul Taylor Dance Company, Mr. Parsons has received the Dance Magazine Award, the prestigious American Choreography Award and commissions from companies such as New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

"We are honored to have Mr. Parsons and his gorgeous troupe in Park City for this inspired and inspiring performance. Perhaps even more exciting is the fact that he will be here to participate in our student outreach program - along with several of the dancers," says PCI executive director Teri Orr. Details on student outreach and master classes will be available in coming weeks.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

Park City Institute presents Parsons Dance Company on Saturday, December 20. This mixed repertory performance takes place at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City). Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $69* (20-percent discount for seniors, ½ price tickets for children ages 16 and under; $5 seats are available in the Copper Section for Summit County students (K-12).

Tickets and information are available at The Eccles Center box office, 435-655-3114 or www.ecclescenter.org.