The Sheen Center Presents MORDANCE: OUR SECOND SEASON, 5/17-18

Mordance, in its mission to create modern, relevant movement which maintains the integrity of classical ballet, embarks on its second season with two world premieres by Artistic Director Morgan McEwen. The first ballet company to perform at The Sheen Center, Manhattan's newest arts venue, MORDANCE: OUR SECOND SEASON moves into the Black Box Theater for two nights only this spring, May 17 at 8p.m. and May 18 at 3p.m.

With troupe of seven dancers, the evening seeks to re-visit dance in its purest form, exploring the athleticism that exists in classical ballet but welcomes in an inhibition musicality and speed that blurs the line between classical and contemporary movement. A robust evening length program, Ingress, originally conceived at Dance at Socrates in the summer or 2013 for three women is re-explored for the stage with the addition of three male dancers in its completed version. In conjunction with the rich tones of Ludovico Einudi, Ingress, a literal definition of "to enter into" prods six dancers in a playful romp across the stage, entering in and out of movement with one another. In contrast, an untitled duet danced by McEwen and partner Brian Gephart to various compositions from Max Richter's 24 Postcards in Full Colour is earthy and raw and portrays the dynamic and emotion that two dancers have while moving with and without one another

"In using a diverse collection of movers from different backgrounds, MorDance and this seasons repertory is a hopeful vehicle to cross generational gaps and social divides," remarks McEwen. "With the structure of classical ballet spoken in a contemporary dialect, this season rings true to the mission to invite younger audiences into the ballet community through the use of innovative ideas, music and line."

World premiere Jeux de Temps will round out the program, composed to various percussive pieces from the indigenous music of the Pygmee tribe, Premye Nimewo, Ahmad of Egypt and Steve Reich. An unlikely score for pointe shoes, the juxtaposition of a percussive beat and the softer grace of the classical vocabulary create a world where dance exists in a joyful place. "The game" played by six dancers, masters a fresh and powerful voice, which will feature each dancer in their own skin-celebrating dance for its own sake and celebrating it for its most simple yet intricate nature.

Tickets to MORDANCE: OUR SECOND SEASON are $30 in advance and can be purchased at http://sheencenter.org/event/mordance-our-second-season/. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $35. Performances to take place May 17 at 8p.m. and May 18 at 3p.m. at The Sheen Center, located at 18 Bleecker Street in Manhattan. The venue is accessible by the N or R Train to Prince Street, B,D, F, M to Broadway-Lafayette or the 6 to Bleeker Street.

Morgan McEwen, ballerina turned artistic director, launched MorDance in January of 2013. This young company, with dancers from some of the world's most prestigious companies, has playfully leapt to the edge of the classical ballet world. MorDance explores the use of athleticism in its aim to modernize and innovate while honoring the grace and beauty of classical ballet. McEwen's aesthetic is one that celebrates dance for its own sake, portrayed by an ensemble with varying strengths to bring to life a realm that is robust and uninhibited. MorDance premiered at Manhattan Movement and Arts center on May 3rd, 2013. Ms McEwen was also selected to choreograph on MorDance at Dance at Socrates in August at Socrates Sculptural Park. Most recently Morgan was asked to create a new work for the CounterPointe Project, celebrating female choreographers making work on pointe.