City Parks Foundation's SummerStage July and August Dance Performances

The City Parks Foundation SummerStage Concert Series presents over 100 shows in all 5 NYC Boroughs throughout the Summer. The best part? Almost every show is free and curated specifically for the neighborhood it's presented in. We are committed to presenting Dance in communities, and to making this art form accessible to all through performances, workshops and panels across the city. Over the next few weeks, can't miss dance events from companies like Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Bombazo Dance Co, Kyle Abraham's Abraham.In.Motion, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company and more will be hitting stages across the city. Additionally, a few special workshops will be offered in conjunction with these performances.

LINES Ballet Master Class - In Partnership with Ailey Extension

The Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Master Class will be taught by Ballet Master and former company dancer Meredith Webster. It will explore the inexhaustible potential of classical technique that is grounded in tradition while driving towards the future.

Students begin with traditional ballet barre work imbued with the expressive imagery and artistic philosophies that undergird LINES choreography. The warm-up is followed by work in the center that focuses on the repetition and investigation of a movement phrase from LINES repertoire. Ms. Webster encourages the students to continuously clarify their energy and intention, as well as to take ownership of the material by excavating and exploring their personal point of view.

Studio 5D
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced

Meredith Webster grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, studying dance under Jean Wolfmeyer, and received further training at the Harid Conservatory and Pacific Northwest Ballet School. She then worked with Sonia Dawkins and Donald Byrd in Seattle, and earned a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Washington before moving to San Francisco to work with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. In her nine seasons as a dancer with the company, Webster performed and originated many central roles, received a Princess Grace Award, and guested at gala events around the world. In August 2014, she moved into the role of Ballet Master. In 2015 she performed INCOGNITO, a duet with Ledoh/Salt Farm as part of the SF International Arts Festival at Fort Mason, and worked with Maureen Whiting Company on Burden of Joy. In 2017 she performed in and co-created Empress Archer, an evening-length duet with Ariel Freedman, produced by The Cambrians of Chicago. Webster has served as a faculty member for the LINES Ballet BFA, Training, and Summer Programs, and as a guest teacher at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, George Mason University, Cornish College of the Arts, Spectrum Dance Theater, and Dancers' Workshop in Jackson, WY. She has contributed as writer to Dance Spirit and Conversations.

Who: LINES Ballet Master Class - In Partnership with Ailey Extension

When: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Where: The Alvin Ailey Studios - 405 W 55th St, 10019

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/lines-ballet-master-class/?date=20180724

Note: $30 Registration Fee

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Returning to SummerStage for the first time since 2003, Alonzo King LINES Ballet is an internationally celebrated contemporary ballet company that has been guided since 1982 by the unique artistic vision of Alonzo King. His visionary choreography, brought to life by the extraordinary LINES Ballet dancers, is renowned for connecting audiences to a profound sense of shared humanity. Celebrating their 35th anniversary season, the Company, based in San Francisco, will perform "Sand" with music by jazz artists Jason Moran and Charles Lloyd, and "Biophony", a collaboration with natural soundscape artist Bernie Krause and composer Richard Blackford.

Who: Alonzo King LINES Ballet

When: Wednesday, July 25th from 8-10PM, Free

Where: SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/alonzo-king-lines-ballet/?date=20180725

Bombazo Dance Co/ The Sabrosura Effect

The popular Bronx-based drum and dance troupe, Bombazo Dance Co., showcases traditional Afro Puerto Rican Bomba, Afro Caribbean and traditional folkloric elements. Led by the Puerto-Rican born and raised, Milteri Tucker, the Company regularly performs at local venues such as Hostos College, Lehman Center, the Pregones Theater and others. They will be joined by The Sabrosura Effect, a Latin fusion dance company that combines Cuban folkloric with NY Style Salsa on 2, and Contemporary movement.

Also featuring Alvin Ailey's Revelations Celebration Community Workshop at 7pm.

Who: Bombazo Dance Co / The Sabrosura Effect

When: Friday, July 27th from 7-9PM, Free

Where: SummerStage in Saint Mary's Park, Bronx

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/bombazo-dance-co-the-sabrosura-effect/?date=20180727

Kyle Abraham's A.I.M Special Youth Matinee

Abraham.In.Motion (A.I.M) A.I.M, led by the acclaimed contemporary choreographer, Kyle Abraham, will present a special matinee program as part of our SummerStage Studio series. The program is designed to engage young people in the arts, to hopefully inspire them to continue attending live performances and potentially follow their individual creative passions.

Who: Kyle Abraham's A.I.M Special Youth Matinee

When: Tuesday, July 31, 2018 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Where: SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan, Free

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/special-kids-matinee/?date=20180731

Kyle Abraham's A.I.M / Movement of The People Dance Company

Abraham.In.Motion (A.I.M) is a modern dance company whose mission is to create an evocative interdisciplinary body of work through a sensual and provocative vocabulary with a strong emphasis on sound, human behavior and all things visual. Born into hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and grounded in founder Kyle Abraham's artistic upbringing in classical cello, piano, and the visual arts, the goal of the movement is to delve into identity in relation to a personal history. The company will perform a selection of pieces including Strict Love, The Quiet Dance and Drive. Founded in 2005 by Bessie Award winning choreographer, Joya Powell, Movement of the People Dance Company is dedicated to addressing historic and present socio-cultural injustices through dance. Primarily a dance-theater company, their choreography combines dynamic Contemporary Dance with traditional dances, and develops a sensitive balance of pedestrian gestural phrases with grounded visceral movements that use breath and musicality at its core. The company is comprised of dancers from diverse multicultural backgrounds and international experiences.

Featuring a pre-show panel: Pre Show Panel: "A Conversation with Kyle Abraham" hosted by dance critic Eva Yaa Asantewaa. Entry to the pre-show panel requires RSVP. For more information on the panel, please click here.

Who: A.I.M / Movement of The People Dance Company

When: Wednesday, August 1st from 8-10PM

Where: SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan, Free

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/movement-of-the-people-dance-company/?date=20180801

Peridance Contemporary Dance Company

Peridance Contemporary Dance Company (PCDC) has been a powerhouse of energetic and evocative dance since its inception in 1983. The Company, making its SummerStage debut, is known for Artistic Director Igal Perry's timelessly elegant and brilliantly musical choreography, and has an illustrious performance history at venues including the Joyce Theater, the Rose Theater at Lincoln Center, and internationally in Italy, Israel, South Korea and Bulgaria. PCDC, housed within Peridance Capezio Center in New York's Union Square, is comprised of classically trained dancers from across the globe. The performance will include showings of "Face to Face" with choreography by Norbert De La Cruz III, and Igal Perry's, "Gran Partita," which recently premiered in March of 2018.

Also featuring Alvin Ailey's Revelations Celebration Community Workshop at 7pm.

Who: Peridance Contemporary Dance Company

When: Friday, August 10th from 7-9PM, Free

Where: SummerStage in East River Park, Manhattan

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/peridance-contemporary-dance-company/?date=20180810

Jeremy McQueen's Black Iris Project

Choreographer Jeremy McQueen's ballet collective, The Black Iris Project, has been using movement to celebrate black artists since 2016. At SummerStage, the performance will include "MADIBA", a ballet inspired by the life of the late Nelson Mandela, whose 100th birthday is being commemorated this year. The work, which was selected by the celebrated ballerina, Misty Copeland, and previously performed at the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2017, will be followed by the world premiere of "A Mother's Rite," featuring Alvin Ailey dancer Courtney Spears. The ballet, set to a four hand piano version of "The Rite of Spring" written and arranged by Igor Stravinsky, was co-commissioned through The Bronx Museum of the Arts' Dance and Visual Arts Collaborative Commissioning Program.

Also featuring Alvin Ailey's Revelations Celebration Community Workshop at 7pm.

Who: The Black Iris Project

When: Thursday, August 16th from 7-9PM, Free

Where: SummerStage in Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/jeremy-mcqueens-black-iris-project/?date=20180816

Gaga / People Dance Workshop

Gaga, the movement technique developed by renowned choreographer and Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, Ohad Naharin, is a new way of gaining knowledge and self-awareness through your body. Gaga provides a framework for discovering and strengthening your body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination. Gaga raises awareness of physical weaknesses, awakens numb areas, exposes physical fixations, and offers ways for their elimination. The work improves instinctive movement and connects conscious and unconscious movement, and it allows for an experience of freedom and pleasure in a simple way, in a pleasant space, in comfortable clothes, accompanied by music, each person with himself and others. Gaga/people classes are open to individuals ages 16+, regardless of their background in dance or movement. No previous dance experience is needed. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to dance barefoot or in socks. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water and a towel for use after class.

Limited space available. RSVP Required: RSVP@CityParksFoundation.org

Following the workshop there will be a performance by Brooklyn-based contemporary dance company, GALLIM, and a screening of "Mr. Gaga," the documentary filmed to celebrate the career of choreographer Ohad Naharin. No RSVP required for the performance or screening. For additional information, click here.

Who: Ohad Naharin

When: Wednesday, August 22nd from 6-7PM

Where: SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan, Free

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/gaga-people-dance-workshop/?date=20180822

"Mr. Gaga" with GALLIM

Ohad Naharin, artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company, is regarded as one of the most important choreographers in the world. Following him during a critical turning point in his personal life, this spirited and insightful documentary, "Mr. Gaga," will introduce you to a man with great artistic integrity and extraordinary vision. Filmed over a period of eight years, director Tomer Heymann mixes intimate rehearsals with unseen footage and breathtaking dance sequences. The evening will begin with a performance by the electrifyingly uncompromising, Brooklyn-based contemporary company, GALLIM. Making their SummerStage debut, the company, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is led by former Batsheva Ensemble member, Andrea Miller, who was recently named the 2017/2018 Artist in Residence at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the first choreographer to ever hold that distinction.

Who: Ohad Naharin and GALLIM

When: Wednesday, August 22nd from 8-10PM

Where: SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan, Free

More Info: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/mr-gaga-with-gallim/?date=20180822

For the most up-to-date scheduling and lineup for all SummerStage programming, follow SummerStage via the social media handles below and visit www.SummerStage.org for all festival information.

The 2018 SummerStage festival is presented by Capital One. Lagunitas Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Austin Eastciders, Subaru, Barefoot Wine,Hint Water, Monster Energy, KIND Snacks, Boxed Water, Essentia, United, Disney, Grady's Cold Brew, Luna Park and Whole Foods Market, are all official SummerStage sponsors. Generous private support is provided by The Thompson Foundation, The Jaharis Family Foundation, iStar, the Howard Gilman Foundation, The Shubert Organization, the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, and the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation. Additional support is generously provided by our dedicated festival audience and SummerStage Members.

This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson. Only in Queens Summer Concert is presented by Borough President Melinda Katz with NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer and NYC Parks.

Premier Radio Sponsor: iHeart Radio featuring Lite FM, Power 105.1, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, and Z100. Media partners include: Big Screen Plaza, Brooklyn Magazine, doNYC, Relix, Time Out New York, WBGO, WFUV, WNET, WNYC, Telemundo, NBC and Zoom Media & Marketing.

In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.

Instagram: @SummerStage

Facebook: SummerStage NYC

Snapchat: summerstagenyc

Official Hashtag: #SummerStage

About City Parks Foundation

At City Parks Foundation, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives - located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers and public schools across New York City - reach 425,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

About SummerStage

SummerStage is presented by City Parks Foundation and is New York's largest free outdoor performing arts festival. SummerStage annually presents more than 100 performances in 18 parks throughout the five boroughs. With performances ranging from American pop, Latin, world music, dance and theater, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City's summer arts festival landscape. Since its inception 33 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage. SummerStage is presented by Capital One.

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