Edward Villella and More Set for Barnard College Dance Department's 2013-14 Public Talks and Performances

A talk with Edward Villella, renowned worldwide for his dramatic transformation of the male image in ballet, opens Barnard College's series of public dance events. The discussion, moderated by former Twyla Tharp principal and present Barnard Senior Associate of Dance, Katie Glasner, takes place at 7PM on Monday, October 21 at the Diana Event Oval on the Barnard campus.

The talk will mine Villella's extraordinary career, first as a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, where he danced an astonishing range of repertoire, and then as founder of Miami City Ballet, where he was artistic director for 26 years. Among the topics to be discussed are Villella's thoughts on the changing role of ballet in contemporary life. With the explosion of dance in the media, is live performance becoming irrelevant? Moreover, given the rising costs of live-performances, where does he see the future of American ballet? Finally, considering the dramatic changes that have taken place in the world of dance, what role does Villella imagine playing in the future of the art form?

Barnard's other public events this year include the ninth annual "Barnard Project" at New York Live Arts,November 21-23, a series of performances which feature the most gifted Barnard dance students in works by notable contemporary choreographers. Marking Barnard's first collaboration with NYLA's International Artists program, this year's line-up of choreographers includes Boyzie Cekwana, Lance Gries, Annie-B Parson and Donna Uchizono.

The 2014 "Barnard Dances at Miller," which takes place April 25 and 26, once again features dances created by established and emerging choreographers, and performed by Barnard students. The New York premiere of Twyla Tharp's "Treefrog in Stonehenge" is among the dances to be performed. More information to come.

Barnard Project" performances will take place at 7:30PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and 2PM on Saturday. New York Live Arts is located at 219 W. 19th St., between 7th and 8th Avenues. Tickets are priced at $20 and $12 with CUID, and are available at newyorklivearts.org; or by calling 212-924-0077.