Elisa Monte Dance Comes To The Joyce 3/1

The internationally acclaimed Elisa Monte Dance will return to The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue - at the corner of 19th Street) to celebrate their 30th Anniversary Season, presenting another exhilarating season of dance featuring the New York premieres of "For Joy," "Vanishing Languages" and "...the heart..." as well as revival performances of "Light Lies," "Shattered," "Tears Rolling," "White Dragon," & "Treading" on Tuesday, March 1st (7PM) with two programs of performances slated through March 6th.

The special 30th anniversary Opening Night Gala Program (3/1) will include: "Tears Rolling:" featuring SaRita Allen, Francesca Harper and Liz Beres; "White Dragon:" featuring Tiffany Rea-Fisher & Matthew Fisher and the Company ; "Treading:" featuring Elizabeth Roxas and Matthew Rushing; and "Vanishing Languages:" featuring the full Company. The Opening Night will be dedicated to : Denise Jefferson, an internationally known dance educator, longtime director of the Ailey School and had served 25 years on the Elisa Monte Dance Board who passed away this past July.

Celebrating 30 years of rich dance history, Elisa Monte continues to illustrate her intimate connection with many of the century's greatest masters such as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey and Agnes deMille, while maintaining a fresh, vitality to her work that is widely respected for its emotional, sensual style and intricate technique.

Elisa Monte Dance's 30th Anniversary season will feature three New York premieres by Artistic Director Elisa Monte, Associate Artistic Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher and senior company member Joe Celej. With an original commissioned sound-score by acclaimed composer Kevin James, set and costumes designed by Philip Tsiaras and using taped field recordings and archival material, "Vanishing Languages" brings Ms. Monte's attention to the rapid extinction of many indigenous languages throughout the world. The new work will feature actual field recordings of the remaining tribe members speaking their dying languages (including: Quileute from the US Pacific Northwest, Dalabon and Jawoyn from Arnhem Land Australia, and Hokkaido Ainu, an aboriginal language of Japan.) "For Joy" is a collaboration between Ms. Rea-Fisher and NYC based composer Kyle Olsen and explores the realization of oneself regardless of inter personal relationships or external expectations. With choreography by Mr. Celej, "...the heart..." is a look at different moments in time within emotional relationship development.

"Tears Rolling" (1997) is an intricate trio that "represents the varied aspects of one woman's emotional journey, a reflection of her different selves." A Lyrical mood piece is exquisitely painted in all aspects of the work and supported by austere stage and subtle, sepia lighting that draws inspiration from the haunting score by Arvo Part.

"White Dragon" with music by Glenn Branca (1982) was originally commissioned by Jacobs Pillow for the 20th Anniversary Production. "I have always thought of the white dragon as a protector; the positive power within that enables us all to fight the just battle." A precocious dance that requires the dancer to attack with a tremendous speed and focus that eliminates any reason for doubt," stated Ms. Monte.

"Light Lies" (2002), which pays homage to visionary artist Josef Albers, was commissioned by the Josef Albers Foundation and had its world premiere at the renowned Centre Georges Pompidou. Joseph Albers (1888-1976) was a major theorist on the visual effects of color relations. Ms. Monte refers to the work as her interpretation of the "the sensualization and vibration of color". The score is a collaboration between "Bang on the Can" founders, Julia Wolf, Michael Gordon, and David Lang.

Elisa Monte's initial work, "Treading" (1979), was created as part of a choreography initiative to develop new work from artists of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Monte's mesmerizing signature work, with music by Steve Reich, has been hailed as hypnotic. 'Treading' accentuates the artistry and technical virtuosity of this troupe and continues to be performed to critical and audience acclaim.

"Shattered" (2000) captures the spirit and rhythm of Michael Gordon's music. In its premiere at The Joyce Theater in New York City, "Shattered" was described by Dance Insider as "so potent you almost sense the ashy aftertaste of a thunderbolt." The full company forcefully captures the essence and energy of the piece, choreographed by Ms. Monte - an engaging, complex tour-de-force performed with lightning speed and intensity.

The company will feature Ingrid Abeleda, Clymene Baugher, Liz Beres, Joe Celej, Rachel Holmes, Chivas Merchant-Buckman, Chalvar Monteiro and Prentice Whitlow. Lighting will be designed by Clifton Taylor and costumes will be designed by Karen Young.

Supporters of Elisa Monte Dance include The Harkness Foundation for Dance, the Shubert Foundation, and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theatre Fund, Bank of America, New York State Council of the Arts, and National Endowment of the Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs.

The performance schedule at The Joyce Theatre (175 Eighth Avenue - at the corner of 19th Street) will be performed in three programs: Opening Night Gala Program "Tears Rolling," "White Dragon," "Treading," and "Vanishing Languages;" Program A will be performed March 2nd, 5th & 6th (matinee) and include: "Light Lies," "For Joy," "Vanishing Languages," and "Shattered;" Program B will be performed March 3rd, 4th & 6th (evening) and will include: "Tears Rolling," "White Dragon," "Treading," "...the heart...," and "Vanishing Languages." A special Saturday Matinee Family show on March 5th will feature "For Joy," "...the heart...," and "Shattered." The playing schedule is as follows: Tuesday, March 1st at 7PM, Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:30PM; Thursday, March 3rd at 8PM; Friday, March 4th at 8PM; Saturday, March 5th at 2 & 8PM; and Sunday, March 6th at 2 & 7:30PM. Tickets are $49, $35, $19 and $10 and can be purchased by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800, visiting the Joyce box office Mon-Sun, 12 noon-6pm, or online at www.joyce.org