Mordance Kicks Off Sixth Season With Works In Progress Showing Today

MorDance, in its mission to create modern, relevant movement that maintains the integrity of classical ballet, embarks on their sixth season of innovative and inspiring ballet-making. This season, Artistic Director Morgan McEwen is choreographing the company's first full length story ballet, a contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet, set to premier this spring.

McEwen will again collaborate with Ben Gallina, enlisting his talents to compose new works and weave them amidst favorite moments from Sergei Prokofiev's iconic score. Furthermore, the company is ecstatic to again be joined by a talented ensemble of musicians, Sound Designer Claire Autran, and Lighting Director Becky Heisler.

When asked about mounting this new project, Ms. McEwen states, "I'm excited to tackle a classic tragedy. I will draw upon Shakespeare's dramatic poetic structure while developing, constructing, and choreographing my original version. I look to breathe new life and depth into this timeless tragedy through powerful choreography that employs the athleticism and prowess of my exceptional group of dancers. The team of artists and production staff I have behind this project are fiercely talented. I know we will produce a bold, compelling, and unparalleled work, while continuing to stay connected to my classical ballet roots and voice."

The season kicks off on September 28 with a Works in Progress showing and reception at Martha Graham Studios where audiences will be invited to peer into the inspirations of the new ballet and engage in a stimulating discussion with Ms. McEwen and her collaborators about the creative process. Other highlights include the 2nd Annual Chip In for MorDance golf fundraiser, October 12 at Pelham Bay Golf Course and a creative residency at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, April 12-18.

Finally, MorDance will continue to expand their outreach programs in schools and with community groups that serve at risk and underserved youth. The work the company has done over the past five years exposing children from all demographics to ballet and dance has been a cornerstone for MorDance. This season the company will be able to bring this contemporary production of a classic tragedy to new light as they serve the youth of the community.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, September 28 at 8:00 p.m., MorDance Works in Progress Showing, Martha Graham Studios

Friday, October 12 at 12:00 p.m., 2nd Annual Chip In for MorDance golf fundraiser, Pelham Bay Golf Course

Friday, April 12 - Sunday, April 28, Kaatsbaan International Dance Center Residency

Saturday, April 27, Kaatsbaan Residency Performance

Spring 2019, MorDance Season VI

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 athleticism as part of its aim to modernize and innovate, while honoring the grace and beauty of classical ballet. MorDance premiered at Manhattan Movement and Arts center on May 3, 2013. The company has been invited to perform at numerous festivals, including Dance at Socrates, Counterpointe Project, and Sounds of the City. In 2014, MorDance helped The Sheen Center open their doors by being the first company to perform in their brand new black box theater. The company was then named the Sheen Center's 2016 resident dance company. MorDance has also been granted residencies at The Silo at Kirkland Farm, Mana Contemporary, CUNY Dance Initiative, and Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. Artistic Director, Morgan McEwen, has been commissioned as a choreographer to create new works on Eglevsky Ballet and Columbia Ballet Collaborative, as well as to choreograph La Traviata for the New York Opera Exchange.