The Joyce Theater Announces Their 27th Season

The Joyce Theater will invigorate the New York dance scene this fall with an eclectic and exciting line-up, and will offer a special ticket price of $10 for front row seats. Kicking off on September 15, The Joyce Theater's fall/winter season will feature 16 acclaimed companies and performers from across the country and the globe; everything from buzz-worthy ballet to the latest masterpieces by international pros are set to grace The Joyce stage in the coming months. Tickets can be purchased through JoyceCharge by calling (212) 242-0800 or online at Joyce.org.

This season will feature several companies making their Joyce debuts: the season will kick off with GROOVALOOO the hip hop sensation!-winners of NBC's "Superstars of Dance"-a thrill-ride of a show driven by a vibrant musical score, spoken word poetry and an amazing display of its dancers' physical abilities. For the holidays, Rasta Thomas' Rock the Ballet will make its Joyce debut with an extended three-week season. Fusing the best ballet technique with the excitement of musical theater, hip hop, contemporary jazz and tap, Rock the Ballet is perfect for all audiences. A Chelsea neighbor, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, will have its Joyce debut with its latest commission from Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui featuring an original score by Szymon Brzóska. According to The New York Times, "Mr. Cherkaoui is an exceedingly hot commodity, one whose fluid, sensual works have been almost entirely absent from the U.S. dance circuit." Hailing from the west coast, Pacific Northwest Ballet will make its highly anticipated debut, showcasing the east coast premieres of works recently choreographed for the company by Twyla Tharp (Opus 111) and Benjamin Millepied
(3 Movements). And, not only appearing on the Joyce stage for the first time, but also making its U.S. debut with this engagement, Italy's audacious Balletto Teatro di Torino will perform two acclaimed works: Primo Toccare by choreographer Matteo Levaggi and visual artists Corpicrudi, and Trilogy, a compilation of three pieces set to music by a variety of composers, classical and contemporary.

The NYC premiere of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company's Serenade/The Proposition, one of a suite of works created in honor of the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial, is certain to be a high point of the fall/winter season. Hot off the heels of the company's world premiere of another Lincoln-inspired piece at Chicago's Ravinia Festival in September, and preceding the opening of Jones's highly acclaimed FELA! on Broadway, The Joyce is thrilled to present this work they helped commission. Another NYC-based company, Lucinda Childs, will remount DANCE, a rarely performed signature work that emerged out of one of the most vibrant and prolific periods in NYC's art world.

Richard Alston, praised by The New York Times as "the finest choreographer the British modern-dance scene has ever known," will bring his U.K.-based company to The Joyce with a program of three lyrical works with music by Stravinsky, Philip Glass and Hoagy Carmichael. Other international companies that will perform at The Joyce include: The Györ National Ballet from Hungary, one of Europe's most respected contemporary ballets, showcasing two U.S. premieres as part of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Performing Revolution in Central and Eastern Europe Festival; the Taiwan-based The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble, a special guest company of the China Festival at Carnegie Hall, recreating the traditional Nanguan music and Liyuan dance of the Tang Dynasty; and the renowned Dutch company, Emio Greco | PC with the NYC premiere of [purgatorio] POPOPERA, a melding of dance performance and rock concert with music by Michael Gordon (Bang on a Can).

Audience favorites returning to The Joyce Theater this fall/winter include Garth Fagan Dance, with both a world premiere and NYC premiere, and a guest appearance by the Ying Quartet. NYC-based Ballet Hispanico, known for effectively and thrillingly exploring the essence of Latino culture, will present a program that reflects the dynamic range of the company's repertoire with premieres by Andrea Miller and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Another luminary of the American contemporary dance scene, Complexions Contemporary Ballet,-under the Artistic Direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson-will return with two exciting programs including a world premiere. Others returning include RIOULT, who will connect with audiences on an intimate level with a program that explores relationships, and Parsons Dance, presenting an ALL-NEW version of last season's sold-out, thrilling rock dance opera, Remember Me.

The following is a complete roster of companies that will be appearing at The Joyce Theater this fall/winter.

GROOVALOO
the hip hop sensation!
SEP 15-27
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Sep 16
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Adam Bricault / The Karpel Group (212) 505-2900

Based on the award-winning troupe's true-to-life experiences and told by the dancers who lived them, GROOVALOO combines the authenticity of A Chorus Line with the energy of STOMP as it embarks on a journey through the diverse world of hip-hop dance. Driven by jaw-dropping displays of physical ability, a vibrant musical score and powerful spoken-word poetry, the show's intertwined stories chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 14 member cast. The Groovaloos, best known for their breakout winning performance on NBC's "Superstars of Dance," have inspired audiences from all walks of life to celebrate their passion and purpose, revealing the heart and soul behind this incredible art form.

Emio Greco | PC
SEP 29-OCT 4
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Sep 14
Dance Chat: Wed, Sep 30
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

The internationally renowned Dutch company Emio Greco | PC blends raw musicality with refined physical virtuosity in the thrilling NYC premiere of [purgatorio] POPOPERA. Witness the transformation and synergies between dancers' bodies and lustrous black electric guitars in this performance that melds dance with rock concert. Immerse yourself in the driving live score by Michael Gordon (Bang on A Can).

Contains full nudity

Lucinda Childs' DANCE
OCT 6-11
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Oct 5
Dance Chat: Wed, Oct 7
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

A seminal collaboration emerging out of one of the most vibrant and prolific periods in New York's art world, DANCE is a rarely performed signature work by one of the pillars of the Judson Dance Theater collective, Lucinda Childs. The New York Times has called this iconic choreographer the "grande dame of American dance." Recipient of the NEA/NEFA American Masterpiece Award, the 1979 classic features Philip Glass music and a Sol LeWitt film, projected onto a translucent scrim in front of the stage, with which the dancers seamlessly interact.

Balletto Teatro di Torino
OCT 13-18
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Oct 14
Program A: Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm
Program B: Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Jenny Lerner (212) 486-7229

The Balletto Teatro di Torino makes its exciting U.S. debut at The Joyce with two impressive programs. In Primo Toccare (Program A), a collaborative work by choreographer Matteo Levaggi and visual artists Corpicrudi, dancers perform among stunning art installations, accentuating contrasts between stillness and movement. Trilogy (Program B) is a compilation of three works set to music by Arvo Pärt, Autechre, Mika Vainio and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
OCT 20-25
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Oct 12
Dance Chat: Wed, Oct 21
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Glen Wielgus (212) 620-0519

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet has distinguished itself through both its exceptionally talented corps of sixteen dancers and its concurrent emphasis on acquiring and commissioning new works by the world's most sought-after choreographers. The company's latest commission from Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui features one of Europe's most successful and inventive choreographers and an original score for string quartet and piano by Szymon Brzóska.

Garth Fagan Dance
OCT 27-NOV 1
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Oct 28
Family Matinee: Sat, Oct 31 at 2pm
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Ellen Jacobs (212) 245-5100

Soaring high and poised to celebrate four successful decades, Garth Fagan Dance lands at The Joyce Theater for its 39th season with a world premiere and a NYC premiere with a guest appearance by the Ying Quartet. Program highlights include Landscape for 10, a jewel in Fagan's repertoire set to the Brahms Violin Concerto. See the brilliance and intellect of Fagan's inimitable choreography live and enjoy a transcendent experience!

The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble
NOV 3-8
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Oct 19
Dance Chat: Wed, Nov 4
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

Watch the famous ancient painting of The Feast of Han Xizai come to life by the Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble. The Taiwan-based company recreates the traditional Nanguan music and Liyuan dance of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), with sumptuous costumes and sets by Oscar winner Tim Yip (Best Art Direction, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). See the dancers and musicians enact this legendary story with subtle drama and refined elegance, depicting how the politician protested government corruption through his decadent lifestyle.

Special Guest Company of the China Festival at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org/Chinafestival

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
NOV 10-15
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Nov 2
Dance Chat: Wed, Nov 11
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

Not seen at The Joyce since 1996, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company returns with the NYC premiere of Serenade/The Proposition, one of a suite of works created in honor of the 2009 Abraham Lincoln bicentennial. The lively, colorful production is a spirited rumination on the very nature of history, evoked through a collage of text, video projections and beautifully deconstructed costumes. A stirring original score for piano, cello and voice is performed live, accompanying choreography that "flows ...like water finding its way through a winding stone wall" (The New York Times).

Complexions Contemporary Ballet
NOV 17-29
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm (No performance on Thanksgiving)
Dance Chat: Wed, Nov 18
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Nancy Hirsch (212) 967-3805

Eight daringly audacious women, seven powerful men, two visionary directors and one improbable dream equals 15 years of defying the odds. Complexions returns to The Joyce with its explosive signature style, wrought with athleticism, virtuosity and artistry. Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson present two exhilarating programs with world premieres and repertory favorites showcasing their dynamic range of music: gospel, Chopin, 80's pop, an original score by jazz composer David Rozenblatt and the iconic sounds of U2. This performance is a celebration sizzling with passion, energy and joy.

Ballet Hispanico
DEC 1-13
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Dec 2
Family Matinee: Sat, Dec 5 at 2pm
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Beth Garcia (212) 576-2700 ext. 242

Ballet Hispanico explores the essence of Latino cultures with a season of new voices and bold dance. Under the new artistic leadership of Eduardo Vilaro, the program reflects the dynamic range of Ballet Hispanico's repertoire with exciting premiers by Andrea Miller, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and a live music collaboration featuring Oscar Hernandez. Those pieces, alongside works by dance masters Ramon Oller and Vicente Nebrada, create an engaging evening of Latino-infused dance.

Rasta Thomas' Rock the Ballet
DEC 15-JAN 3
Dance Chat: Wed, Dec 16
Dec 15-20: Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dec 22-27: Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dec 29-Jan 3: Tue 7:30pm; Wed 2pm & 7:30pm; Thu 5pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

Starring Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance, this is a dynamic, high-energy show set against a backdrop of fascinating video projected scenery. Fusing unparalleled ballet technique with the excitement of musical theater, hip-hop, contemporary and tap, Rock the Ballet is perfect for both dance lovers and first time theatergoers of all ages. The versatile and talented Bad Boys stretch the bounds of male dancing with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality. The New York Times proclaims, "Watch out world! Rasta Thomas has arrived."

Pacific Northwest Ballet
JAN 5-10
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat & Sun 2pm
Dance Talks: Mon, Jan 4
Dance Chat: Wed, Jan 6
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

Pacific Northwest Ballet, now under the direction of Peter Boal, makes its Joyce debut with East Coast premieres recently choreographed for the company by Twyla Tharp and Benjamin Millepied. Tharp's Opus 111, set to a Brahms string quintet, effuses vivacious folk flavor, while Millepied's 3 Movements features a large ensemble performing to a driving minimalist score by Steve Reich. The program also includes Marco Goecke's volatile solo Mopey and Edwaard Liang's Für Alina, an episodic duet created in 2006.

Richard Alston Dance Company
JAN 12-17
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Jan 13
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Ellen Jacobs (212) 245-5100

Recent winner of Britain's prestigious Ninette De Valois Award, Alston creates beautiful lyrical dances to music by Stravinsky, Philip Glass and Hoagy Carmichael. In Blow Over, Glass's "Songs From Liquid Days" gets dancers flying to Paul Simon and Suzanne Vega lyrics. Movements From Petrushka pits a tortured soul against the carnival elation of Stravinsky's infectious Russian music. Shuffle It Right, celebrating the genius of American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, is a light-footed delight that made The New York Times' Alastair Macaulay, "insanely happy."

RIOULT
JAN 19-24
Tue 7:30pm; Wed 7pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Thu, Jan 21
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Helene Davis (212) 354-7436

Called "heroic and spiritual" by The New York Times' Jennifer Dunning, Pascal Rioult explores what inspires humanity to endure during this time of social and economic upheaval. Rioult's fascination with what's sweet, sensual and intimate in loving relationships comes to the forefront as his beautiful company transports audiences into the inner chambers of their hearts.

Györ National Ballet from Hungary
JAN 26-31
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Jan 27
Tickets: $49; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $37; $26)
Press Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates (212) 944-9444

The Györ National Ballet, one of Europe's most respected contemporary ballet companies, returns to The Joyce with two U.S. premieres. The all Stravinsky program commemorates the fall of the Communist regime in Europe; Rite of Spring and Petrushka both explore the sacrifices of personal freedom during a totalitarian government. With the extreme creativity of Györ's director, János Kiss, the company preserves its originality at the highest technical level. The company praised by The New York Times for "its youthful energy and creative edge" will perform strong emotional expressions of individuality, aggression and sacrifice.

Presented as part of Performing Revolution in Central and Eastern Europe, a festival coordinated by The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. www.performingrevolution.org

Parsons Dance
FEB 2-14
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat & Sun 2pm; Sun 7:30pm
Dance Chat: Wed, Feb 3
Program A: Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 7:30pm
Program B: Sat & Sun 2pm
Tickets: $59; $35; $19; $10 (Joyce Members $44; $26)
Press Contact: Michelle Tabnick (646) 765-4773

See an all-new version of last season's sold-out, rock dance opera, Remember Me featuring Parsons Dance and the lead vocalists and music of the Grammy-nominated rock opera band, East Village Opera Company. Direct from its first national tour, Remember Me has an entirely fresh look and feel. New choreography, all-new costumes by "Project Runway" designer Austin Scarlett and dramatic new lighting by Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley turn up the passion and embolden David Parsons' electrifying dance. Program A features Remember Me. Program B showcases David Parsons' favorite repertory dances, including the audience favorite Caught.

DANCE CHATS

The Joyce Theater holds free post-performance dialogues (formerly called "Humanities") with artistic directors and/or company members following the performance on the first Wednesday of each company's engagement. These dialogues are open to all audience members attending that evening's performance.

 

FAMILY MATINEES

Created to help build dance audiences for the future, The Joyce's popular family-oriented performance series will return this fall with three family-friendly matinees, each followed by a special chance to meet the artists. Kids' tickets are only $10. Children who see two of the three family matinees automatically become Joyce Junior Members and save 40% on the price of their tickets ($10 reduced to $6). Children, ages 6-14, must be accompanied by an adult (maximum four kids to one grownup). Joyce Junior Members get a special "Backstage-at-the-Joyce" tour, a T-shirt and gift coupons.

 

This fall/winter season's Family Matinee series is as follows:

Garth Fagan Dance - Saturday, October 31 at 2:00PM
Eva Dean Dance* - Saturday, November 14 at 2:00PM, Joyce SoHo at 155 Mercer Street
Ballet Hispanico - Saturday, December 5 at 2:00PM

*The vibrant and witty dancers of Eva Dean Dance use a giant orange circus globe, flowing translucent scarves, physio balls and other amusing props in a performance that The New York Times has called,
"...an unalloyed delight" with an "infinite-seeming range of lithe expressive physicality."
Eva Dean Dance is a special Family Matinee Event. For a Joyce Junior Membership, you must purchase this show with one other Family Matinee Program.

DANCE TALKS AT JOYCE SOHO

The Joyce Theater will continue its popular "Dance Talks" series this fall/winter. These conversations between artists and audiences, and open rehearsals provide an informal, but in-depth examination of issues shaping dance today. "Dance Talks" are free and take place at Joyce SoHo (155 Mercer Street, between Houston and Prince). Reservations are required: 646-792-8377.

This fall/winter season's "Dance Talks" schedule is as follows:
Emio Greco | PC - September 14, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Lucinda Childs' DANCE - October 5, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet - October 12, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble - October 19, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company - November 2, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Pacific Northwest Ballet - January 4, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

ABOUT The Joyce Theater
The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, has proudly served the dance community and its audiences since 1982. The founders, Cora Cahan and Eliot Feld, acquired and renovated the Elgin Theater in Chelsea, which opened as The Joyce Theater in 1982. The Joyce is named in honor of Joyce Mertz, beloved daughter of LuEsther T. Mertz. It was LuEsther's clear, undaunted vision and abundant generosity that made it imaginable and ultimately possible to establish the theater. One of the only theaters built by dancers for dance, The Joyce Theater has provided an intimate and elegant New York home for more than 300 domestic and international companies. The Joyce has also commissioned more than 130 new dances since 1992. In 1996, The Joyce created Joyce SoHo, a dance center providing highly subsidized rehearsal and performance space to hundreds of dance artists. New York City public school students and teachers annually benefit from The Joyce's Dance Education Program, and adult audiences get closer to dance through pre-engagement Dance Talks and post-performance "Dance Chat" discussions. The Joyce Theater now features an annual season of approximately 48 weeks with over 340 performances for audiences in excess of 135,000. Additionally, for the last six years The Joyce has co-produced Evening Stars as part of the River To River Festival in Lower Manhattan.

TICKET PRICES AND MEMBER INFORMATION
To become a Joyce Member, ticket buyers simply purchase tickets to four different companies at the same time and they automatically save 25% on tickets (not applicable for $10 or $19 tickets). Joyce Members are entitled to the 25% discount on additional tickets purchased throughout the season - until August 2010. For more information on becoming a Joyce Member, please visit www.Joyce.org or call JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Single ticket prices range from $10-$59. Tickets can be purchased by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800, in person at the Box Office (Monday - Friday 12-6pm), or online by visiting www.Joyce.org. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th street).

* * *

Leadership support for The Joyce Theater's 2009-2010 season has been received from the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust.

Major support has been provided by Bloomberg LP, The Boeing Company, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, First Republic Bank, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation and The Shubert Foundation. Lead support has been provided by Alphawood Foundation, The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation, The Jerome Robbins Foundation, The David Rockefeller Fund and the Trust for Mutual Understanding.

The fall ‘09/winter ‘10 season is made possible with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

DANCE by Lucinda Childs was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts' American Masterpieces: Dance initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Performances at The Joyce Theater by national and international dance companies are supported, in part, through a generous endowment established by the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The Joyce's Commissioning Program is supported, in part, by the Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work. The Joyce's presentations of international dance companies are supported, in part, by The R. Britton Fisher and Family Gift for International Dance. The Joyce's Dance Education Program is supported, in part, by the Charles E. Culpeper Endowment Fund and the Constance Sanders Fund for Dance Education. Additional support is provided by a generous endowment established with funds from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and many friends of The Joyce.