Spark Movement Collective presents ROBIN HOOD NOW

Spark Movement Collective introduces a new family-friendly dance production of the age-old tale of Robin Hood with a contemporary twist. Robin Hood Now, updates the famous folklore by drawing inspiration from real stories about acts of kindness shared by children around New York.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Chelsea Koenig, a female Robin Hood is inspired to become an active part in her community and creates "Green Hoods for Good," a space for children to share their worries and challenges. Robin and her friends spring into action by inventing, recycling, creating, and more, all while trying to find a way to celebrate a park that is to be closed down. This production is a perfect example of how it is possible for all of us to help shape the world we live in today.

The main character, Robin embodies the spirit of doing good for others, and inspires us to pay it forward. Throughout the show audience members will dance in their seats, or even on the stage, and they'll help Robin and her friends celebrate the park by generating new dance moves! Robin Hood Now comes at a perfect time, and is thoughtfully crafted for children of all ages and their families to enjoy together.

Robin Hood Now will be performed in Brooklyn and Manhattan, premiering on Saturday, March 3 at 2:30pm and Sunday, March 4 at 2:30pm at BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, located at 421 Fifth Avenue Park Slope, Brooklyn. Robin Hood Now will also be performed on Saturday, April 14 at 2:30pm at The Tank, located at 312 West 36th Street in Manhattan. Tickets for this 50 minute show may be purchased in advance for $10 on Spark's website and will also be available the day of the performances 30 minutes prior to show times for $15.

For more information on the production and Spark Movement Collective, please visit SparkMovementCollective.org.

The Brooklyn production of Robin Hood Now is being presented through BAX's Visitors Program, a subsidized performance package rental program, and is a self-production by Spark. The Manhattan production is presented by The Tank, a home for emerging artists.

Since its inception in 2009, Spark Movement Collective ("Spark") has flourished into a force on the independent and contemporary dance scene with Artistic Director and Founder Chelsea Koenig at the helm. Spark's mission is to create an accessible dance experience for audience members, dancers, and choreographers alike. Spark's approach to family-friendly performances is unique and blends together classic stories, masterful dance, whimsical projections and narration, coupled with audience participation. Jessica Ruhlin of Bodies Never Lie writes, "It takes a surprising amount of knowledge and sophistication to craft work that both engages children and maintains a level of artistry."

Spark captures the discrete elements of dance to deliver performances comprised of athletic yet fluid choreography and a brand of signature honesty intrinsic in the execution of pieces. This approach is bound together with a narrative that results in fresh, innovative, and meaningful pieces that uniquely connect with both audience members and the community at large.

Since its inception in 2009, Spark has produced a number of highly acclaimed performances for adults and families including most recently, The Velveteen Rabbit at The Town School and Collections of Change at the Actors Fund Arts Center in Downtown Brooklyn.

Chelsea Koenig, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Spark Movement Collective, founded the company in 2009. Koenig strives to create dance pieces that resonate with the human experience while challenging the limitations of the body in collaboration with dancers, musicians, and visual artists. Koenig's growing body of repertoire includes pieces such as The Velveteen Rabbit (2017), 21 Dates (2016), Alice in Wonderland (2016), Finding New York (2015), The Golden Shoe (2015), Impact (2014), Eavesdropped (2013), Rules of the Game (2012), Eyes Down/Headphones In (2011), Status Update (2011), and Timing (2010). As a choreographer, Koenig seamlessly draws on her experience as a Dance Educator to engage children of all ages to tell character-driven stories through dance. Her work has been presented throughout New York, Connecticut, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas.

Matt Dittes was born and raised in Minnesota, where he began dancing at the age of eight. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in dance, Dittes traveled the world as a performer onboard Holland America Cruise Lines. A member of Spark since 2010, Dittes is currently the Assistant Artistic Director. His choreography, including the pieces Foundations and Best I Can, have been featured in many Spark performances.