The DC Guide to Dance | Fall 2017
Performances to See | Events to Engage | Classes to Take
I. Forever Balanchine: Farewell Performances
Company: The Suzanne Farrell Ballet
Thursday, December 7, 2017 — Saturday, December 9, 2017, 7:30–9:30 pm
Location: Kennedy Center Opera House
Price: $29–89
Mr. George Balanchine is a big deal in the ballet world. Trained in the Russian classical style, Balanchine came to United States in his thirties and founded a ballet company, where he choreographed the faster and stronger ballet that we see New York ballerina Misty Copeland dance and try to emulate in our basic barre classes. Suzanne Farrell was one of Balanchine’s favorite young muses and Forever Balanchine: Farewell Performances, danced by her eponymous company, is her tribute to the legendary deceased choreographer.
II. BodyCartography Project: closer (solo)
8th Street Arts Park
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 10:30 am — 1:30 pm
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Saturday, September 16, 2017, 11:00 am — 2:00pm
Price: Free
We all like when our food is made-to-order, freshly prepared for us, no heat lamp involved. But can you imagine watching a performance that’s custom-danced for you? The Minneapolis-based BodyCartography Project, in residence at Dance Place this fall, is hosting a series of one-on-one dances called closer (solo). You will sign up for this free, family-friendly performance at either 8th Street Arts Park (Sep. 14) or Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (Sep. 16) and be paired with a performer who will dance throughout the gardens while you, the audience of one, follow and observe and experience.
III. Strong in the Broken Places
Presented by: ArtWorks for Freedom
Saturday, October 14, 2017, 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 15, 2017, 7:00 pm
Location: Dance Place
Price: $15–30
ArtWorks for Freedom presents an evening of dance to raise awareness of human trafficking. The participating artists create and perform modern-style dances based on the Japanese concept of kintsugi, or the practice of repairing broken pottery by filling in the cracks with shiny, metallic lacquer. This symbolizes the resilience and courage of survivors of human trafficking.
IV. What’s Going On?
Company: Dance Place
Marvin Gaye + life, love, & social justice + modern, jazz, & West African dance
Saturday, November 18, 2017, 8:00–10:00 pm
Sunday, November 19, 2017, 4:00–6:00 pm
Location: Dance Place
Price: $15–30
V. Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red Shoes
Company: New Adventures
A beloved fairytale + one dancer’s dream to be the greatest in the world + passion
Tuesday, October 10, 2017, 7:30–9:30 pm (free post-performance discussion)
Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 7:30–9:30 pm
Thursday, October 12, 2017, 7:30–9:30 pm
Friday, October 13, 2017, 1:30–3:30 pm & 7:30–9:30 pm
Saturday, October 14, 2017, 1:30–3:30 pm & 7:30–9:30 pm
Sunday, October 15, 2017, 1:30–3:30 pm
Location: Kennedy Center Opera House
Price: $29–129
VI. El Teatro de Danzo Contemporanea (The DC Contemporary Dance Theatre)
Presented by company of the same name
Latin dance + cultural, symbolic, & rich
December 2, 2017, 8:00–10:00pm
Location: Dance Place
Price: $20–30
VII. Festival of South African Dance
Johannesburg + real stories of hard work, struggle, & longing + urban street dance
Companies: Gumboots and Pantsula
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 8:00 pm
Location: George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Price: $30–50
VIII. The Grasshopper’s Song
Metropolitan + in collaboration with poet Nikki Giovanni + a classic Aesop Fable
Company: Metro Tap Roots
November 4, 2017, 8:00 pm
November 5, 2017, 4:00 pm
Location: Dance Place
Price: $15–30
IX. Atlas Presents: Furia Flamenca
Hispanic Heritage Month + cabaret style + guitar & flamenco dance
Company: Furia Flamenca Dance Company
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 1, 2017, 4:00 pm
Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center
Price: $30–35
X. Russian Masters
Fokine + Ratmansky + Petipa + Balanchine
Company: The Washington Ballet
Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 8:00 pm
Thursday, October 5, 2017, 8:00 pm
Friday, October 6, 2017, 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 7, 2017, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Location: Eisenhower Theater, the Kennedy Center
Price: $25–140
