The Jamaica Dance Festival – June 5th

The Jamaica Dance Festival is back! Join us for four consecutive Saturday evenings in June in downtown Jamaica’s Rufus King Park at 7:00 pm.

 

EMERGE125 (formerly Elisa Monte Dance)

Tilted Arc

This piece was commissioned by New York City’s Department of Transportation as part of their 2017 Summer Streets event and references the provocative sculpture of the same name by Richard Serra. Noted as the most notorious public sculpture controversy in the history of art law, the work was removed from New York City’s Foley Square in 1989 because of its “obstruction” to the pathway. Rea-Fisher’s choreography dives into the heart of Serra’s provoking work, as 8 dancers trace the location of the once celebrated sculpture and investigate the obstruction of pathways such as immigration, separation and longing.

Tracy’s Solo

Excerpt of Rights of Renaissance commissioned by Harlem Stage

Emerged Nation

Emerged Nation that delves into the assimilation and uniqueness of Black/Native-American culture in America. A visceral and euphoric work set to a modern soundscape of house, tribal and electronic music, Emerged Nation interprets the role these cultures plays in our contemporary lives.

EMERGE125 Dancers:

Tracy Dunbar
Jenny Hegarty Freeman
Daniela Funicello
Alisa Gregory
Hannah Gross
Sarah Kleinke
Madelyn LaLonde
Caitlyn Morgan

 

Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet

Cutting Edge

Choreographed by Jamel Gaines, Music by Pat Matheny, Costumes by Hopie Lynn Burrows
This work, inspired by the music of Pat Matheny, is about breaking away from the norm in society, a society that often forces individuals to stay in line. This work is about freedom in individual self expression, thinking outside of the box, going out on a imb and stepping right to the cutting edge.

Negro Mother

Choreography by Jamel Gaines, Poem by Langston Hughes, Costumes by Hopie Lynn Burrows
“Negro Mother” is work is based off the original collaboration between between Nia Theatrical Productions and Creative Outlet. This work highlights the poem, “Negro Mother” written by Langston Hughes, a poem streaming through the voice of a woman and a former slave. She writes to her children, challenging them to pick up the torch and to carry it on, fighting for freedom and equality.

Panoptic

Choreographed and Performed by Joe González
“Panoptic” is an overview of everything in your own life from one observation point.

Waiting

“Waiting” is a dance in two parts. Part one “Gravity,” is a work that explores the darkness in the world, where pain is inflicted on the soul and the performers must internally process this negativity. Part two, “Waiting,” is the optimism and joy that lies on the other side of the spectrum, this light-hearted piece highlights freedom of expression, friendship, and the ability to be one’s self.

Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dancers:

Wade Watson
Nyemah Stuart
Joe González
Kate Griffler
Lloyd Boyd
Robert Hooks