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Thursday, November 15, 2018

JCTC Presents Two Dance Companies for an Up Close & Personal Connection

Carolyn Dorfman Dance (left) and Hillary-Marie's Sole Music Collective; photos by Anthony Johnso

Up Close & Personal
An afternoon of unique and engaging performances

WHEN: Sunday, November 18, Doors: 3:30/ Show: 4:00
WHERE:
White Eagle Hall, 335-337 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
TICKETS: $10 to $35* and are available online at www.JCTCenter.org. Student and Senior Discounts are also available

In a rare double-bill, the historic, restored venue hosts JCTC Dance: Carolyn Dorfman Dance and Hillary-Marie’s Sole Music Collective. This exclusive pairing features two award winning and internationally acclaimed artists – Carolyn Dorfman, artistic director of Carolyn Dorfman Dance, New Jersey’s premiere modern dance company and Hillary-Marie, a world-renowned tap dance artist and founder of Jersey Tap Fest.

This program is part of JCTC’s Connection series, for which JCTC selects a topic global in scope and relevant to the community, then explores that theme through readings, visual arts, theatre, dance and performance. With this unique JCTC Dance event, new connections are formed between different genres of dance, dancers from different generations, as well as between the performers and the audience.

“JCTC is proud to present the first collaboration between two extraordinary dance companies at White Eagle Hall,” said Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC. “Carolyn is one of the best choreographers and educators in the state, and Hillary-Marie is part of the younger generation of dancers and leading innovators in the field. Their collaboration is a unique balance and juxtaposition of two different dance styles by true master choreographers from two generations in the graceful field of dance.”

Audiences can expect the unexpected for this JCTC Dance event. The two artists have reimagined the seating layout of this historical theater to create an immersive, Up Close & Personal experience of dance.

As part their collaborative debut, the two companies will open their show with Rising Stars, a special showcase for up-and-coming dance and movement artists from Northern New Jersey.

“Carolyn and Hillary-Marie worked with schools and other companies to give an opportunity to young artists to perform in a professional setting,” said Levina. “Rising Stars truly makes their show at White Eagle Hall an intergenerational connection between dancers.”

After reviewing submissions, the two choreographers selected three Rising Stars applicants to open the show:

  • St. Thomas by FutureSTEP Tap Company
  • Beveled by Dolly Sfeir
  • Car Radio by Danica Butler

Carolyn Dorfman Dance is a multiethnic company renowned for incorporating gripping narratives and powerful story into technically demanding dance. Dorfman’s work connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic terms, taking audiences on intellectual and emotional journeys that illuminate and celebrate the human experience. The troupe will perform two works: Snap Crackle Pop, a groundbreaking collaboration between Carolyn Dorfman and RenĂ©e Jaworski, Co-Artistic Director of PILOBOLUS, and Sextet which features a powerful and driving score by jazz composer Horacee Arnold and explores the energy, rhythm, and power of six dancers as they connect, divide, and regroup.

“We’re delighted to join forces with Hillary-Marie for a unique afternoon of dance,” said Dorfman. “The range of work is truly exciting, within and between our two companies. White Eagle Hall is a unique and beautiful venue and we are proud to be returning for our second performance at this historical space. JCTC is a vision driven organization and is a powerful force for growth of the arts in Jersey City.”

Hillary-Marie’ Sole Music Collective is a percussive dance experience creating original tap dance works for the 21st century. Truly music for the soul created by the soles of the feet, the company gives a visual to the rhythm and a voice to the dance by approaching tap as both musical instrument and visual performance art. Hillary-Marie’s work combines live music collaborations with strong improvisational presence to culminate in an engaging and unforgettable form of storytelling.

Hillary-Marie’ Sole Music Collective will perform two works: Herspective, which was inspired by the natural world and the people within it, and One More Than Two which features three women of three generations and tells through movement the unexpected alignment of life paths and friendship.

"This collaborative performance will mark the first time that our companies will have shared a stage as we offer audiences a unique opportunity to experience the juxtaposition of tap and contemporary dance in one evening," said Hillary-Marie. "We are extending a bridge for music and dance audiences to cross paths and experience these two art forms in an immersive, exciting and unexpected environment."

*Main Floor - General Admission: $20; Balcony - General Admission: $20; VIP Balcony - VIP Tickets (1 free drink): $35; Main Floor (Student and Senior Discount w/valid ID): $15

Carolyn Dorfman Dance

Carolyn Dorfman Dance connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic works by Carolyn Dorfman and nationally renowned choreographers. The company’s ten multi-ethnic and stunning dancers tap their unique talents to present high-energy and technically demanding dance that unleashes the powerful storytelling and imagery of its visionary creator.

Touring nationally and internationally, Carolyn Dorfman Dance appears at major theaters, festivals, universities, museums/galleries and other non-traditional performance venues. Carolyn Dorfman Dance presents immersive performance and teaching residencies that take the company into diverse communities to share art and process, creating experiences that build connection, understanding and inspire positive social change.

Hillary-Marie’s Sole Music Collective

One of the most accomplished tap dance artists and producers in America, Hillary-Marie is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed soloist and at age 17 founded Jersey Tap Fest, named the Best Place to See Live Dance Performances in New Jersey by New Jersey Stage. In addition to Sole Music Collective, she is the artistic director of Grooves Unlimited Dance Studio and has served as Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University, guest artist at Hofstra University and Long Island University, and guest faculty at Alvin Ailey and STEPS. She received a 2017 Individual Artist Fellowship in Choreography from the New Jersey State Council on the Art. Additional credits include The Colbert Report, the Smithsonian, Apollo Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Highline Ballroom, The Copacabana, NJ State Theater, NJPAC, SOPAC, Symphony Space, Westobou Festival among many other prestigious international theatrical and live music venues throughout Europe, South America, Central America and Taiwan.

IMAGE: Carolyn Dorfman Dance (left) and Hillary-Marie’s Sole Music Collective; photos courtesy of Anthony Johnson (left) and Robert Nauta (right).