Visionaries Revolutionaries and Mavericks...
A Century of Modern Dance.
The revolution in 20th century America that was Modern Dance is the subject of Dance Visions' "Visionaries Revolutionaries and Mavericks... A Century of Modern Dance." . This inspiring concert consists of a dramatic presentation by actress Shirley Blanc Romaine, including vivid images presented through slides. Highlighted in the program are the great dance innovators: Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Dennis, Ted Shawn, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Katherine Dunham, Jose Limon, Anna Sokolow, Lester Horton and more. Ms. Romaine discusses the development of the course of modern dance through the century illustrated by authentic pieces.

Dancers who have been trained personally by major pioneers or those closest to the source perform their works. Selections of dances by Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Anna Sokolow and Lester Horton are performed. Insights are given into the background of these 20th century ground-breaking choreographers as well as insights into the content of the pieces. Included is live music.

Dancers and choreographers will also present contemporary works. Sduduzo K'am-bili performs an excerpt from his acclaimed piece "Iziwhlungo Zami" which is a mix of traditional South African Kwa-Zulu dance with his own creative dance voice. He first created this work for the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble in 1998. Also works by choreographers Andrew Jannetti, Beth Jucovy and Cathleen Sweeney are presented. These original works show aspects of the choreographers' own dance roots, but also break-outs into other directions. This idea is discussed with the audience members . Ms. Romaine explores the influence of the past and the individual choreographers' dance roots, as well as their culture, on their contemporary pieces. A very varied body of work performed by acclaimed representatives of the pioneers, and exciting, new contemporary works is offered. The program includes approximately ten dancer/choreographers, actress Shirley Romaine, pianist Mark Fiedler and percussionist Napolean Rev