Flashpoint: An Evening of Contemporary Dance

Snapshots of unique voices in contemporary dance: Flashpoint, an evening featuring the latest from six exciting choreographers in 10-15 minute works to inspire and fire the imagination.

Zoe|Juniper is a Seattle-based dance group that has been described as a “crazy dream you just can’t shake” by The Boston Globe. Choreographer Zoe Scofield and visual artist Juniper Shuey are two-time Princess Grace Award recipients and a 2013 Stranger Genius winner who create stunning and unforgettable dance installations. They have presented sold-out shows at Jacob’s Pillow, On the Boards and The Joyce Theatre to critical acclaim, and are one of the Northwest’s most dynamic dance companies. In dreamlike “eleven” set to the rhythmic march of Ravel’s “Bolero,” eleven dancers fiercely execute an evocative, masterful work.

Set to music by Philip Glass, “Leaves Have Fallen” is a duet by Seattle-based Ashani Dances that explores the heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship through emotional partnering and virtuosic technique by Iyun Ashani Harrison and Sam Picart.

Artistic Director Harrison rose through Juilliard and for 13 years has performed in New York with companies including Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ailey II. He also teaches on Pacific Northwest Ballet modern faculty and is Associate Professor of Dance at Cornish College of the Arts.

Male dance artists are often overlooked on stage. Since 1994, Men in Dance Festival has encouraged the creation of dynamic choreography and performance opportunities for male dancers. Submissions from across the country are considered by jurors for its biannual festivals and master classes; VAA is pleased to present a selection from this festival.

In “My Ugly Sister,” Ronly Blau collaborates with composer Joseph Panzetta to explore the challenging and often competitive relationships of sisters.

Blau has choreographed for the Northwest New Works Series at On The Boards, Bumbershoot, Composer/Choreographer and other local venues. Her first dance work in ten years is performed by Blau, Abby Enson, Cathy Desmet, Lynelle Sjoberg and Nicole Grey. Islander Blau also teaches yoga and supports holistic healing.
Karen Nelson is a local postmodern dancer and choreographer performing in the Northwest and internationally. She co-founded Diverse Dance Research Retreat, has presented work at VAA since she moved here in 1991, and practices, teaches and shows collaborative work at Hanna Barn. Nelson’s solo “Golden Rooster” reveals passages and strata discovered in the image ‘questions of the moth to the flame.’ Accompanied by poet and dancer Kristen Tsiatsios.
Elizabeth Mendana Shaw choreographed and dances in “Splendid Torch.” Five dancers—Shaw, Isa Sanson-Frey, Barbara Gustafson, Maeve Haselton and Carol Wilcox—represent five generations of women, celebrating life’s journey, cycles and transitions. Shaw arrived on Vashon four years ago after performing, choreographing and teaching in San Francisco; her work has been presented at Seattle International Dance Festival and Fremont Abbey Arts. The work’s title derives from George Bernard Shaw: “Life is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

Saturday, October 11, 7 pm
Vashon High School Theater
$16 Member/Student/Senior, 
$20 General
Tickets: VAA, Heron’s Nest, 
VashonAlliedArts.org