JACKSON, Wyo. — The annual Contemporary Dance Wyoming performance of Up Close will take place June 8 and 9 at Dancers’ Workshop in Black Box Studio 1.
Each year, the spectacularly talented members of the company — Michaela Ellingson, Sarah Hemphill, Rachel Holmes, Amy “Ray” Kingwill, Charlotte Landreau and Francesca Romo — perform in Up Close, in the intimate setting of Dancers’ Workshop Black Box, Studio 1. Now in its 25th season, Contemporary Dance Wyoming represents the pinnacle of expressive and innovative modern dance in Wyoming.
Typically, each piece in the show is co-created by Dancer’s Workshop Artistic Director Babs Case and Associate Artistic Director Francesca Romo. This year, however, Up Close presents a new perspective. “We asked all members of CDW to choreograph and invite their own guest artists,” Case explained. “It shows a range of diverse styles and artistic processes.”
Up Close is an homage to collaborative art forms. Francesca Romo and Rachel Holmes have each teamed up with locally connected composers Sheena Dhamsania, Christopher Gherman and Ryan Ptasnik to create original music for their choreographic works.
“Composing with Fran and Dancer’s Workshop has been a dream of mine,” Dhamsania said. “Through thoughtful conversations between dancer and composer, we have been able to create a living, breathing work of art that folds concepts of time and the feeling of beholdeness. I thank Fran, Babs, and Dancers’ Workshop from the bottom of my heart, and feel honored to be collaborating in this interdisciplinary exploration.”
“Art is vital to us,” Case said. “In Jackson Hole, we are lucky enough to have a wonderful artistic community, one that strives for excellence, speaks volumes, asks questions and provides connection beyond our valley. We must make sure we provide our artists with an environment in which they can continue to grow and thrive.”
The show will take place June 8 and 9 at Dancers’ Workshop in Black Box Studio 1, with programs at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at DWJH.org or click here.
