JACKSON, Wyo. — Beautiful Jackson Hole, where inspiration flows like cool mountain streams, and people dream dreams even bigger than the Tetons. A town so passionate, driven and creative, it’s no wonder that Wyoming’s only professional contemporary dance company chooses to make its home here.
Known for their athleticism and innovation, the talented members of Contemporary Dance Wyoming (CDW) – Michaela Ellingson, Sarah Hemphill, Amy Kingwill, Charlotte Landreau, Francesca Romo and Bailey Walker – have performed and provided school outreach across the West, and worked with world-renowned choreographers and companies such as David Dorfman, Siobhan Davies and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. CDW member Charlotte Landreau also performed with the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company – this year’s Dancers’ Workshop Gala performance – for nearly a decade before finding her home here in Jackson.
This year, CDW is celebrating 25 years of dance, and it has an exciting schedule of events to showcase its silver anniversary.
The community can join in on a unique music experience hosted by Dancers’ Workshop, composer and musician Basya Schechter and the Jackson Hole Jewish Community. Basya and the professional dancers of Contemporary Dance Wyoming will lead a joyous meditative practice incorporating music and breathwork. This donation-based, single-day event takes place the evening of Thursday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in DW Studio 1.
Contemporary Dance Wyoming will make its triumphant return to the Center stage June 21 and 22 in performances featuring a rich array of works from various talented choreographers and a dynamic medley of dance pieces. Audiences will appreciate the engaging and thought-provoking choreography from these local artists, described as “visually stimulating, highly athletic and exhilarating.” Tickets are currently on sale.
“It’s incredibly empowering and enjoyable to have the opportunity to dance on the stage of the Center Theater once again,” said Associate Artistic Director Francesca Romo. “We feel so much gratitude for the fact that we have a stage here in Jackson Hole, and that we’re even in the building with it and can acquaint ourselves with it. As dancers, sometimes, we take these things for granted, but it’s really an incredible opportunity.”
Francesca Romo will present a piece incorporating works from visual artist and Artistic Director Babs Case and original music composition by Sheena Dhamsania. “The piece ‘Entanglement’ is a continuation from last year, but reimagined for six dancers on the stage,” describes Romo. “The cast is larger, and now we have space to incorporate more of Babs’ collages. With the addition of lighting and stage production, we can really zoom in on the theme and explore the nuances of harmonizing dance, music and two-dimensional art.”
CDW guest choreographer and artist in residence Lauren Edson will also present an original, new work performed by CDW members and Edson’s own talented dancers. Beloved guest dancer Luke Dakota Zender will also perform with CDW members.
In a nod to CDW’s past, Romo will also be restaging a previous work by the renowned Gallim Dance from New York. This retrospective piece promises to be a highlight of the evening, providing a moment of reflection and nostalgia.
Join Dancers’ Workshop for an unforgettable season of dance, celebrating the past, present and future of Contemporary Dance Wyoming. Learn more about this thrilling lineup and get tickets at dwjh.org. Make a gift to Dancers’ Workshop here.
