“Dance Off the Grid” (OTG) is the latest iteration of the Museum of Arts and Design “Dance Under the Influence” hailed as a must-see “eclectic performance series” by The New Yorker, and curated by arts writer, Valerie Gladstone.Fresh from a successful season at the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck, OTG features the top talent of contemporary dance, ranging from modern to hip hop, salsa to Indian dance in performances as engrossing to newcomers to dance as to seasoned fans
Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, EVIDENCE, A DANCE COMPANY focuses on the fusion of African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. This work provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of African forms and rhythms. Evidence tours to some 30 communities in the United States annually. It has traveled to Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Hawaii, Ireland, Holland, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, and in 2010 joined the U.S. State Department’s DanceMotion USA tour to perform, teach master classes and conduct demonstrations. Evidence brings arts, education and cultural/historical connections to communities that have historically lacked these experiences. Annually, the company reaches and audience of more than 30,000.Join them as they perform Come Ye, a piece inspired by the music and sociopolitical legacies of artists/activists Nina Simone and Fela Kuti. This multimedia work utilizes Mr. Brown’s signature style of kinetic storytelling through African, Caribbean, modern, ballet and social dance styles to summon warriors, angels and activists dedicated to the pursuit of liberation and peace amidst the strug- gles of human conflict. This work includes music by Nina Simone (“Come Ye,” “Sunday in Savannah,” and “Revolution”) and Fela Kuti (“Kalakuta” and “Coffin for Head of State”) and a video collage by Robert Penn. http://www.evidencedance.com/
Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie is artistic director of Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD). Her first evening length work, A Single Ride, earned two Bessie nominations in 2013. EAD has presented work at Jacob’s Pillow, The Apollo Theater, New York Live Arts and Dixon Place. Ephrat is a NYFA artist and a recipient of a Mondo Cane! Commission and Jerome Foundation Travel and Study Grant. In 2013, she was a Fresh Tracks Residency choreographer at New York Live Arts and is a current Workspace Resident Artist with the LMCC. Ephrat is a regular guest artist with Rennie Harris Puremovement and has worked with Michelle Dorrance, Doug Elkins, Bill Irwin and Gus Solomons Jr, among others. She has a B.A. in Italian Language from Barnard College and is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Peridance Center.http:// www.ephratasherie.com
Nelida Tirado has been recognized around the globe for her intense grace and powerful style. Hailed as “Magnificent” by The New York Times, Tirado began her formal training in classical ballet, graham technique and Spanish dance at Ballet Hispanico of New York at the age of six. Barely out of her teens, she was invited to tour the U.S. with Jose Molina Bailes Espanoles and work as a soloist in Carlota Santana’s Flamenco Vivo. Her desire to continue learning led her to Spain where she became soloist/ dance captain with of Compania Maria Pages and Compania Antonio El Pipa, performing at prestigious flamenco festivals and television in Spain such as the Bienal del Arte Flamenco and touring throughout France, Italy, UK, Germany and Japan. Since returning to the U.S. she has performed in World Music Institute’s “Gypsy Caravan”, the dance company Noche Flamenca, and was a featured flamenco star in the highly acclaimed show “Riverdance” on Broadway. Ms. Tirado currently resides in NYC, and was the recipient of the 2007 and 2010 BRIO award for artistic excellence from Bronx Council of the Arts, and was featured as one of Dance Magazines “25 to Watch” 2007. http://www.nelidatirado.com/
The Sa Dance Company’s mission is to increase the awareness of Indian dance in the mainstream. Founder and Artistic Director, Payal Kadakia, has earned acclaim for her creative choreography and mastery of many traditions. Sa serves as a platform to celebrate the Indian-American identity by exploring contemporary movements that are fundamentally rooted in traditional Indian dance. All company dancers are extensively trained in various Indian classical and folk styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Oddissi, Rajasthani and Garba & Raas. The Sa Dance Company has performed at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, Peabody Essex Museum, Museum of Art & Design, Emelin Theater, and NYC Fashion Week. The name “Sa” originates in the foundations of Indian classical music, in which “Sa” is both the first and last note in the octave. http://www.sadancecompany.com