FJK DANCE "WORKS IN PROGRESS"
Company:
FJK DANCE
FJK DANCE – “WORKS IN PROGRESS” - NEW CHOREOGRAPHY – ORIGINAL MUSIC – SEASON ‘16 PREVIEW
Middle Eastern, Contemporary Ballet and Ballroom Dance Combine - Sunday, November 8 at 7pm – Manhattan Movement Center
Iraqi-born FJK DANCE Artistic Director Fadi Khoury will return on Sunday, November 8 with his company of ten dancers to present “Works in Progress” at the Manhattan Movement Center, 248 W 60th St at 7pm. The production, which follows the success of July’s “Season 2015” at New York Live Arts, will highlight the creative process, the progression of “fusion dance” and introduce new choreography and new collaborations. FJK’s mix of Middle Eastern dance, ballroom, classical ballet and tango is, according to Mr. Khoury, “a picture of globalization and a snapshot of our time.”
The FJK “Works in Progress” evening will also preview February’s “Fusion of Culture and Dance," a community outreach program produced by CUNY’S Middle East and Middle Eastern American Center, Hunter College and the Consulate General of Lebanon in New York. “Works in Progress” will also give a sneak peek at new work planned for FJK’S “Season 2016” at New York Live Arts (April).
“Works in Progress” at Manhattan Movement Center, November 8 at 7pm will include:
“Reflections,” a new collaborative work combining projection design of Calvin Anderson and the photographic works by Cathy Gavin, with new music by Peter Michael von der Nahmer. According to Mr. Khoury, “Reflections came to life after seeing Cathy's photographs of the reflection of light in different forms on water. Her photographs capture the movement of the current as an element of life. The energy, intensity, and the vibration present in those images reflect a dramatic and a surreal truth about humanity. The movement tackles ideas of balance, duality, security, and unity - how we come together.” Life as solo, life as duet, life as trio - tidal circles build a human story. Choreographed by Fadi Khoury.
“Take Two,” a new work inspired by the elegance and glamour of ballroom dance, combines the sophisticated movement of ballroom with theatrical presence and mystery. Breaking the rules and the stereotypes through a play of characters and the idea of conspiracy, the mystery that lies simultaneously within us becomes a uniting force. Ballroom, waltz and fox trot combine with arabesque lines, creating magic. Choreographed by Fadi J Khoury with music by Benny Goodman, John Klemer and David Brubeck.
“Dum Tak” (premiere July, 2015), a composition of Tabla (Middle Eastern Drum) playing Latin salsa by Matias Hazroum, from the Arabic Percussion album of Mrio Kirlis. Three couples perform in pointe shoes, Latin heel and bare feet together in a blend of ballet movement and Latin salsa. VIDEO
FJK’S international dance blend, “strips away unnecessary glitter from these forms to emphasize the beauty of movement itself” – NY TIMES, JULY 2014
FJK Dance Works in Progress 2016
Sunday Nov 8, 2015 – 7pm
$25 - $75
Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
248 West 60th St.
New York, NY 10023
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:00 PM (ends at 8:45 PM)
COMING UP:
Friday, February 26, 2016 “A Fusion of Culture and Dance” at City University of New York
April, 2016 FJK “Season 2016” – New York Live Arts
VIDEO CLIPS:
Dum Tak (premiere July, 2015)
Arabesque (premiere July, 2014)
THE FJK MOVEMENT:
After years of training in both ballroom and contemporary ballet, Fadi J. Khoury connected the two worlds to create the FJK Movement. At its core, FJK uses partnering techniques from standard and Latin ballroom dance then fuses it with the extended lines and flow of contemporary ballet. Whether a group, duet or solo performance, FJK dancers move as if they are dancing in a pair. Action and reaction – every move is for the purpose of making a connection.
ABOUT FADI J KHOURY:
Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Fadi Khoury moved to Beirut, Lebanon at the age of 13. His father, Joseph Khoury, was the Artistic Director of the National Iraqi Ballet and an award-winning choreographer. Fadi grew up surrounded by the folkloric, authentic music and dance of the Arab world. Inspired by his father’s career, Fadi became attracted to the Western classical world of music and ballet.
Fadi Khoury danced and toured throughout the Middle East and North Africa, moving to the U.S. in 2009. He has since danced with Caracalla Dance Theatre at the Kennedy Center, received a scholarship to further his classical ballet and modern dance training at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and has collaborated and danced professionally with choreographers such as Earl Mosley, Elisa Monte, Venti Petrov and Edward Simon. He also toured the U.S. and Latin America with NY2Dance.
Khoury’s diverse career included serving as Lead Instructor dancer/choreographer for Arthur Murray Dance Center in New York City. His top teacher awards and world record standings from Arthur Murray International gave him the versatility to create his original dance methodology. “I dove into the ballroom world and found great inspiration in the style and depth of the movement and how it creates connection. My aim is always to ‘make a connection’ whatever the technique.” Fadi J Khoury Full Bio
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