New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble Outdoor Performance at Reeves Reed Arboretum
Company:
New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble
NEW JERSEY DANCE THEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE AT
REEVES-REED ARBORETUM
Immersive Outdoor Performance Experience for Audience Members
SUMMIT, NJ – July 9, 2015 – Artistic Director Nancy Turano’s New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (NJDTE) will present its first public performance in its new community of Summit on Wednesday, July 29 at 7pm as part of the “Sounds of a Summer Night” concert series at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. NJDTE dancers and guest artists from the NYC-based company VIM VIGOR, led by NJDTE Artist-In-Residence Shannon Gillen, will bring the natural beauty of the Arboretum gardens to life with a site-specific dance installation that includes “After the Rain,” a world premiere choreographed by Turano.
This 60-minute immersive performance experience will, in Turano’s words, “take the viewer on an artistic journey through the gardens, creating ever-changing human sculptural labyrinths amidst the breathtaking natural setting.” The dancers become an integral part of the landscape as they guide the audience through 20-minute installations in three distinct areas of the gardens, illuminating the timeless connection between nature and art.
Gillen adds, “Nancy Turano has always embodied a pioneering and joyous spirit at NJDTE, and the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a spectacular site to share the beauty of nature and dance with the community. I am honored that VIM VIGOR, a contemporary dance theater company, has partnered with NJDTE and am delighted to share our latest research alongside NJDTE’s dancers this month.”
As Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s newest community partner, NJDTE’s collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new cultural venture. “We are thrilled to merge our two non-profit organizations to create this event and develop plans for a more significant outdoor dance festival in Summit in the future,” Turano said.
NJDTE recently opened its 8,800-square-foot dance training center in downtown Summit as a home to continue its mission of mentoring talented young dancers as they pursue their dreams of a professional career in dance. The Ensemble has also been fostering innovative partnerships with local businesses and institutions in its new home. Most recently, alumnus Samuel Asher Kunzman performed at the Summit Public Art Fest at Twin Maples on June 19. Chef Cheryl Rajewski of Summit’s What A Dish provided catering services for NJDTE’s opening preview event on June 14, and NJDTE dancers were also featured in a live window display at the downtown Summit Lululemon Athletica store. The Grand Summit Hotel, The Hat Tavern and The Meat House will provide housing and meals for dancers during the NJDTE Summer Intensive program July 13-31.
As Turano explains, “this is an exciting time for NJDTE and a natural result of over 45 years of sustaining excellent programming. Over the past few years, we have been expanding our pre-professional opportunities for dancers from New Jersey with tremendous results.”
Free Admission for Reeves-Reed Arboretum members | $10 for non-members | www.reeves-reedarboretum.org
Arboretum grounds open at 6pm | Performance 7-8pm | Rain or shine
For more information about NJDTE auditions and the 2015-16 season, visit www.njdte.org or email info@njdte.org
