About This Show

Fast Forward provides opportunities for choreographers working in all dance forms to workshop 25 – 35 min pieces on a shared bill curated around a theme.

In February, Fast Forward’s theme is ‘‘Mind the Gap.’’ MElder Dance will present Helluva Fella. The Erica Essner Performance Co-Op will present Versailles Undone.

Helluva Fella (MElder Dance)
Choreography by Mat Elder
Dancers Tarik O’Meally, Darren Rabinowitz, Matthew Rock & Robert Roddy Understudy Charles Scheland

A male quartet exploring brotherhood through laughter, friendship, bravery & shame. Where are the lines drawn between acceptance & rejection within a community? What happens when one member steps out of line in pre-established ideas of the Southern ‘‘good ol’ boy?’’ Through contemporary dance, text/theatrics & bluegrass, these men facilitate a dialogue concerning the causality of stereotypes & community norms.

Versailles Undone (The Erica Essner Performance Co-Op)
Choreography by Erica Essner
Dancers Courtney Drasner, Sarah Housepian & Julia Jurgilewicz

Versailles Undone references the French Revolution & the decline of the monarchy & is loosely based on the novel Farewell My Queen by Chantal Thomas.  The gap between rich & poor & the social unrest due to inequality both historically & in contemporary society form part of the exploration in the piece.

Featuring Marie Antoinette as the central character who is portrayed as both matryr & naivete,  Baroque dance informs the physicality of the project & hanging ropes are used throughout as a metaphor for merrymaking, execution & as a lifeline for the destitute.