LEWISTON — Choreographer David Dorfman presents the world premiere of his latest work, “Aroundtown,” as David Dorfman Dance offers Bates Dance Festival performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, July 13 and 15, in Bates College’s air-conditioned Schaeffer Theatre, 329 College St.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for students. Online tickets are available at batestickets.com. FMI: go to batesdancefestival.org, or call 207-786-6161.
“Aroundtown” is a kinetic poem that examines varied and sometimes divided notions of love’s meaning and purpose. The piece musters original music, text and visuals to explore commitment, community and intimacy in times of strife. Dorfman’s trademark empathy, sly humor and robust physicality are clearly in evidence in this scrutiny of love through a sociopolitical lens.
Dorfman founded his eponymous company in 1987 and is the troupe’s artistic director. Professor of dance at Connecticut College, he has undertaken seven creative residencies at the Bates Dance Festival since 1995. His deeply engaging works examine aspects of power and powerlessness, activism, dissidence, community and intimacy.
Dorfman Dance has performed nationally and internationally, frequently participating in community-based projects. As a New York Times commentator wrote, Dorfman “has never shied away from openhearted explorations of self and society, channeling big ideas into raw hyper-athletic movement that calls for go-for-broke dancers.”
Dance writer Debra Cash offers insight into Dorfman and his work in an Inside Dance series lecture preceding the July 15 performance at 7 p.m. Cash will also facilitate post-performance talks.
In a free show-and-tell lecture-demonstration, Dorfman Dance provides a glimpse into the creative process at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, in Schaeffer Theatre.
Betsey Miller and Matthew Cumbie from David Dorfman Dance
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