ABOUT THE EVENT

Choreography by Ephrat Asherie, Manon Bal, Tomoe “Beasty” Carr, Michelle Dorrance, Fritzlyn Hector, Donnetta “Lil Bit” Jackson, Richie Maguire, Mike Manson, Charles “Lil Buck” Riley and Matthew “Megawatt” West

Composed by Donovan Dorrance with live percussion by John Angeles

Part of the beauty of dance is in its constant willingness to accept innovation. Two of the craft's most prominent modern innovators are the MacArthur Grant awardee Michelle Dorrance and the Bessie Award-winner Ephrat "Bounce" Asherie. Each of these choreographers have staked out particular specialties: tap for Dorrance and breakdancing for Asherie. Their new collaborative work, The Center Will Not Hold, features original music composed by Donovan Dorrance with live percussion by the world-class drummer John Angeles. Together, they provide the tempo for a cast of 11 singular performers deeply rooted in an array of street, club and vernacular dances, including house, breaking, hip-hop, tap, Chicago footwork, Detroit jit, litefeet and Memphis jookin. Following workshops and an abbreviated premiere at New York City Center’s 2023 Fall for Dance Festival, The Center Will Not Hold is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of modern dance.

FUNDING

This performance is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.