Mark DeGarmo Dance presents the December Edition of its annual Salon Performance Series with a performance by dancer/choreographer Anabella Lenzu, artist/activist Kanene Ayo Holder, and dancer/choreographer Kiran Rajagopalan on December 5th at 7pm in Mark DeGarmo Dance Studio Theater 310 at The Clemente Center. Their respective works will investigate the changing “here and now” in relation to our creative selves; explore race in a “biting” satire titled BlackIssuesISSUES; and examine a South Asian deity’s endurance in society’s “collective consciousness.”

Founded in 2010, MDD's Salon Performance Series gives opportunities to transcultural, transdisciplinary artists and art forms underrepresented in traditional or commercial performing or performance art venues.

The series provides a unique opportunity to view and engage with original performing arts and dance works-in-progress of DeGarmo and guest artists. Its facilitated audience response approach is a unique way for the public to actively participate in the creation of new work.

 

The Series continues on Thursdays at 7 PM with:
February 6: Joan Liu, Jill Moshman, and Catey Clark
March 5: David Appel, Rachel Repins, and J Michael Winward
April 2: Ilona Bito, Jorrit Dijkstra, Enya Jordan, and Jessica Roseman
May 7: Kameron Chatman, Gabriella Di Giuseppe, and Bridget James Ling
June 4: Callie Hatchett and Barbara Mahler

 

About the Artists

 

Originally from Argentina, Anabella Lenzu is a dancer, choreographer, writer and teacher with over 25 years experience working in Argentina, Chile, Italy, London and the USA. Lenzu directs her own company, Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama (ALDD), which since 2006 has presented 380 performances, created 14 choreographic works and performed at 100 venues, presenting thought-provoking and historically conscious dance-theater in NYC. Her choreography has been commissioned all over the world for opera, TV programs, theatre productions, and by many dance companies. Currently, Lenzu conducts classes at Peridance Capezio Center and NYU Gallatin, and is Artist-in-Residence at CUNY Dance Initiative, 2019-2020.

Kanene Ayo Holder is an award winning artist, activist and educator dedicated to systemic change through critical analysis and community engagement. She teaches at the elementary and collegiate level on what she’s deemed “Intersections of Injustice” to analyze current societal ills through multidisciplinary projects. She’s lectured at Columbia University, NYU, Museum of Art and Design and Studio Museum of Harlem among others. She facilitates workshops on diversity and activism at institutions including Apollo Theater and The New York Times School. “BlackIssuesISSUES” premiered off-broadway in 2018 and currently performed at venues including The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Kiran Rajagopalan is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, writer, and educator based in New Jersey. Trained extensively in Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) for over 25 years, Kiran has performed in India, Indonesia, Germany, Spain, France, and the US. Kiran regularly conducts workshops, lectures, and demonstrations on neuroscience, Indian classical dance, and performance studies. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Daya Arts, which aims to bridge diasporic communities through original, high-quality artistic productions. Although focused on visual and performing arts rooted in South India and West Africa, Daya Arts also actively participates in initiatives that engage with other communities of color.

About Mark DeGarmo Dance

Founded in 1987, Mark DeGarmo Dance is a leading nonprofit organization that educates underserved New York City communities and children; creates, performs, and disseminates original artistic work; and builds intercultural community through dance arts.

About the Founder

Founder/Executive and Artistic Director Mark DeGarmo, Ph.D. is an award-winning, internationally recognized choreographer, performer, and educator with a passion for intercultural community-building.  New York press and audiences have heralded his work as "mesmerizing" and "fearless" and DeGarmo as a "gladiator in various arenas."

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This program is supported in part by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.