VOICE Dance Company Presents Second in Aphrodite Dances Series Based on Gina Patterson's New Romeo and Juliet
VOICE Dance Company is presenting “Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive.” This special event, held at Mercury Hall on July 9, is the second in their “Aphrodite Dances” series of boutique performances that integrate dance and the culinary arts into a full sensory experience. It follows their September 2011 “Aphrodite Dances: Chocolate.” “Romeo Drive” provides an exclusive insight into Patterson’s creation process including excerpts of her new “Romeo and Juliet” and personal family stories.
Austin, TX, June 23, 2012 --(PR.com)-- VOICE Dance Company, headed by award-winning choreographer Gina Patterson and co-founder Eric Midgley, is presenting “Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive.” This special event, held at Mercury Hall on July 9, is the second in their “Aphrodite Dances” series of boutique performances that integrate dance and the culinary arts into a full sensory experience. It follows their September 2011 “Aphrodite Dances: Chocolate.” “Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive” provides an exclusive insight into Patterson’s creation process including excerpts of her new “Romeo and Juliet” and personal family stories.
Patterson is currently developing a new version of Romeo and Juliet commissioned by CoDa21 in Puerto Rico. It will premiere in San Juan in April 2013. “Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive” provides a look into Patterson’s new telling of the perennial favorite.
“My grandparents’ name is Romeo and I grew up on the drive that carries their name.” Patterson says, explaining the title of the event. Three generations removed from her family’s true “Romeo and Juliet” story, Patterson performed the role of Juliet many times over the course of twenty years. Now, as a choreographer, she is re-telling the story in her own way.
“This story is deeply woven into her life,” says Midgley, “Treating it requires vulnerability and courage. Of course, these are both signature qualities of all her dances. Gina will be sharing personal stories that are integral to the piece and moderating in-depth discussion between artists and audience. We are offering an opportunity for the Austin community to engage with the art in a unique way. With the shared sensory experience of breaking bread together, the audience will act as a focus group, interacting deeply with the artists to explore and influence the work. This is a chance to 'VOICE' their contribution.”
“I am excited to share this work here at home,” says Patterson. “At this stage in my process, I am not limiting anything. Movement, concepts, and staging ideas are all in a state of boundless possibility. The audience will get a unique perspective on the piece by looking in at this point. We are throwing the doors to the kitchen open and letting our guests taste all the ingredients.”
Patterson’s concept for the Aphrodite Dances series involves integration of all five senses into dance performance. Chocolate was the first of this series and involved audience chocolate tastings coordinated with the movements, chocolate “painting,” and a ceremonial toast of liquid chocolate. “This is a way to bring people together, turn off the cell phones and share time together, in the moment, fully present,” she describes. “‘Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive’ will integrate food inspired by both my memories of childhood and the development of R&J.”
Founding VOICE cast members Rebecca Niziol and Chris Hannon will perform alongside actor Sara Lovett and other guests. Culinary elements for the Monday special event by Chef John Sutton of In Good Taste Catering & Design.
VOICE was founded in December of 2009 by Gina Patterson and Eric Midgley. These two internationally acclaimed dance artists, each with nearly thirty years experience in the dance world, leverage their extensive contacts to assemble world-class performers and collaborators on a per-project basis. VOICE is focused on the creative work of Gina Patterson. Her award-winning choreography drives the company’s projects. VOICE also acts as a laboratory for new concepts in movement, staging, collaboration, and arts business practices.
Limited tickets to the Special Event on July 9 at 7:30pm at Mercury Hall are available for $50, including intimate performance, tastings, wine, and participation in the focus group for in-depth discussion with the artists. - VOICE your contribution.
An In-studio Performance of the the dance only will be offered for $10 on July 8 at 3pm at Tapestry Dance Company.
Ticket information, directions, as well as artist bios are available on our website: www.voicedancecompany.org.
To arrange interviews, call 512-731-9746.
This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.
Patterson is currently developing a new version of Romeo and Juliet commissioned by CoDa21 in Puerto Rico. It will premiere in San Juan in April 2013. “Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive” provides a look into Patterson’s new telling of the perennial favorite.
“My grandparents’ name is Romeo and I grew up on the drive that carries their name.” Patterson says, explaining the title of the event. Three generations removed from her family’s true “Romeo and Juliet” story, Patterson performed the role of Juliet many times over the course of twenty years. Now, as a choreographer, she is re-telling the story in her own way.
“This story is deeply woven into her life,” says Midgley, “Treating it requires vulnerability and courage. Of course, these are both signature qualities of all her dances. Gina will be sharing personal stories that are integral to the piece and moderating in-depth discussion between artists and audience. We are offering an opportunity for the Austin community to engage with the art in a unique way. With the shared sensory experience of breaking bread together, the audience will act as a focus group, interacting deeply with the artists to explore and influence the work. This is a chance to 'VOICE' their contribution.”
“I am excited to share this work here at home,” says Patterson. “At this stage in my process, I am not limiting anything. Movement, concepts, and staging ideas are all in a state of boundless possibility. The audience will get a unique perspective on the piece by looking in at this point. We are throwing the doors to the kitchen open and letting our guests taste all the ingredients.”
Patterson’s concept for the Aphrodite Dances series involves integration of all five senses into dance performance. Chocolate was the first of this series and involved audience chocolate tastings coordinated with the movements, chocolate “painting,” and a ceremonial toast of liquid chocolate. “This is a way to bring people together, turn off the cell phones and share time together, in the moment, fully present,” she describes. “‘Aphrodite Dances: Romeo Drive’ will integrate food inspired by both my memories of childhood and the development of R&J.”
Founding VOICE cast members Rebecca Niziol and Chris Hannon will perform alongside actor Sara Lovett and other guests. Culinary elements for the Monday special event by Chef John Sutton of In Good Taste Catering & Design.
VOICE was founded in December of 2009 by Gina Patterson and Eric Midgley. These two internationally acclaimed dance artists, each with nearly thirty years experience in the dance world, leverage their extensive contacts to assemble world-class performers and collaborators on a per-project basis. VOICE is focused on the creative work of Gina Patterson. Her award-winning choreography drives the company’s projects. VOICE also acts as a laboratory for new concepts in movement, staging, collaboration, and arts business practices.
Limited tickets to the Special Event on July 9 at 7:30pm at Mercury Hall are available for $50, including intimate performance, tastings, wine, and participation in the focus group for in-depth discussion with the artists. - VOICE your contribution.
An In-studio Performance of the the dance only will be offered for $10 on July 8 at 3pm at Tapestry Dance Company.
Ticket information, directions, as well as artist bios are available on our website: www.voicedancecompany.org.
To arrange interviews, call 512-731-9746.
This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.
Contact
VOICE Dance Company
Eric Midgley
512-731-9746
http://voicedancecompany.org
Eric Midgley
512-731-9746
http://voicedancecompany.org
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