Big Range Austin Dance Festival

All I can say is…wow. I mean, wow. The Big Range committee was presented with 42 amazing, thoughtful applications for spots in the festival. You can ask Ellen…I nearly cried with joy when I walked into her house and saw them stacked on the kitchen table. I hadn’t anticipated such an overwhelming response our first year out but, man, was I wrong.

A big THANK YOU to everyone that applied. It is hugely encouraging to see such interest in this festival. Below is a list of program descriptions and selected choreographers. Every single application we received was worthy, and we had to make some very tough decisions. Congratulations to not only the selected choreographers, but to each and every person that submitted an idea…keep the ideas comin’ for Big Range ‘09!

Program A

Choreographers: Leah Smiley-Tubbs, Case Dillard, Elsewhere Dance Theater, Spank Dance, Wideman/Davis Dance, Ann Berman, Meg Brooker, Danah Bella

Description: A mixed showcase of contemporary dance from established and  emerging choreographers from Austin and across the country, presented in one of Austin’s newest performing venues for dance. Dances include live music, elaborate costuming, collaborative choreography and timely subject matter.

Date/Time/Cost: Friday- Saturday,  June 6-7 @ 8:00pm, Cost $15

Location: Ballet Austin AustinVenture StudioTheater, 501 W 3rd St.

Program B

Choreographers: Mary Chase, Jim Chappeleaux, Michelle Nance, Christina Houle, Mackenzie Roseales, Chell Garcia-Trias

Description: Open your eyes and ears and bear witness to a half-dozen choreographers who have created dance to the same pieces of music. Experience the extreme differences in each while sharing a common song as two Austin composers  hand over their music to six choreographers. This showcase will bring to life elaborate storytelling through movement and imagery, in a simple and intimate stage setting.   

Date/Time/Cost: Monday-Wednesday, June 9-11 @ 8:00pm, Cost $10 (includes Program C), Limited seating
 

Location: Salvage Vanguard Theater Second Stage, 2803 Manor Rd.

Program C

Choreographers: Christina Houle, Mackenzie Roseales, Jennifer Micallef, Annie Hudson, Rashana Smith, Julia Langenberg, Lisa del Rosario, Chell Garcia-Trias

Description: See how genres can complement each other in new and unexpected ways through music and movement improvisation. This is no jam, ladies and gents. The performers developed the score together, setting boundaries and bridging new ideas.

Date/Time/Cost: Monday-Wednesday, June 9-11 @ 9:30 pm (after Program B), Cost $5, limited seating

Location: Salvage Vanguard Theater Second Stage, 2803 Manor Road

Program D

Choreographers: Two Left Feet, Schave & Reilly, Amy Cone, Sharon Marroquin, Stephanie Beauchamp, David Justin

Description: Push the limits as to what dance is in the conventional sense, and be introduced to vibrant and diverse ways of seeing movement. Program D is a mixed showcase of new contemporary dance, multi-media and movement based-performance art. New and established choreographers from Austin, Central Texas and across the country explore exciting and thought-provoking concepts in the heart of East Austin. A perfect way to round off Big Range Austin Dance Festival.

Date/Time/Cost: Friday-Saturday, June 13-14 @ 8:00pm, and Sunday, June 15 @ 6:00pm, Cost $15

Location: The Off Center, 2211-A Hidalgo St.

Tickets should be available starting in May…we hope to see you there!

 -Sarah