Play 2005 program

"I am interested in people moving, not dancers dancing." —Adele Myers
mission statement
Adele Myers and Dancers, founded in 2000, is a contemporary dance company of women based
in New York City. Myers’ work combines robust athleticism with dramatic intent. Quirky and at
times unsettling, her choreography explores power dynamics among women that range from
playful to aggressive. The performers embody a raw quality that transforms the stage into
a playground of intricate relationships. Adele Myers and Dancers strives to create works that
are provocative, engaging and accessible to a spectrum of people watchers.
Adele Myers, artistic director/performer
Myers received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College in 1992 and her MFA in dance from Florida State University in 2000.
While attending FSU, she founded Adele Myers and Dancers, received two university fellowships and was honored with the
Artist Award from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. From 2000 to 2002, Myers was an assistant professor at Newcomb College
in the department of theater and dance at Tulane University, where she co-founded the People’s Touring Project (PTP) with Kelly
Drummond Cawthon. She was a professional dancer and member of Joy Kellman/Co. in New York City from 1992–1998. Myers
was also a guest artist with several companies, including Momix and Lisa Giobbi/Motion Pictures Dance Company. She has served
as a choreographic/rehearsal assistant for Jawole Zollar and artistic director of the Urban Bush Women, whom she also assisted in
a residency with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Myers’ choreography has been presented throughout the United States
and in Honduras and England. In addition to receiving a Jacob’s Pillow honorarium for participation in the choreographercomposer collaboration with the Tanglewood Music Center, she is also a 2005 recipient of an Artist Fellowship to support the
creation of new work in choreography from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Myers is currently a Ph.D.
candidate in Performance Studies at New York University.
photo: John Nalon
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
[email protected]
dancers
Rachel Lynne Astern, performer
Astern came to New York City after completing her BFA in Dance
at Florida State University, where she had the opportunity to work
with Jawole Zollar, Lynda Davis, Gerri Houlihan, Jack Clark,
Dr. Nancy Smith Fichter and Suzanne Farrell. She has toured with
the People’s Touring Project, Phlava Dance and Urban Wash Dance
Company, and has presented in New York, Europe, Japan and the
southeastern United States. Astern is a founding member of Adele
Myers and Dancers and a trainer of the Gyrotonic
expansion system.
Diana Deaver, performer
Deaver received her BFA in dance at Florida State University.
She currently works as a dancer and model in New York City.
Deaver is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers
and of the People’s Touring Project. She also works with the
New York City Opera and Sean Curran Company. In 2003, she
co-produced and performed in the weekly caberet Big Spender
and the Naughty Five.
Jessica Patz, performer
Patz is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers.
She came to New York after dancing with the company Break
Thru in Dresden, Germany. Patz began her training with Mia
Michaels, attended New World School of the Arts, and graduated
with a BFA in dance from Florida State University.
Allison Walton, performer
Walton graduated from Florida State University with a BFA
in dance and English. At FSU, she performed works by Doug
Varone, Sean Curran and Jawole Zollar. Walton also studied
with Billy Siegenfeld at ProDanza Italia. She has been performing
with Adele Myers and Dancers since August of 2002. Walton
is a certified personal trainer and boxer, and for the past year
has been pursuing a career in acting. She appeared in David
Mamet’s Reunion at the American Theater of Actors in New York
City in 2004.
advisory board
Gabri Christa, artistic director, Danzaisa
Nancy Smith Fichter, choreographer, professor emerita, FSU
Danial Shapiro, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Joanie Smith, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Jawole Zollar, artistic director, Urban Bush Women
photo: Bill Durgin
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
[email protected]
Aliza Arenson, administrative consultant
Arenson attended Barnard College/Columbia University
where she received a BA in Art History and Dance History.
She has held administrative internships at Dance Magazine,
New York City Ballet Archives,Williamsburg Art NeXus and
Buglisi/Foreman Dance. She was the Programming Intern at
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2003 and part of the coordinating
committee for Danza-Dancenow/NYC 2004. She is the
Direct Donations Coordinator at Materials for the Arts, NYC
Department of Cultural Affairs. In addition to working with
Adele Myers and Dancers, Arenson is an administrative
consultant for Von Ussar/Danceworks.
Christopher Duggan, photographer
Duggan attended the School of Visual Arts and the International
Center for Photography. He has created photojournalistic
images for almost 10 years. Duggan’s passion for community
and self-expression draws him to family ritual, celebration
and performance. In addition to documenting the work of Adele
Myers and Dancers, Duggan has also worked with the Urban
Bush Women Dance Company, NY Cares, Project by Project
and the Looking Glass Theater.
Bill Durgin, photographer
Born 1970 in Vermont, photographer Bill Durgin lives and works
in New York. In 1995 he received a BFA from Tufts University and
The School of the Museum of Fine Arts. He moved to
San Francisco in 1996 and attended CCAC where he received
his MFA in 2000. His current work focuses on choreographed
gesture within domestic architecture. Using the subjects’ home
as the setting, he positions each photograph around an
intimated narrative. Recent exhibitions include SF Camerawork,
jennjoygallery and Eyre/Moore Gallery. His photographs have
been published in Surface Magazine, SOMA, Artnews, Zyzzyva,
Curve, Esquire and Time Out NY.
Jim French, lighting designer
In addition to working with Adele Myers and Dancers, French’s
lighting designs for dance include Twyla Tharp, Chet Walker,
Gabrielle Lansner, Jacob’s Pillow, Notario Dance, Infinity Dance,
Ellen Stokes-Shadle and TreeHouse Shakers. Touring credits
include Pascal Rioult,Twyla Tharp, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Muller
and Buglisi/Foreman. French is currently Lighting Supervisor
for the Martha Graham Dance Company.
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
Lyris Hung, musician/composer
Lyris Hung, a graduate of the Juilliard School and Columbia
University, has appeared live and on recordings with numerous
artists including Bono, Bryan Adams, Ornette Coleman,
Dan Zanes, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Suzanne Vega and
Rosanne Cash. In addition to playing, Lyris composes and
improvises for dance, film and stage, including Kate Rigg’s
Birth of a nASIAN, and recent works by Meg Wolfe and Marika
Chandler. She can be heard regularly with Quasilulu, the Mila
Drumke Band, Cat Martino, Kate Rigg and Slanty Eyed Mama.
Ahree Lee, filmmaker/graphic designer
Lee is a graphic designer and experimental filmmaker based in
New Haven, Connecticut. A recipient of a 2005 Artist Fellowship
Grant in film and video from the state of Connecticut, Ahree has
had her films screened at festivals across the U.S. and Canada.
She has taught typography and motion graphics at the University
of Connecticut and has been a visiting critic in the design
programs at SUNY Purchase and Rutgers Camden. Ahree holds
a BA from Yale University and an MFA from Yale School of Art.
Agata Olek, costume designer
Olek graduated from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland with
a degree in Cultural Studies. In New York, she has designed sets
and costumes for dance, theater and film, including Mary Anthony
Dance Theater, Shua Group, Racoco Productions, Anita Cheng and
The Construction Company. Olek’s crocheted wearable sculptures
have been exhibited at the Williamsburg Arts and Historical Society,
New York’s 5be Gallery, Toronto Fringe Festival, Philadelphia Life
Arts Festival and the Transformer Gallery in Washington, D.C. In
2004, Olek received the Ruth Mellon Award from the National Art
Club and she was selected for the 05–06 Sculpture Space residency
program in Utica, NY.
Nel Shelby, videographer
Shelby owns and operates her own company, N*E*L productions,
which specializes in video for dance performance. Currently Shelby
is the Head Videographer for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Since
2002 Shelby has been the Media Specialist and Video Archivist for
Urban Bush Women Dance Company where she is responsible
for all aspects of media, including the production of their website,
20th anniversary season promotional video and their cd rom press
kit. She received her BFA in dance and BS in broadcast in 2001.
Nel lives and works in New York City.
[email protected]
press
“...in Myers’s engrossing Slipline (for her own company), the dancers emerge as collaborating individuals.
In games, varied encounters, and bold dancing by five women, we can view Dominique Godderis as
a mischief maker and Myers as her sometime confederate, Diana Deaver and Allison Walton as friends,
and Rachel Astern as a loner. It's a rich little world.” —Deborah Jowitt, The Village Voice
“This year the troupe kicks it up a notch with the addition of esteemed choreographer Adele Myers.”
—Eileen Loh-Harrist, Gambit Weekly, New Orleans
“Adele Myers puts a new twist on dance.”—Mark Hinson, Tallahassee Democrat
dance community
“Myers’ work bursts with the high voltage kinetics, wit, quirks and most of all clear
talent that characterize her mind, a place I always enjoy visiting.”
—Nancy Smith Fichter, Choreographer, Professor Emerita,
Florida State University
“Adele Myers and Dancers dance like they don't care that you're watching.
They always embody Myers' abundant commitment to the movement, bringing
themselves to the work first as people, then as dancers. Not to be missed.”
—Maria Bauman, Urban Bush Women company member
audience
“A wondrously imaginative spectrum of movement that is ticklish to the amateur eye
and technically intricate upon closer inspection. Myers creates characters whose
secrets you want to know. You want to learn their moves, just one, one at a time.”
—Mary McKinley
“Myers has managed to inject an element of levity into an art form that often takes
itself too seriously.” —Joseph Fortuna
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
photo: Squire Fox
“The choreography is incredibly inventive and dynamic,
and the dancers are playful, surprising and so energetic!”
—Allison Tennenbaum
[email protected]
Coil (2002)
Ze Moxy Baloop (2003)
Bound by unison and tight black dresses, the dancers express,
through minimal gestures, confining states of social grace.
Gradually nuances appear that individualize each performer as
they unwind one coil at a time. The dance is complemented by
a video installation designed by Ahree Lee.
Music: Chopin
Length: 4 minutes
Performed as a solo or group work
Video Installation: Ahree Lee
Accompanied live by dynamic percussive rhythms, Ze Moxy Baloop
is a full-bodied, energetic and vibrant salute to sexiness. The
choreography offers a unified kaleidoscope of sensual ferocity
that explodes into clusters of high-flying lifts, acrobatic interludes
and occasional near misses.
Music: Original score by Patrick Flynn
Length: 4 minutes 30 seconds
Performers: Five dancers
Four (2004)
Puppet (2002)
Four is a physical manifestation of the hidden culture of
Choreographed for a male soloist, Puppet was created during the
2002 Choreographer-Composer residency at Jacob’s Pillow Dance
Festival in partnership with the Tanglewood Music Center.
Accompanied by an original score for flute and violin, the piece
explores a puppeteer’s light-hearted but lonely yearnings to be
a puppet.
Music: Original score by Raphael Hernandez III
Length: 2 minutes
Performers: One dancer
aggression among girls. The stage becomes a social minefield
as four dancers negotiate the complex dynamics of possessiveness,
manipulation, hostility and exclusion. These qualities emerge
through hand games and hopscotch taken to extremes.
The interactions oscillate between playful and antagonistic,
demonstrating the precarious nature of friendships. With live
electric violin accompaniment.
Music: Original score composed and performed live by Lyris Hung
Length: 13 minutes
Performers: Four dancers
Slipline (2002)
Slipline is a quintet of tilting energies and fearless thrashing
A Piece for Summer (2005)
about. Performed in silence, the sweetness and beauty of girlish
flirtation are tempered with violent strength. Throughout, the
dancers enact, through games, the complexities of relationships
between women.
Music: performed in silence
Length: approximately 13 minutes
Performers: Five dancers
Black and white images projected on the back wall portray
a coastal Georgia scene. Inspired by the architecture and mood
of the photographs, the choreography recreates the images as
a three-dimensional landscape. Accompanied by the quelling
sound of an original score for vibraphone, the dancers move with
ease along the imagined seaside, balance precariously on the edge
of a dock, then transform into a cluster of seagulls skimming the
surface of the water.
Music: Original score by Brittany Larson
Length: 10 minutes
Performers: Five dancers
Photographs: Jack Leigh
Merkaba (2003)
Merkaba is a fast, frenetic solo that launches the dancer into a
tumbling fury of momentum. Flashes of stillness reveal a quirky
caricature briefly caught on balance. The soloist moves seamlessly
from one dynamic into another, effortlessly barreling off two legs
then perching solidly onto one.
Music: Mr. Bungle
Length: 3 minutes 40 seconds
Performer: One dancer
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
For information on repertory for children's shows, please e-mail at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Adele Myers and Dancers believes that art is a powerful educational tool and an essential component in personal growth and development.
Through dance, the company addresses individuality, collaboration, physical strength, confidence, trust and determination. It is central
to the mission to develop new audiences by engaging with a spectrum of people of all ages, physical abilities, socio-economic and cultural
backgrounds to promote dance as an expression of everyday life, both on and off the stage. In the company’s classes, workshops and
outreach projects they investigate artistry as a community in motion.
classes
Emphasizing the ‘individual’ approach to movement,
Adele Myers and Dancers offers a variety of experiences
designed to accommodate all levels of movement training.
The goal of each class or workshop is to encourage participants
to investigate the thrill of motion with intelligence, confidence
and curiosity. Each class can be taught as a series or as single
workshops. Adele Myers and Dancers personally designs the
residency in collaboration with the presenting organization
to ensure that specific needs are met.
Contemporary Dance Technique, through an extremely athletic
movement vocabulary, emphasizes the power of the pelvis and
investigates: alignment, rotation, core strength, endurance,
versatility, risk-taking, inversion, performance quality, musicality,
rhythmic awareness and balance.
Pilates/Ballet focuses on the subtleties of core support,
alignment and posture, from horizontal to vertical. The class
begins with a Pilates mat class that progresses to a basic ballet
barre, center and travelling exercises.
Mod-Hop, amplifying individuality, incorporates the basic
elements of hip-hop into a modern dance framework. The
class draws from funk, house and various social dance styles.
Extreme Social Dance, designed to enhance coordination,
endurance and versatility, incorporates the social dance styles
of samba, lindy hop, swing and break dancing.
Inverted Dancing: Conditioning the Body activates the body from
head to toe, upside down or right side up. Emphasizing upper body
strength and core support, the multi-joint exercises are designed to
heighten cardiovascular activity and tone muscles. The endurance
training prepares participants to dance on their hands as well as
their feet.
Finding Voice investigates the fundamental techniques of
vocal work. Exercises address breath awareness, alignment
and presentation.
Auditioning is designed to inform performers about what to
expect at professional auditions for actors and dancers including
discussion about presentation and performance. Sample auditions
will be held for Broadway shows, contemporary dance companies
and casting calls for actors.
Repertory Development Lab: Autoportaits is a multi-media
collaboration expressed through dance, text, music and
technology. Participants are asked to contribute their personal
visions to the choreographic process. The company prefers
to include local artists, photographers, videographers and
musicians to collaborate on the Autoportraits project. Informal
studio showings are included as part of this process. The showings
are formatted as lecture/demonstrations, led by members of
Adele Myers and Dancers.
community in motion concert
Dancing in Tandem: Partnering is an introduction to advanced
mechanics of partnering and encourages all participants to lift
and be lifted.
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
The residency culminates in the Community in Motion concert,
which will include repertoire performed by the company and
community participants. The evening of dances will end with
a post-performance discussion with the audience.
[email protected]
2000
Florida State University,Tallahassee, FL
Jelks Theater, Savannah, GA
2001
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Lee, MA
Tanglewood Music Center, Lenox, MA
2002
Williamsburg Arts NeXus, Brooklyn, NY
Dance Forum, New York, NY
Florida State University,Tallahassee, FL
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Barking Legs Theater, Chattanooga,TN
University Settlement, New York, NY
2003
BRIC/Brooklyn Information & Culture, Brooklyn, NY
Williamsburg Arts NeXus, Brooklyn, NY
Merce Cunningham Studios, New York, NY
Dance Space Center, New York, NY
Jennifer Muller Studio, New York, NY
2004
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Merce Cunningham Studios, New York, NY
Florida State University,Tallahassee, FL
2005
Merce Cunningham Studios, New York, NY
PerformanceDance Studios, Norwalk, CT
Impulse Dance Festival, St. Louis, MO
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Berlin Branch YMCA, Sarasota, FL
photo: Bill Durgin
Greenwich Academy, Greenwich, CT
www.adelemyersanddancers.com
T: 203.887.0306
[email protected]
Superstars
Deborah D. Dodds
Richard & Susan Myers
Enthusiasts
Wayne Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Dodds, III
Reed Dulaney, III
Celia W. Dunn Reality Co.
Mr. & Mrs. William Espy
Nan & Jim Hobson
Hayden & Ed Johns
Mary McKinley & Lawrence Young
Mr. & Mrs. James McIntire, Jr.
Barbara L. Mills
Fans
Anonymous
Kaye Courington
Jenn Joy & Bill Durgin
Elizabeth Kehoe
Jon Larson & John Jennings
Alex Lippincott
Nancy & Richard Middleton
Audrey Platt
Anna Marie Riley
Nora & John Riley-Perks
Elizabeth M. Sheehan
Miranda Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Booker
Bertie Skinner
Sally & Robert Smyth
Gina & Bill Sunderl&
Ali Tenenbaum & Dave Bensinger
Sheldon & Zelda Tenenbaum
Melissa & John Tompkins
Robert & Dana Tompkins
Matthew & Kate Walsh
Kate Yonkers & Kelly Welch
Cynthia Young
R
P R
Friends
Barbara & Pete Anderson
Lois Astern
Tricia Brouk
Kevin & Emily Carter
Mimi Cay
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Connor
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Connor, Jr.
Natalie Deriso & Madeline Walker
Jeanette Duncklee
Lucretia & Malcolm Duncklee
Katharine Elsas
Brian Floca
Dr. & Mrs. William Hitch
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Kaminsky
Lorelei Kelly
Dr. & Mrs. Robert King
Melody Martin
Dottie & Billy McGinley
Ann McKinley
Leah & Neal Mitchell
Sam H. Morgan
Elizabeth Rogers
Joan & Gabriel Smith
April 21-23, 2005
Merce Cunningham Studio
program design: Lori McCaskill
photographs: Bill Durgin
Slipline (2002)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Adele Myers,
Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Performed in silence
Costumes: Agata Olek
Video: Ahree Lee
Merkaba (2003)
Performer: Rachel Astern
Music: Mr. Bungle, Chemical Marriage (from Disco Volante)
Costumes: Agata Olek
Four (2004)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed live by Lyris Hung
Costumes: Adele Myers
Original material for this dance was developed during
the People’s Touring Project 2003.
Coil (2002)
Performers: Kelly Drummond Cawthon, Adele Myers
Music: Frédéric Chopin, Nocturne no. 20, performed by Karl Fey
Video: Ahree Lee
—INTERMISSION—
Umbrella Girl (2005)
Performer: Adele Myers
Music: The Innocence Mission, Over the Rainbow
(sung by Karen Peris on The Day is Over)
A Piece for Summer (premiere)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Adele Myers,
Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed by Brittany Larson
Photographs: Jack Leigh
Costumes: Designed & constructed by Agata Olek
Ze Moxy Baloop (2003)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Peyton Biederman, Diana Deaver,
Adele Myers, Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed by Patrick Flynn
Costumes: Agata Olek
The choreography for Play was developed in collaboration with the dancers.
Slipline (2002)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Adele Myers,
Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Performed in silence
Costumes: Agata Olek
Video: Ahree Lee
Merkaba (2003)
Performer: Rachel Astern
Music: Mr. Bungle, Chemical Marriage (from Disco Volante)
Costumes: Agata Olek
Four (2004)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed live by Lyris Hung
Costumes: Adele Myers
Original material for this dance was developed during
the People’s Touring Project 2003.
Coil (2002)
Performers: Kelly Drummond Cawthon, Adele Myers
Music: Frédéric Chopin, Nocturne no. 20, performed by Karl Fey
Video: Ahree Lee
—INTERMISSION—
Umbrella Girl (2005)
Performer: Adele Myers
Music: The Innocence Mission, Over the Rainbow
(sung by Karen Peris on The Day is Over)
A Piece for Summer (premiere)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Diana Deaver, Adele Myers,
Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed by Brittany Larson
Photographs: Jack Leigh
Costumes: Designed & constructed by Agata Olek
Ze Moxy Baloop (2003)
Performers: Rachel Astern, Peyton Biederman, Diana Deaver,
Adele Myers, Jessica Patz, Allison Walton
Music: Original score composed & performed by Patrick Flynn
Costumes: Agata Olek
The choreography for Play was developed in collaboration with the dancers.
Adele Myers, artistic director / performer
modern dance technique, composition and repertory, collaborates with the Digital Worlds Institute, and
Myers received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College in 1992 and her MFA in dance from Florida State
is the artistic director of the professional training company, the Florida MOD Project. Cawthon spent
University in 2000. While attending FSU, she founded Adele Myers and Dancers, received two universi-
her childhood in acrobatics and musical theatre. She began her modern dance training in South
ty fellowships and was honored with the Artist Award from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. From 2000
Australia, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Adelaide. She came to
to 2002, Myers was an assistant professor at Newcomb College in the department of theater and dance
the United States to pursue a master of fine arts degree in dance choreography and performance at
at Tulane University, where she co-founded the People’s Touring Project (PTP) with Kelly Drummond
Florida State University. Cawthon has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad,
Cawthon. She was a professional dancer and member of Joy Kellman/Co. in New York City from
appearing in performances on five continents, in seven nations and most of the 50 states. She has
1992–1998. Myers was also a guest artist with several companies, including Momix and Lisa
worked as a dance educator, performer and rehearsal director for dance companies including the New
Giobbi/Motion Pictures Dance Company. She has served as a choreographic/rehearsal assistant for
Dance Group, the Doris Humphrey Repertory Company, Joy Kellman, The Hudson Vagabond
Jawole Zollar and artistic director of the Urban Bush Women, whom she also assisted in a residency with
Puppeteers, Motion Pictures Dance Theater, and most prominently, Shapiro & Smith Dance. In summer
the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Myers’ choreography has been presented throughout the
2000, she launched an intergenerational dance company,The People’s Touring Project, with collaborator
United States and in Honduras and England. In addition to receiving a Jacob’s Pillow honorarium for
Adele Myers. Each year the company tours the Southeast and presents New York City performance sea-
participation in the choreographer-composer collaboration with the Tanglewood Music Center, she is
sons. Kelly’s choreography also has been produced in Australia, the United States, Canada, Bulgaria,
also a 2005 recipient of an Artist Fellowship to support the creation of new work in choreography from
Edinburgh, Russia and Korea. She has received fellowships and grants from the University of Florida,
the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Myers is currently a Ph.D. candidate in
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Trust, and The South Australian Department for the Arts.
Performance Studies at New York University.
Diana Deaver, performer
Rachel Lynne Astern, performer
Deaver was raised in Dallas,TX where she began dancing at a young age. She currently lives in NYC and
Astern came to New York City after completing her BFA in Dance at Florida State University. She has
works as a dancer and model. Diana is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers and People’s
toured with People’s Touring Project, Phlava Dance and Urban Wash Dance Company, and has present-
Touring Project. She holds a BFA from Florida State University. While in New York, Diana has also
ed in New York, Europe, Japan, and the southeastern United States. Astern is a founding member of
worked with the Sean Curran Company,The NewYork City Opera, and most recently the David Parsons
Adele Myers and Dancers and a trainer of the Gyrotonic Expansion System. She will begin Speech
Dance Company. Diana has taught dance in NewYork City and is excited to accompany Adele this sum-
Language Pathology graduate studies in the fall.
mer on teaching and choreography projects with the company and PTP.
Peyton Biederman, guest performer
Jessica Patz, performer
Peyton Biederman graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University where she received her BFA in
Patz is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers. She came to New York after dancing with the
dance, French, and philosophy. She also studied at both La Sorbonne and Le Centre de Danse du Marais
Cynthia Gonzales company Break Thru in Dresden, Germany. Patz began her training with Mia
while abroad in Paris, France. Peyton is a former member of the Chattanooga Ballet and the Newcomb
Michaels, attended NewWorld School of the Arts, and graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in dance
Dance Company. Since moving to NewYork, she has performed with the People’s Touring Project,Adele
from Florida State University. She currently has found a new passion in Swing, Samba and Break danc-
Myers and Dancers, and the Headless Horse Dance Company. In addition to performing with Adele
ing and spends the rest of her time painting and drawing a comic strip.
Myers and Dancers this spring, she also has upcoming performances with the Vangeline Theatre in May.
Allison Walton, performer
Kelly Drummond Cawthon, guest performer, assistant professor of theatre and
Walton graduated from Florida State University with a BFA in dance and English. At FSU, she performed
dance, school of theatre and dance Raised in Tasmania, Australia, Cawthon joined the faculty of
works by Doug Varone, Sean Curran and Jawole Zollar. Walton also studied with Billy Siegenfeld at
the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance in 1999 as an assistant professor. She teaches
ProDanza Italia. She has been performing with Adele Myers and Dancers since August of 2002. Walton
Adele Myers, artistic director / performer
modern dance technique, composition and repertory, collaborates with the Digital Worlds Institute, and
Myers received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College in 1992 and her MFA in dance from Florida State
is the artistic director of the professional training company, the Florida MOD Project. Cawthon spent
University in 2000. While attending FSU, she founded Adele Myers and Dancers, received two universi-
her childhood in acrobatics and musical theatre. She began her modern dance training in South
ty fellowships and was honored with the Artist Award from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. From 2000
Australia, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Adelaide. She came to
to 2002, Myers was an assistant professor at Newcomb College in the department of theater and dance
the United States to pursue a master of fine arts degree in dance choreography and performance at
at Tulane University, where she co-founded the People’s Touring Project (PTP) with Kelly Drummond
Florida State University. Cawthon has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad,
Cawthon. She was a professional dancer and member of Joy Kellman/Co. in New York City from
appearing in performances on five continents, in seven nations and most of the 50 states. She has
1992–1998. Myers was also a guest artist with several companies, including Momix and Lisa
worked as a dance educator, performer and rehearsal director for dance companies including the New
Giobbi/Motion Pictures Dance Company. She has served as a choreographic/rehearsal assistant for
Dance Group, the Doris Humphrey Repertory Company, Joy Kellman, The Hudson Vagabond
Jawole Zollar and artistic director of the Urban Bush Women, whom she also assisted in a residency with
Puppeteers, Motion Pictures Dance Theater, and most prominently, Shapiro & Smith Dance. In summer
the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Myers’ choreography has been presented throughout the
2000, she launched an intergenerational dance company,The People’s Touring Project, with collaborator
United States and in Honduras and England. In addition to receiving a Jacob’s Pillow honorarium for
Adele Myers. Each year the company tours the Southeast and presents New York City performance sea-
participation in the choreographer-composer collaboration with the Tanglewood Music Center, she is
sons. Kelly’s choreography also has been produced in Australia, the United States, Canada, Bulgaria,
also a 2005 recipient of an Artist Fellowship to support the creation of new work in choreography from
Edinburgh, Russia and Korea. She has received fellowships and grants from the University of Florida,
the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Myers is currently a Ph.D. candidate in
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Trust, and The South Australian Department for the Arts.
Performance Studies at New York University.
Diana Deaver, performer
Rachel Lynne Astern, performer
Deaver was raised in Dallas,TX where she began dancing at a young age. She currently lives in NYC and
Astern came to New York City after completing her BFA in Dance at Florida State University. She has
works as a dancer and model. Diana is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers and People’s
toured with People’s Touring Project, Phlava Dance and Urban Wash Dance Company, and has present-
Touring Project. She holds a BFA from Florida State University. While in New York, Diana has also
ed in New York, Europe, Japan, and the southeastern United States. Astern is a founding member of
worked with the Sean Curran Company,The NewYork City Opera, and most recently the David Parsons
Adele Myers and Dancers and a trainer of the Gyrotonic Expansion System. She will begin Speech
Dance Company. Diana has taught dance in NewYork City and is excited to accompany Adele this sum-
Language Pathology graduate studies in the fall.
mer on teaching and choreography projects with the company and PTP.
Peyton Biederman, guest performer
Jessica Patz, performer
Peyton Biederman graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University where she received her BFA in
Patz is a founding member of Adele Myers and Dancers. She came to New York after dancing with the
dance, French, and philosophy. She also studied at both La Sorbonne and Le Centre de Danse du Marais
Cynthia Gonzales company Break Thru in Dresden, Germany. Patz began her training with Mia
while abroad in Paris, France. Peyton is a former member of the Chattanooga Ballet and the Newcomb
Michaels, attended NewWorld School of the Arts, and graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in dance
Dance Company. Since moving to NewYork, she has performed with the People’s Touring Project,Adele
from Florida State University. She currently has found a new passion in Swing, Samba and Break danc-
Myers and Dancers, and the Headless Horse Dance Company. In addition to performing with Adele
ing and spends the rest of her time painting and drawing a comic strip.
Myers and Dancers this spring, she also has upcoming performances with the Vangeline Theatre in May.
Allison Walton, performer
Kelly Drummond Cawthon, guest performer, assistant professor of theatre and
Walton graduated from Florida State University with a BFA in dance and English. At FSU, she performed
dance, school of theatre and dance Raised in Tasmania, Australia, Cawthon joined the faculty of
works by Doug Varone, Sean Curran and Jawole Zollar. Walton also studied with Billy Siegenfeld at
the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance in 1999 as an assistant professor. She teaches
ProDanza Italia. She has been performing with Adele Myers and Dancers since August of 2002. Walton
is a certified personal trainer and boxer, and for the past year has been pursuing a career in acting. She
Brittany Larson, musician / composer
appeared in David Mamet’s Reunion at the American Theater of Actors in New York City in 2004.
Larson was raised in Seattle,WA, where she graduated in 2002 from the prestigious fine arts department
of Roosevelt High School. She began piano at age 5, and started studying jazz at age 12. She took up
Karl Fey, musician
vibraphone at 17, and performed extensively in Roosevelt’s jazz program, including at Lincoln Center
Karl Fey is a classical piano major at NYU, graduating this May. His performance credits include
with Wynton Marsalis at the 2012 Essentially Ellington Competition. By age 89, she toured both West
Carnegie Hall with the New York Youth Symphony, St. Patrick's Cathedral with the the Young People’s
and East coasts, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, including the Montreux, North Sea, and San Sebastien
Chorus of New York City, and a piano solo at Weill Hall. In his time at NYU, he has played with singers,
Jazz Festivals. She is now a junior pursuing both vibraphone and piano performance at NYU. She cur-
instrumentalists and groups, such as the NYU Women's Choir and University Singers. His latest project
rently studies with Stefon Harris, performs in NYC, and leads her own groups. She also minors in phi-
is writing and recording with the rock band The Roaring 20’s (music available at www.tr20s.com), in
losophy, and is interested in multimedia performance and composition, jazz, all music, and art.
which he sings and plays lead synthesizer.
Agata Olek, costume designer
Patrick Flynn, musician / composer
Olek graduated from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland with a degree in cultural studies. In New
Flynn came to New York city in 2002 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of
York, she has designed sets and costumes for dance, theater, and film, including for Mary Anthony
Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Currently freelancing in New York as a percussionist and
Dance Theater, Shua Group, racoco productions, Anita Cheng, Kelly Kocinski, Ariane Anthony and
drummer, he is on faculty as an accompanist for the dance department at Montclaire State University.
Company, The Construction Company, overconfident wannabe productions, NasaDiva Productions,
Virginia Valdes (video), Layard Thomson, and Sacura Shimada. She has also taught costume design
Jim French, lighting designer
workshops for Materials for the Arts, the source of inspiration for many of her creations. For more infor-
In addition to working with Adele Myers and Dancers, French’s lighting designs for dance include Twyla
mationplease visit www.agataolek.com.
Tharp, ChetWalker, Gabrielle Lansner, Jacob’s Pillow, Notario Dance, Infinity Dance, Ellen Stokes-Shadle
and TreeHouse Shakers. Touring credits include Pascal Rioult,Twyla Tharp, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Muller
and Buglisi/Foreman. French is currently Lighting Supervisor for the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Lyris Hung, musician / composer
Hung, a graduate of the Juilliard School and Columbia University, has appeared live and on recordings
with numerous artists including Bono, Bryan Adams, Ornette Coleman, Dan Zanes, the Trans-Siberian
Special Thanks To:
Aliza Arenson, Maria Bauman, Alberto Bohl, Leymis Bolanõs, Mila Drumke, Seth Dodds,
Christopher Duggan, Bill Durgin, Jeremy Fonicello, Kelly Gaunt, Erin Gorman, Jenn Joy, Kyle Jordon,
Courtney Miller, Mary McKinley, KDNY, Lori McCaskill, Corey Sinyai, Melanie Swenson, Nel Shelby
Orchestra, Suzanne Vega and Rosanne Cash. In addition to playing, Lyris composes and improvises for
dance, film and stage, including Birth of an ASIAN, and recent works by Meg Wolfe and Marika
Chandler. She can be heard regularly with Quasilulu, the Mila Drumke Band, Cat Martino, Kate Rigg and
Slanty Eyed Mama.
Ahree Lee, filmmaker / graphic designer
Advisory Board
Gabri Christa, artistic director, Danzaisa
Nancy Smith Fichter, choreographer, professor emerita, FSU
Danial Shapiro, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Joanie Smith, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Jawole Zollar, artistic director, Urban Bush Women
Lee is a graphic designer and experimental filmmaker based in New Haven, Connecticut. A recipient of
a 2005 Artist Fellowship Grant in film and video from the state of Connecticut, Ahree has had her films
screened at festivals across the U.S. and Canada. She has taught typography and motion graphics at the
University of Connecticut and has been a visiting critic in the design programs at SUNY Purchase and
Rutgers Camden. Ahree holds a BA from Yale University and an MFA from Yale School of Art.
This performance is made possible in part by funding from the Connecticut Commission
on Culture & Toursim and generous individual donors
For more information about Adele Myers and Dancers please visit www.adelemyersanddancers.com
or contact us: [email protected]
is a certified personal trainer and boxer, and for the past year has been pursuing a career in acting. She
Brittany Larson, musician / composer
appeared in David Mamet’s Reunion at the American Theater of Actors in New York City in 2004.
Larson was raised in Seattle,WA, where she graduated in 2002 from the prestigious fine arts department
of Roosevelt High School. She began piano at age 5, and started studying jazz at age 12. She took up
Karl Fey, musician
vibraphone at 17, and performed extensively in Roosevelt’s jazz program, including at Lincoln Center
Karl Fey is a classical piano major at NYU, graduating this May. His performance credits include
with Wynton Marsalis at the 2012 Essentially Ellington Competition. By age 89, she toured both West
Carnegie Hall with the New York Youth Symphony, St. Patrick's Cathedral with the the Young People’s
and East coasts, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, including the Montreux, North Sea, and San Sebastien
Chorus of New York City, and a piano solo at Weill Hall. In his time at NYU, he has played with singers,
Jazz Festivals. She is now a junior pursuing both vibraphone and piano performance at NYU. She cur-
instrumentalists and groups, such as the NYU Women's Choir and University Singers. His latest project
rently studies with Stefon Harris, performs in NYC, and leads her own groups. She also minors in phi-
is writing and recording with the rock band The Roaring 20’s (music available at www.tr20s.com), in
losophy, and is interested in multimedia performance and composition, jazz, all music, and art.
which he sings and plays lead synthesizer.
Agata Olek, costume designer
Patrick Flynn, musician / composer
Olek graduated from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland with a degree in cultural studies. In New
Flynn came to New York city in 2002 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of
York, she has designed sets and costumes for dance, theater, and film, including for Mary Anthony
Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Currently freelancing in New York as a percussionist and
Dance Theater, Shua Group, racoco productions, Anita Cheng, Kelly Kocinski, Ariane Anthony and
drummer, he is on faculty as an accompanist for the dance department at Montclaire State University.
Company, The Construction Company, overconfident wannabe productions, NasaDiva Productions,
Virginia Valdes (video), Layard Thomson, and Sacura Shimada. She has also taught costume design
Jim French, lighting designer
workshops for Materials for the Arts, the source of inspiration for many of her creations. For more infor-
In addition to working with Adele Myers and Dancers, French’s lighting designs for dance include Twyla
mationplease visit www.agataolek.com.
Tharp, ChetWalker, Gabrielle Lansner, Jacob’s Pillow, Notario Dance, Infinity Dance, Ellen Stokes-Shadle
and TreeHouse Shakers. Touring credits include Pascal Rioult,Twyla Tharp, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Muller
and Buglisi/Foreman. French is currently Lighting Supervisor for the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Lyris Hung, musician / composer
Hung, a graduate of the Juilliard School and Columbia University, has appeared live and on recordings
with numerous artists including Bono, Bryan Adams, Ornette Coleman, Dan Zanes, the Trans-Siberian
Special Thanks To:
Aliza Arenson, Maria Bauman, Alberto Bohl, Leymis Bolanõs, Mila Drumke, Seth Dodds,
Christopher Duggan, Bill Durgin, Jeremy Fonicello, Kelly Gaunt, Erin Gorman, Jenn Joy, Kyle Jordon,
Courtney Miller, Mary McKinley, KDNY, Lori McCaskill, Corey Sinyai, Melanie Swenson, Nel Shelby
Orchestra, Suzanne Vega and Rosanne Cash. In addition to playing, Lyris composes and improvises for
dance, film and stage, including Birth of an ASIAN, and recent works by Meg Wolfe and Marika
Chandler. She can be heard regularly with Quasilulu, the Mila Drumke Band, Cat Martino, Kate Rigg and
Slanty Eyed Mama.
Ahree Lee, filmmaker / graphic designer
Advisory Board
Gabri Christa, artistic director, Danzaisa
Nancy Smith Fichter, choreographer, professor emerita, FSU
Danial Shapiro, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Joanie Smith, co-artistic director, Shapiro & Smith Dance
Jawole Zollar, artistic director, Urban Bush Women
Lee is a graphic designer and experimental filmmaker based in New Haven, Connecticut. A recipient of
a 2005 Artist Fellowship Grant in film and video from the state of Connecticut, Ahree has had her films
screened at festivals across the U.S. and Canada. She has taught typography and motion graphics at the
University of Connecticut and has been a visiting critic in the design programs at SUNY Purchase and
Rutgers Camden. Ahree holds a BA from Yale University and an MFA from Yale School of Art.
This performance is made possible in part by funding from the Connecticut Commission
on Culture & Toursim and generous individual donors
For more information about Adele Myers and Dancers please visit www.adelemyersanddancers.com
or contact us: [email protected]
Superstars
Deborah D. Dodds
Richard & Susan Myers
Enthusiasts
Wayne Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Dodds, III
Reed Dulaney, III
Celia W. Dunn Reality Co.
Mr. & Mrs. William Espy
Nan & Jim Hobson
Hayden & Ed Johns
Mary McKinley & Lawrence Young
Mr. & Mrs. James McIntire, Jr.
Barbara L. Mills
Fans
Anonymous
Kaye Courington
Jenn Joy & Bill Durgin
Elizabeth Kehoe
Jon Larson & John Jennings
Alex Lippincott
Nancy & Richard Middleton
Audrey Platt
Anna Marie Riley
Nora & John Riley-Perks
Elizabeth M. Sheehan
Miranda Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Booker
Bertie Skinner
Sally & Robert Smyth
Gina & Bill Sunderl&
Ali Tenenbaum & Dave Bensinger
Sheldon & Zelda Tenenbaum
Melissa & John Tompkins
Robert & Dana Tompkins
Matthew & Kate Walsh
Kate Yonkers & Kelly Welch
Cynthia Young
R
P R
Friends
Barbara & Pete Anderson
Lois Astern
Tricia Brouk
Kevin & Emily Carter
Mimi Cay
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Connor
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Connor, Jr.
Natalie Deriso & Madeline Walker
Jeanette Duncklee
Lucretia & Malcolm Duncklee
Katharine Elsas
Brian Floca
Dr. & Mrs. William Hitch
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Kaminsky
Lorelei Kelly
Dr. & Mrs. Robert King
Melody Martin
Dottie & Billy McGinley
Ann McKinley
Leah & Neal Mitchell
Sam H. Morgan
Elizabeth Rogers
Joan & Gabriel Smith
April 21-23, 2005
Merce Cunningham Studio
program design: Lori McCaskill
photographs: Bill Durgin