Reggie Wilson is the guest curator for the Danspace Project’s Platform 2018 (Feb. 28-March 24) titled, “Dancing Platform Praying Grounds: Blackness, Churches and Downtown Dance,” realized “…from Wilson’s ongoing research into religion, race, and, as he explains, ‘the potential of the body as a valid means for knowing.’” For this iteration, Wilson’s research and invitation to the artists is prompted by “…questions about race, religion, dance and the architecture and history of Danspace Project’s iconic home in St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery.” Participating dance artists include Same As Sister/Briana Brown-Tipley and Hilary Brown, Keely Garfield, Beth Gill, Jonathan Gonzalez, Miguel Gutierrez, Angie Pittman, Edisa Weeks and Ni’Ja Whitson. The platform will conclude with the world premiere of Wilson’s “…they stood shaking while others began to shout,” commissioned by Danspace. In addition to the four weeks of performances, there will be walking tours of historic, cultural buildings in Lower Manhattan, discussions, symposiums and a catalog. The series was initiated in 2010 by Danspace Project’s Executive Director and Chief Curator Judy Hussie-Taylor “…to provide time and space for artistic and curatorial inquiry. The Platforms were conceived, as she has said, ‘as exhibitions that unfold over time’ often providing a choreographic approach to curatorial practice,” according to the release. For more information, visit www.danspaceproject.org.
Feb. 2-Feb. 11—Thunderbird Native American Dancers comes to Theater for the New City with a “Pow Wow” and concert performances for all ages. Although not recommended for babies and children younger than 5, what is promised is the opportunity y to experience traditional music, dancers and stories of the native peoples of North America. For more information, visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net.
Feb. 6—In the on-going series, “Under Exposed,” curated by Doug Post, that “…focuses on emerging, up & coming contemporary choreographers who are refining/defining their distinctive styles,” featured will be Melissa West, Breaktime, Juan Michael Porter II and Jesse Obremski, notes the release. For more information, visit www.dixonplace.org.
Feb. 6-Feb. 11—Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE returns to the Joyce Theater with the company premiere of “Dancing Spirit,” originally created for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2009, and the world premiere of “Den of Dreams,” a duet dance by Brown with Arcell Cabuag celebrating Cabuag’s 20th year with the company as its associate artistic director. Also on the program is “March,” an excerpt from Brown’s 1995 “Lessons,” and Brown’s “Come Ye” (2002). For more information, visit www.Joyce.org.
Feb. 13-Feb. 25—Noche Flamenca returns to the Joyce Theater with “Íntimo,” a series of short flamenco works set to original, live music, created by artistic director Martín Santangelo and featuring the critically acclaimed dancer Soledad Barrio. For more information, visit www.joyce.org.
Feb. 11—For one afternoon only, at the Kumble Theater, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will celebrate “…the arrival of spring with a … festival of Chinese music and dance commemorating the Year of the Dog,” notes the release. For more information, visit www.Brooklyncenter.org.
Feb. 16-Feb. 17—At City Center in Studio 5, Miro Magloire will present his New Chamber Ballet in two yet-to-be-named world premieres to music by J.S. Bach and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, in collaboration with the Ekmeles vocal ensemble. For more information, visit www.newchamberballet.com.
Feb. 21—Two shows will happen at Dixon Place, “Black Queer Night,” to “…celebrate Black Queer Women* lives and art with everybody,” curated by Layla Zami and Oxana Chi, featuring Nia & Ness, Zami, Chi and MBDance, plus “Soles of Duende,” featuring the multi-cultural, all-female percussive trio based in tap, flamenco and kathak dance. For more information, visit www.dixonplace.org.
Feb. 22-Feb. 23—At BRIC House, the duo known as Brother(hood)! Dance (Orlando Zane Hunter Jr. and Ricarrdo Valentine) will use “…multimedia, dance, and storytelling to engage the audience in a meditation on the identities of Black men in relation to ideas of origins, nourishment, heritage, nature, sexuality and technology in the 21st century, for ‘Afro/Solo/Man,’ a work-in-progress,” according to the release. For more information, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.
Feb. 23—In just one evening, at Baryshnikov Arts Center, the intriguing choreographer, Marguerite Hemmings will invite audiences into her world of “…experimental … improvisation … [which melds] … dance styles that develop on the street; in dancehalls, in social settings [and] in response to social conditions,” according to the release. For more information, visit www.bacnyc.org.