NYC Gazette

Juilliard is set to present "New Dances: Edition 2024," featuring four world premieres by choreographers Pam Tanowitz, Houston Thomas, Jenn Freeman, and Yue Yin. This event is a significant part of the Dance Division's fall semester and provides dancers with the opportunity to collaborate with leading figures in dance and music.

Alicia Graf Mack, dean and director of the Dance Division, commented on the collaborative nature of the event: “Each choreographer graciously worked alongside the dancers, musicians, composers, and production designers to create enduring works revealing the beauty of collaboration and creativity in motion.” She emphasized that throughout rehearsals, dancers engaged deeply with the creative process.

The performances will include music composed or adapted by living composers. Notably, Caroline Shaw has created a new piece specifically for Tanowitz's work. Each choreographer brings unique styles to their respective classes, offering students diverse material to master.

Houston Thomas's "Supernova" combines classical and contemporary styles for first-year students. It features music adapted from an electronic house track by DJ Derrick May. Jenn Freeman's "Falling and Waking Forever," created for second-year students, draws inspiration from Jacob Rock’s symphony "Unforgettable Sunrise." Freeman's work reflects personal experiences of nonverbal communication challenges.

Pam Tanowitz presents "Showpiece & Afterpiece for DG" for third-year students. Her theatrical piece incorporates prompts given to dancers woven into a structured performance. The fourth-year class will perform Yue Yin’s "Sigra Sigra," known for its dynamic movement inspired by Chinese dance traditions.

Performances are scheduled at Juilliard’s Peter Jay Sharp Theater from December 11-15. Tickets are available through Juilliard’s website or box office.

The dance commissions are supported by The Howard Gilman Foundation and LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, with additional backing from the Muriel Gluck Production Fund.

Juilliard continues its mission as a leader in performing arts education under President Damian Woetzel. Located at Lincoln Center in New York City, Juilliard offers comprehensive programs across various disciplines in performing arts education.