AVI SCHER & DANCERS' STUDIO SHOWCASE June 28, 2009

AVI SCHER & DANCERS' presents a program of six pieces, including three World Premieres and two New York Premieres, in a Studio Showcase on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 3pm at New York City Center Studio 5, 130 W. 56th Street, NYC. Suggested donation of $15, payable in cash at the door.

The program begins with the World Premiere of "Male Portrait #1" by Larry Keigwin, danced by Avichai Scher. Upon completion of a series of female portraits, Keigwin begins a series of solo pieces exploring the male image and personality with "Male Portrait #1", commissioned by Avi Scher & Dancers. "Last Dance", which premiered in March 2008 in Providence, RI, is a tribute to Jenn Jansma, a former dancer with Carolina Ballet who passed away from cancer at age 21 in February 2008. The New York Premiere of "Last Dance" features music by Dustin O’Halloran, Yann Tiersen, and Sara McLachlan and lead dancers Alexsandra Meijer, Abi Stafford, and Christian Tworzyanski. "Aquilarco" (1999) was originally created for San Francisco Ballet stars Evelyn Cisneros and Stephen Legate. This is the New York premiere of the work by Val Caniparoli, danced by Racheal Prince and Avichai Scher with music by Giovanni Sollima. "Our Love's Defense", a New York Premiere by Avichai Scher, danced by Melissa Hough and David Prottas, depicts an angry, passionate couple and their dependence upon one another. "No Matter What" explores ideas of community and unity by depicting people in various situations and moods – good and bad, scary and peaceful – showing that their commitments to each another take them through anything. This World Premiere by Avichai Scher is danced by Colby Damon, Elysia Dawn, Alexander Dutko, Ja’ Malik, Victoria North, Racheal Prince, and Nancy Richer with music by Aphex Twin and Adam Lewis. The World Premiere of "Mirrors" by Avichai Scher deals with the perception of others and the differences between private and public behaviors, riffing on the vanities and insecurities associated with one’s own reflection. "Mirrors" is danced by Dena Abergel, Jared Angle, Melissa Hough, Alexsandra Meijer, David Prottas, Abi Stafford, and Christian Tworzyanski to music by Elena Kats Chernin and Dustin O’Halloran. Appropriate for ages 7 and up.

Official Website: http://www.avischer.com