Take Dance Company is back in New York City
TAKE Dance Company, a 12-member modern dance ensemble known for its “gentle blend of eastern and western sensibilities,” presents a three-night performance series soaked in stage-filling structural patterns, exuberant play, and human dancescapes. Led by Artistic Director/Founder and dancer/choreographer, Takehiro Ueyama, the electric program includes four pieces by Ueyama including: a world premiere work (TBA) inspired by the music of Pat Metheny; New York City premieres of Love Stories, a three movement pas de deux, and Looking For Water featuring elements of sign language; and One, a 30-minute piece which has fast become a company staple. Rounding out the concert is the world premiere of Huella by Spanish choreographer Asun Noales set specifically as a solo piece for Ueyama.
Described by the New York Times as having “an unusual gift for creating and putting together big, bold movement,” Ueyama uses sign language to portray the power and diversity of water in Looking for Water. Gestures for air, water, snow, and heartbeat are woven into the choreography ultimately displaying both the gentle and destructive facets of water. According to Bloomberg Radio, Ueyama is a fusion choreographer… he melds movement, music and themes derived from his roots in both East and West.” Nowhere is this more apparent than in One; four movements examining the unity of the human spirit through art sprinkled with traces of his Japanese heritage. “The Eastern elements are used as if they were natural occurrences, not highly wrought artifice. The Western ones energize the material, giving it a daring athletic quality and a visceral impact.” With movements influenced by a 30-foot iridescent, custom-made landscape painting by artist Paul Hunter, Ueyama initially created One as an emotional response to Gregory Colbert’s “Ashes and Snow” photo exhibit.
Founded in 2004 by former Paul Taylor dancer Takehiro Ueyama, TAKE Dance Company is a New York City based contemporary dance ensemble that explores the integration of expressive and physical movement.
WHAT: TAKE Dance Company
WHEN: Thursday, May 15th- Saturday, May 17th @ 8:00pm
WHERE: Miller Theatre @ Columbia University, 116th Street & Broadway. Train 1 to 116th Street
HOW: General $25/Students $15. To buy tickets, call SmartTix 212.868.4444