Dancing in the dark or under bright lights, performers will move effortlessly on stage portraying feelings, thoughts, and energy this weekend during Sweat. An avant-garde movement and abstract intense modern dance series, Sweat will be performed at the DeBaun Auditorium in Hoboken on Sept. 19-20 at 8 p.m.
It will feature performances from the Solaas Company, Erica Murkofsky, Imago Dance Theater, Daniela Hoff, Stephanie Tack, Vanessa Villain, R-2 Dance, Trista Redavid and Sarah Geroulo Rutledge.
Chris Ferris, the show’s organizer, said Sweat has evolved through the years. Currently in its third season, Sweat evolved from pop modern dance, to more conceptual specific high-intensity movements on stage.
"Sweat can be subtle and extreme. It’s a funny affair with a wide variety of dances," Ferris said. "Performers explore endless possibilities during their sets."
One of the highlights of Sweat’s performance will be Hoff’s repertoire. "Wandelungen-Passages," mirrors the dance’s theme of playing with two different words, one translated as sleepwalking, without destination and without end; and the other change and transformation. This piece, choreographed/danced by Hoff, emotionally and physically explores the struggle of change, but also the need and the beauty of it.
Hoff was born in Germany and studied at the School for the Arts, at the Department for Modern Theater Dance, in Amsterdam, Holland. In Europe she danced with various choreographers and presented her own work. Since moving to New York in 1999 she has danced with Erica Essner, Christina Briggs and Edward Winslow/Incidents Physical Theater, Peggy Peloquin, Ariane Anthony, Patricia Nichelson, Steven Koplowitz as well as performing in an improvisational group comprised of both musicians and dancers. Her own work has been shown at the Williamsburg/ Greenpoint Dance Festival, the Cathedral Arts Festival, the Wight Room Series, Hatch and WAX.
"Her work is excellent and very moving," Ferris said.
Following Hoff’s dance, Villain will present "Peace of Mind." Choreographed by Villain, "Mind" is about a woman who lost a person she was very close to and doesn’t know how to control her emotions. She tries to relieve her pain, grief, anger, and finally finds serenity and peace of mind through movement and space.
Villain began her training in Paris. Her choreography has been performed at various showcases in Paris and in New York. She has danced at the Williamsburg Art Festival, Alvin Ailey student performances, Coming Together, Elan Awards 2002, Hatch, WAX and the American Dance Guild. She studied dance as an international student at Alvin Ailey School and is currently on scholarship with Jennifer Muller/The Works.
The DeBaun Auditorium is located on Castle Point on Hudson at the Stevens Institute of Technology campus in Hoboken. Tickets are $12. For information call (201) 216-8937 or visit www.debaun.org. q