Dance Theater Workshop, the preeminent U.S. based center for contemporary dance and performance, in partnership with Hip-Hop Theater Festival, present Jamie Merwin’s (WOO ’03) olive Dance Theatre in Swift Solos. Swift Solos is an evening-length series of vignettes based on the choreographic legacy of seminal Breakin’ innovator Ken Swift.
This collection of solo and ensemble offerings celebrates Ken Swift’s choreographic body of work from battle and cipher to the concert stage. Pivotal to the globalization of the American folk form known as breakdancing -Swift’s work as a master choreographer spans over 30 years, crossing borders of race, age, culture, genre and venue.
“As breakdancing develops into a historical style, programs like Swift Solos are taking it off the international competition circuit and treating it as a form of theater. Swift Solos aims for a degree of emotional introspection that doesn’t exist in a typical breakdance “battle.” – Star Ledger
Performances will take place at Dance Theater Workshop in the Bessie Schönberg Theater, Sep 29 – Oct 2 (Wednesday – Saturday) at 7:30pm. There will also be a Coffee and Conversation pre-show talk with Carlos MARE 139 Rodriguez on Sep 29 (Wednesday) at 6:30pm, a Post-show Talk on Oct 1st with Clyde Valentin (Friday), and a free wine reception following every performance (Wednesday – Saturday). Tickets are $20 and are available online at dancetheaterworkshop.org, over the phone at 212.924.0077, and in person at the box office. Dance Theater Workshop Members, Students and Seniors are eligible for a 25% discount ($15 Tickets). Box office hours are Monday – Friday from 5pm-9pm and Saturday – Sunday from 12pm – 8pm. Dance Theater Workshop is located at 219 West 19th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.
olive Dance Theatre is a Philadelphia-based organization, founded in 2002 by Artistic Director, Jamie Merwin. Their mission is to validate the indigenous American hip-hop dance form of breakin’, through the creation and performance of new dance theatre works domestically and abroad. The company aims to educate audiences and communities about the form’s history and illuminate proper techniques.
For a decade, Hip-Hop Theater Festival (HHTF) has showcased the stories, people, music, dance, and word of Hip-Hop live and on stage. All around the world HHTF is known as one of the most influential outlets showcasing Hip-Hop performing arts. For more information visit, hhtf.org.
