Brookline, MA based dancer, choreographer, and teacher Lynn Modell founded Lynn Modell/Making Dances in 2015 to create accessible works especially for those who say they cannot understand modern dance. Following a very successful performance season on the East Coast, Modell will present her work “Interesting Women”, a satirical snapshot of everyday life through dance, film, and music, at the Lineage Performing Arts Center Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, April 26th at 3:00 pm. It is recommended that one pre-order tickets HERE. Proceeds will go to the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
“Interesting Women” was choreographed by Modell with the exception of the final scene, a solo created for Modell by the celebrated New York choreographer Janis Brenner. The work features seven inter-generational female dancers, two short videos and four short stories.
Lynn Modell/Making Dances – “Liberty Belles” – Photo by Melissa Blackall.
Modell describes the program this way: “The first dance is “Waiting”, five women in a doctor’s office with various ailments never get called to see the doctor. They become increasingly irritated. Then a video I made in 1985 where I interview a woman who has no sense of humor. Ironically, her parents named her after Sid Caesar. The second dance is “I Want It!”. Three women want a giant cupcake. The other three try to convince them that eating a carrot is the better way to go. Bittersweet Jacob’s Pillow story #1 The third dance is the one non-humorous piece. Bittersweet story #2 The fourth dance pairs a hairdresser who takes her job a bit too seriously with her client. Bittersweet story #3 The second video. Another interview from 2023 with a woman who presents herself as an expert on helping women cope with divorce but isn’t at peace with her divorce. Her best-selling book is, “Cry Me A Danish: You Could Eat Or You Could Volunteer”. Bittersweet story # 4 The fifth dance portrays a leader and her disciples who decide to rebel. Janis’ piece, she interviews me on a recording, and I respond live. Janis [Brenner] wrote the text.”
The performing artists, who also contributed movement phrases to the work, include Andrea Blesso, Ann Fonte, Amy Jill, Jillian Maclaughlin, Lynn Modell, Lonnie Stanton, and Nora Stephens. The videos were created by Lawrence Gallagher and Lynn Scornavacca, and the Props and Costume Coordinator is Katrina Conte.
Described as an interdisciplinary evening, “audiences will be invited to challenge the status quo and find humor in the mundane, from dating and our crazy diet culture to the need for both patience and a healthy sense of rebellion.” Press release
Lynn Modell/Making Dances – Rhythmic Cuts – Photo by Olivia Moon Photography.
Modell has performed in Boston with Benita Bike’s DanceArt Company, Susan Rose and Danceworks, and Boston Dance Collective. She is known for her use of humor in understanding what is taking place around the world while “sharing stories of struggle and strength that encourage other to process their experiences more fully.”
“I chose dances for this show with characters I find interesting when viewed through an amplified lens,” Modell says. “Naturally, my perspective as a woman has shaped these characters and stories. However, I hope audience members — no matter gender, age, or specific identity – can relate to situations we all face at some point.”
WHAT: Lynn Modell/Making Dances performing “Interesting Women” choreographed by Lynn Modell and final scene by guest choreographer Janis Brenner.
WHEN: Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 pm.
WHERE: Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena, CA.
TICKETS: | $25 | pre-order recommended through this site Lineage Performing Arts Center
Proceeds will go to the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
“Interesting Women” runs approximately 50 minutes without intermission.
To learn more about Lynn Modell/Making Dances, please visit their website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Lynn Modell/Making Dances – “Interesting Women” – “Liberty Belles” – Photo by Melissa Blackall.
