The internationally acclaimed Parsons Dance will make its debut performance in the beautiful Segerstrom Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on November 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm (PT). This will be the third dance company to perform in Segerstrom Hall this fall following the highly successful appearances in September and October by Alonso King LINES Ballet and BalletX. Tickets for Parsons Dance are on sale now.
Program Includes six works choreographed by David Parsons
Swing Shift – Music by Kenji Bunch
Balance of Power – Music by Giancarlo De Trizio
Nascimento – Music by Milton Nascimento
Kind of Blue – Music by Miles Davis
Caught – Music by Robert Fripp
Shining Star – Music by Earth, Wind & Fire
David Parsons was a principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company for eight years, during which he spent his summers touring with MOMIX. Parsons appeared with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris in the first White Oak tour and he launched his choreographic career by setting work on the Taylor Company and on the National Ballet of Canada, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Batsheva Dance Company, and the Paris Opera Ballet.
David Parson – Photo courtesy of the David Parson Dance Company
In 1985 Parsons and Tony Award winning lighting designer Howell Binkley founded Parsons Dance, now considered one of the world’s leading modern/contemporary dance companies. The New York Times wrote, “This is a dance your heart out (at all times, no excuses) kind of enterprise.” The program will feature Parsons’ signature work Caught. The Santa Fe New Mexican said, “Caught, a 1982 solo dance by David Parsons, is a five-minute paean to flying. With the help of a strobe light, a moody, electronic sound score by Robert Fripp, and perfect darkness, Parsons creates a ritualistic experience that requires the performer’s body to suspend in midair for much of the piece — and to appear never to touch down.”
Parsons Dance performs repertoire consisting of over 75 works created by David Parsons. In addition, established choreographers like Trey McIntyre and Robert Battle were invited to re-stage works from the American canon on its dancers. And, through its GenerationNOW Fellowship, the company offers commissions to young American choreographers whom Parsons mentors through the creative process.
Parsons has received commissions from American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the American Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, the Spoleto Festival and Het Muziektheater in Amsterdam, to name a few. His work has been performed by Paris Opera Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Hubbard Street Dance and Batsheva Dance Company of Israel, among many others. Parsons Dance has toured to more than 447 cities, 30 countries, and 5 continents and has appeared at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Maison de la Danse, Teatro La Fenice, and Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.
Parsons Dance – Photo by Mary Mallaney
The company is especially proud of its Autism-Friendly Programs initiative, launched in 2016, that features sensory-friendly workshops and relaxed performances for audiences of all abilities.
On the subject of his work, Parsons has been quoted saying, “The arts are a powerful tool for self-expression and communication. My goal is to provide opportunities for more people to experience the wonders of dance.”
Heralded by The New York Times as “one of the great movers of modern dance,” Parsons has received many accolades throughout his career, including three Choreography Fellowship Grants from the National Endowment of the Arts; the American Choreography Award; the Dance Magazine Award; a Howard Gilman Fellowship, and the Dance Masters of America Annual Award. In May 2018, he received the Capezio Award, one of the most prestigious awards in dance.
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WHAT: Parsons Dance
WHEN: November 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm (PT)
WHERE: Segerstrom Hall
TICKETS: Single tickets for Parsons Dance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts start at $39 and are now available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236.
Important COVID-19 Policy Information
Audience Advisory: Our updated COVID-19 policy requires ticket holders to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to attend all indoor performances and events at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. “Fully vaccinated” means your performance is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose. To enter the theatre, please bring proof of vaccination, either your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record. Most California residents may request a digital vaccination record at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
Those who are under age 12 and anyone without proof of being fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (3 days) prior to entering the theatre.
Masks are required at all times for all patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at Segerstrom Center.
Performance ticket holders who do not comply with these policies will not be admitted.
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To learn more about the Parsons Dance, click HERE.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Parsons Dance – Featured: Zoey Anderson – Photo by Travis Magee
