British-Israeli Sensation Rachel Erdos: In Residence
We’ve been so looking forward to March! International, British-Israeli sensation Rachel Erdos will be in residence for a month-long incubation period to create Q&A [The 36 Questions]. In this 50-minute, interactive dance-theater work, the award-winning choreographer explores 36 questions psychologist Arthur Aron designed for dialogue between two strangers. According to the study, openness to another person and placing ourselves in a position of vulnerability develops deeper intimacy that can spark immediate love. Six dancers weaving their way through 36 questions makes for a fascinating revelation of personalities, lives and experiences in an intimate dance event.
Backhausdance’s Q&A [The 36 Questions] will receive its preview performance Saturday, March 28, 2020. Seating is limited and will be by invitation only.
Here’s a trailer of Q&A [The 36 Questions]:
Stay tuned to our social channels during the month of March for more sneak peeks inside the creation process!
Photo by Tovit Heller
ABOUT RACHEL ERDOS
Rachel Erdos is an award-winning, independent, British-Israeli choreographer. Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, she has lived and worked in Tel Aviv since 2002.
Rachel received her MA from The Laban Centre London, specializing in choreography. She is the recipient of many awards and prizes including: 2008 First Prize at the AICC International Choreography Competition in Aarhus, Denmark; 2009 City Dance Ensemble’s commissioning project, Washington DC; 2012 Artist of the Year in the Field of Dance, The Ministry of Absorption, Israel; and 2014 NorthWest Dance Project’s Pretty Creative Commission prize, Portland, Oregon. In 2015, Rachel was awarded the prize for Independent Choreographer of the Year by the Ministry of Culture, Israel.
She has been commissioned by Company E and American University, Washington D.C; NorthWest Dance Project, Oregon; Panta Rei Danseteater, Mancopy Dance Company, Denmark; Moving Into Dance Mophatong Company, Johannesburg, South Africa; as well as Curtain Up Festival, Kolben Dance, Ido Tadmor, Nehara Dance Company and Machol Shalem Dance House, Israel.
Her work has been seen around the world including Belarus, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Senegal, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Tajikistan, the UK, and the US; at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Royal Opera House in London.
In addition to creating and touring her own works, Rachel is currently the curator of dance for the Menashe Forest Music Festival, Israel. She also teaches extensively and in 2018 was artist/lecturer at Brown University, RI.
Happy National #STEMSTEAMDay!
Today is national STEM/STEAM day — a day to celebrate and focus on ways to inspire the next generation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
WHAT IS STEM?
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
In our world of continual technological development, STEM skills are becoming more and more important. In addition to the study of these fields, STEM inspires the development of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, questioning, problem solving and collaboration.
Today is national STEM/STEAM day — a day to celebrate and focus on ways to inspire the next generation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
WHAT IS STEM?
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
In our world of continual technological development, STEM skills are becoming more and more important. In addition to the study of these fields, STEM inspires the development of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, questioning, problem solving and collaboration.
STEM VS. STEAM
The benefits of including arts education in these areas has been proposed and discussed among educators in recent years. Incorporating the arts (A) alongside the study of STEM can help cultivate deeper interest, engagement, and understanding in these fields. Adding the arts creates STEAM!
VIDEO: A peek inside Backhausdance’s “Physical Science Moves” assembly. Students are exposed to modern dance and experience how moving our bodies can enhance our understanding of physical science concepts.
BD’S COMMITMENT TO STEAM
After two Backhausdance members were invited to participate in a research study teaching science through dance and visual arts, the company began creating STEAM based assemblies, workshops, and residencies to offer in schools.
Movement coincides naturally with physical science concepts. Dance can provide kinesthetic access to examine and experience ideas such as force, energy, and the properties of matter in different states.
During Backhausdance’s “Physical Science Moves” assembly, students are asked to think critically before the dancers demonstrate specific science concepts through modern dance. Based on the company’s piece, The Elasticity of the Almost, this interactive experience calls on students to participate in movement activities that relate to the ideas presented throughout the program.
In workshops and residencies, students have the opportunity to explore, experiment and create movement that demonstrates physical science concepts. Problem solving and collaborating with their peers, students develop their ideas for a culmination performance.
YOUR TURN …JOIN US IN ADDING THE “A” IN STEAM!
You can explore some physical science ideas through dance and movement, too!
Think about the different states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
What comes to mind when you think of the word solid? Sturdy? Dense? How can you move your body or create shapes with your body that represent matter at its solid state?
What about matter as a liquid? Maybe the words flowing and smooth come to mind. Try moving you body in flowing and smooth manner. Imagine water in an ocean or lake …how does that water move? Now explore that type of movement with your body.
Next try these ideas with matter as a gas.
There is no right or wrong way to interpret these ideas and make them into your own movement. That is just one of the many wonderful things about art!
STAY IN THE LOOP!
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Join Us in Welcoming Director of Education and Community Engagement Nancy Warzer-Brady
Backhausdance welcomes Nancy Warzer-Brady to the team as our Director of Education and Community Engagement.
What can we tell you about Nancy?! Her love for the arts is deeply ingrained, developed during her childhood in New York – playing flute and piano, composing music, painting and studying dance. It’s no surprise that her first job out of college was in the arts, working alongside dance luminaries Helgi Tomasson and Peter Martins at the American-Scandinavian Foundation.
Backhausdance welcomes Nancy Warzer-Brady to the team as our Director of Education and Community Engagement.
What can we tell you about Nancy?! Her love for the arts is deeply ingrained, developed during her childhood in New York – playing flute and piano, composing music, painting and studying dance. It’s no surprise that her first job out of college was in the arts, working alongside dance luminaries Helgi Tomasson and Peter Martins at the American-Scandinavian Foundation.
Nancy’s life-long interest in arts and education sparked when she realized that the arts are a vehicle for learning. She was fascinated by how closely the arts connect to literacy, human rights and civic engagement.
Deepening her commitment to the arts, Nancy continued her career in Washington DC and eventually Orange County, where she has held positions at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Bowers Museum, UC Irvine, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
The Company is lucky to have her aboard, developing strategic partnerships and designing and implementing a new, exciting education curriculum.
When she’s not working, you might find Nancy painting en plein-air or kickboxing life’s stresses away. She is one tough advocate for the arts!
Stay tuned for more exciting updates about our bourgeoning education developments and partnerships.
Nancy can be reached at nancy@backhausdance.org.
Backhausdance at Palm Desert's McCallum Theatre
After a successful performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in the spring, we are excited to bring back three memorable works for our next full-length concert on January 16 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
Walter Matteini’s Beyond the Noise is a deeply human, emotional, and athletic creation whose choreographic language hinges on the quest to explore the human soul. Scene Unseen, the much admired work created by Dwight Rhoden, was a huge success in its recent premiere, and we are thrilled to revive it for its second performance.
After a successful performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in the spring, we are excited to bring back three memorable works for our next full-length concert on January 16 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
Walter Matteini’s Beyond the Noise is a deeply human, emotional, and athletic creation whose choreographic language hinges on the quest to explore the human soul. Scene Unseen, the much admired work created by Dwight Rhoden, was a huge success in its recent premiere, and we are thrilled to revive it for its second performance. The spectacular dynamic choreography paired with lighting design by Michael Korsch highlights the stunning technical range of the company brilliantly. Finally, Hive, a company favorite by our very own Jennifer Backhaus, is a musical triumph whose intricate relationships unfold to create an impressive group dynamic.
A Peek Inside: “Scene Unseen.” Choreography by Dwight Rhoden.
We are so looking forward to bringing these pieces to life once again in another beautiful performance, and we hope you won’t miss joining us for this incredible evening of dance.
For more information on programming or to reserve tickets, visit mccallumtheatre.com.
Looking Back on #BDSI2019
This summer, 106 dancers joined the company in the beautiful studios of Chapman University for three incredible weeks of growth and discovery. Twenty-two faculty members, including the notable Ido Tadmor (Tel Aviv, Israel), Adrian Hoffman (Whim W’him), and I-Ling Liu (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Co.), shared their knowledge by providing 165 hours of unique classes focused on furthering technique and creative development.
This summer, 106 dancers joined the company in the beautiful studios of Chapman University for three incredible weeks of growth and discovery. Twenty-two faculty members, including the notable Ido Tadmor (Tel Aviv, Israel), Adrian Hoffman (Whim W’him), and I-Ling Liu (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Co.), shared their knowledge by providing 165 hours of unique classes focused on furthering technique and creative development.
Backhausdance © Photos by Emily Duncan
Thanks to the over $36,000 in scholarship donations, dancers were able to participate in these exceptional class experiences and perform alongside the company members in the culmination performance. BD Education Presents: The Planets, choreographed by Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus and founding company member Amanda Kay White, was a two-night success. Set to Gustav Holst’s musical suite of the same name, the captivating production and the cast of over 100 dancers brought the magnitude of outer space into the theatre. After only 26 hours of rehearsal, the students displayed their creative voices onstage alongside members of the company, and created a remarkable culmination to a memorable three weeks.
For a look back on #BDSI2019, be sure to visit our YouTube Channel for some video highlights:
Highlights from Week 1 of the 2019 Backhausdance Summer Intensive.
Highlights from Week 2 of the 2019 Backhausdance Summer Intensive.
Highlights from Week 3 of the 2019 Backhausdance Summer Intensive.
Highlights from BD Education Presents: The Planets, the culmination performance for the 2019 Backhausdance Summer Intensive.
DAY 10: GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
When our thoughts turn to what we are most grateful for, all at Backhausdance want to thank each and everyone of YOU – our students, collaborators, partners, patrons, and donors for your continued generosity.
When our thoughts turn to what we are most grateful for, all at Backhausdance want to thank each and everyone of YOU – our students, collaborators, partners, patrons, and donors for your continued generosity.
#BDSeason14 Dancers (L to R): Sammy DeAngelo (apprentice), Chihiro Sano, Evan Swenson, Amanda Kay White, Joshua King, Kaitlin Regan, Amie Lee Kilgore, Toshiro Abbley & Katie Natwick (apprentice).
Each ticket sold, each dollar raised during Backhausdance’s 10 Days of Gratitude will help sustain the company's efforts throughout the season. We are proud to be your dance company, fortunate to have earned your support, and thrilled to be kicking off the holidays with you!
DUE TO THE GENEROSITY OF ALL OUR DONORS, TOGETHER WE RAISED A GRAND TOTAL OF:
$6,110!
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Our gratitude goes to each and every donor:
Tobias Becerra
Lynn DeKock
Lorraine & Ralph Fish
David & Judy Joss
Michael Kerr
Maria Kilgore
Darryn Lowenstein
Dale Merrill
John Miller & Marica Pendjer
Kylie Murray
Dean Natwick
Cyrus Parker-Jeannette
Michael Regan
Martha Ryan
The Southards
Danny Sung
Kajsa Thuresson-Frary
Jeff Verdon
Patty & Tom West
Raymond White
Congratulations to our
giveaway winners:
DARRYN LOWENSTEIN
Autographed Poster
CYRUS PARKER-JEANNETTE
Backhausdance Shirt
JEFF VERDON
2 Passes to BD Rehearsal
LYNN DeKOCK
Lunch with Jennifer Backhaus
LORRAINE FISH
Full Scholarship to a 2017 Summer Intensive Program
DALE MERRILL
2 Passes to Bowers Museum and Lunch at Tangata
JOHN MILLER
2 Tickets to BD's February 3, 2017 performance at the Barclay
We look forward to seeing you all at our Friday, February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. We can’t wait to share our newest creations – four premieres on one program – with you!
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 9: GRATEFUL FOR IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
Backhausdance @ The Barclay has a great ring to it. On this 9th day of Backhausdance Gratitude, we are thankful for our relationship with Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Backhausdance at the Barclay has a great ring to it. On this 9th day of Backhausdance Gratitude, we are thankful for our relationship with Irvine Barclay Theatre. After last season’s sold-out performance, Backhausdance will again be presented by the Barclay and will return to the theatre February 3, 2017 with an evening of mixed repertory featuring powerful, athletic dances; emotionally charged dramatic pieces; and whimsical glimpses of the human experience. We can’t wait to share our newest creations – four premieres on one program – with you!
Since opening in 1990, the Barclay has emerged as one of California’s preeminent performing arts facilities. A unique collaborative venture between the City of Irvine, UCI and the private sector, the theatre has a reputation for wide-ranging programming in contemporary dance, music, and theater arts. The 750-seat Irvine Barclay Theatre is nationally-renowned for its great acoustics, intimate feel, and the high quality of its production facilities. Among artists, it is a venue of choice when performing in Southern California.
Exterior shot of the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Video highlights from Jennifer Backhaus' 2016 premiere of Drift at the Barclay.
To show our gratitude to you for your ongoing support, everyone donating $250 or more today will receive 2 tickets to Backhausdance’s February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 8: GRATEFUL FOR OUR NEW RELATIONSHIPS
On this 8th day of Gratitude, Backhausdance is especially thankful for our new and developing relationships with other nonprofit arts organizations in Orange County.
On this 8th day of Gratitude, Backhausdance is especially thankful for our new and developing relationships with other nonprofit arts organizations in Orange County.
In 2017, we will present work at the Bowers Museum as part of their Culture 360 education series. In conjunction with the exhibit Seen and Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham, Backhausdance will perform The Margin on February 24, 2017, and discuss the connections between the composition of dance and the images in the exhibit.
Click here for more information about Bowers Museum.
Also coming in 2017, the company will present an installation performance of Jennifer Backhaus’ newest work, Hive, alongside musicians from the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Stay tuned for information about this new and developing collaborative performance.
Click here for more information about Pacific Symphony Orchestra.
Donate $125 or more and be entered to win two passes to Bowers Museum plus lunch at Tangata.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 7: GRATEFUL FOR OUR SUMMER INTENSIVE STUDENTS & DIRECTOR
Today, Backhausdance’s gratitude goes out to all the students who have taken part in our signature Summer Intensives… and the woman who makes it all come together so seamlessly, Tawny Chapman.
(Top) #BDSI2016 #AdvPro students focusing in BD Technique. (Bottom) The 2016 Backhausdance Summer Intensive participants on the final day of the program.
Today, Backhausdance’s gratitude goes out to all the students who have taken part in our signature Summer Intensives… and the woman who makes it all come together so seamlessly, Tawny Chapman.
Backhausdance’s summer training programs are a unique opportunity for Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus, BD company dancers and renowned guest artists to come together with the sole purpose of helping aspiring dancers, ages 11 to adult, succeed while fostering a passion for contemporary movement. BD’s Summer Intensive program gives students the opportunity to accomplish their dreams of pursuing dance, and does so in a nurturing and supportive environment. Students train in a variety of dance forms, are exposed to the creative process and rehearse BD repertory works. The program culminates in a fully produced concert that attracts hundreds of audience members, including student families and friends and local dance enthusiasts.
Backhausdance provides more than $25,000 in scholarships each year to enable students facing financial challenges to receive the full benefits of the program. Please consider sponsoring a student for this summer’s program.
Summer Intensive Director Tawny Chapman can and does it all. She is a senior company dancer, educator, graphic designer and our Social Media Manager. Her long list of responsibilities includes holding placement auditions, coordinating the many instructors, arranging student housing, and creating the extensive three-week schedule, to name a few. All of the Backhausdance materials, everything you see – posters, postcards, emails and all social media posts – are designed by her. Tawny is the backbone of our program. Without her, our Summer Intensives would not be the professional, celebrated destination they have become.
Backhausdance will host its 13th Annual Summer Intensive programs from July 17 through August 5, 2017 in in the state-of-the-art dance facilities at Chapman University.
Donate $100 or more today, and be entered to win a full scholarship to a 2017 Backhausdance Summer Intensive program. Selected winner may transfer the scholarship to a student of their choice.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 6: GRATEFUL FOR OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS
On this 6th Day of Backhausdance's 10 Days of Gratitude, we are thankful for our ongoing partnerships with the McCallum Theatre Institute and Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
On this 6th Day of Backhausdance's 10 Days of Gratitude, we are thankful for our ongoing partnerships with the McCallum Theatre Institute and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Our collaborations with these outstanding institutions are a testament to the company's commitment to educating the community about the relevance of dance, both as a valuable art form and as a tool for learning. Through Backhausdance, each year, more than 3,000 students in Orange and San Bernardino counties, as well as schools in the desert, are exposed to dance curriculum they would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience.
BD company dancers and Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus join McCallum Theatre Institute Director Kajsa Thuresson-Frary and teaching artist Holly O'Farrell after a school performance.
We were thrilled to spend #InternationalDanceDay performing for more than 400 kiddos at Palm Desert schools with the McCallum Theatre Institute.
Since its launch in 1997, McCallum Theatre Institute — the education division of McCallum Theatre — has served more than 400,000 students, educators and community members with performances and arts education experiences. The McCallum Theatre Institute seeks to enhance the role of the arts by inspiring greater awareness of their educational, cognitive, emotional and spiritual power. In close partnership with local education agencies, they make the arts available and accessible to youth in the area.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts' Arts Teach is an education program designed to help bring arts experiences to school and community organizations. Through a roster of more than 75 professional artists from around the world, Segerstrom Center offers a large variety of affordable programs in Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts that can be customized to meet the needs of each unique community or event by means of assemblies, workshops and residencies.
Donate $25 or more today and you’ll be entered to win 2 backstage passes to Backhausdance’s February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.