The Brand Associates Dance Series will present four free performances this spring at Brand Library and Art Center, located at 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale 91201.
This series, curated by acclaimed choreographer, teacher and producer Jamie Nichols, presents top dance companies from Southern California performing site-specific work in nontraditional performance spaces around Brand Library. The dance series is sponsored by the Brand Associates. Performances begin at 5 p.m.
The schedule of performances are as follows:
- DrumatiX — Saturday, April 27
- Re:BorN Dance Interactive — Saturday, May 4
- Bodies in Play — Saturday, May 11
- Rangoli Dance Company — Saturday, May 18
DrumatiX is a bicoastal, creative percussion company founded in 2017 by Noa Barankin. Rhythm delivered, created by Barankin, is an electrifying, well-crafted, and virtuosic creative percussion performance that blends tap dance, body percussion and drumming with found items, invented instruments, large barrels, drums, buckets, technology, clowning and audience interaction.The show follows the antics of a group of friends who discover secret items in boxes and turn them into playable instruments until the last box reveals a surprise. With no shortage of plot twists and humor, the show at Brand will feature historical dance references, world rhythms stemming from Barankin’s Middle Eastern roots and global upbringing, interactive parts that get the audience moving and grooving with the dancers, and the use of technology to create a truly immersive experience.
Founded in 2016 by Boróka Nagy, Re:borN Dance Interactive is a dynamic company of artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary modern dance with an emphasis on emotional and social narratives. The mission of Reborn Arts is to create movement experiences that transcend the constraints of modern life. Through shows, workshops and immersive events, the company fosters self-agency and empowerment. At Brand, Re:borN will be re-imagining their production of “Home.” In the intricate tapestry of life, the concept of “Home” weaves its threads differently for everyone. Home could be a modest apartment shared with one, a bustling household, a car returned to nightly, or simply the embrace of loved ones. Despite its deeply personal nature, “Home” resonates universally.
Bodies in Play is a L.A.-based performance collective founded by Andrew Pearson in 2017 as a platform to interrogate existing models for producing dance and performance. The group creates melodramatic plays in which their bodies further the narrative through dance and movement. Catered to the socially conscious and playfully minded, their work is best viewed through a lens just queer of center, disarming audiences with pop theatricality and inviting a challenge to conformity. The company works with an ever-expanding and rotating roster of artists including dancers, actors, musicians and designers. At Brand, the collective will be presenting work developed collectively by Lisa Bierman, Darby Epperson, Cristina Florez, Celine Kiner, Andrew Pearson, Tiffany Sweat, Daurin Tavares, Rachel Whiting and Sadie Yarrington.
Malathi Iyengar established Rangoli Dance Company in 1992 to share the performing and visual arts of India. The company features the vibrant South Indian dance form “Bharatanatyam” through strong technique and storytelling. Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the temples of South India. Drawing from the myth and spirituality of South Indian heritage, Iyengar creates dance landscapes that dwell in both traditional and secular, and rhythm and stillness. The dances convey a sense of reverence and mystery, they are offered in the spirit of universal celebration. At Brand, the company will perform “Vahanas: God’s Own Vehicles.” Inspired by the Vahanas, or the animal vehicles in the Hindu Pantheon, Iyengar creates dances that portray these mythological figures through symbols and storytelling.
The performances are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. An accessible entrance and limited free parking are located on the east side of the building, ride-share is encouraged. For more information, contact (818) 548-2051 or info@BrandLibrary.org.
First published in the April 6 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
