This summer has been a dancer-lover’s dream, and the fifth annual Providence Fringe Festival (FRINGEPVD) promises this city is not slowing down. Dance companies from around New England and beyond are gathering to perform in the Creative Capital.
Tumbling into town, Big Teeth Performance Collective visits FRINGEPVD as part of their multi-state tour of the company’s signature work, Ordinary Creatures. The deliciously dark Vermont-based group combines contemporary dance with acrobatic partnering, theater and aerial rope movement to create a completely unique movement. Ordinary Creatures features five women embodying the most monstrous corners of the mind, from werewolves to zombies, blending noir surrealism with Cirque du Soleil style physicality. With its “indie-art ethos” core, Big Teeth Performance Collective combines gravity-defying circus technique with meaningful artistic exploration. Catch them Tue, Jul 23 at 8:30pm and Wed, Jul 24 at 7pm at the WaterFire Arts Center.
If diversity of movement excites you, check out Parallels, a vibrant array of different dance pieces, presented by Caitlin Trainor and Ali Kenner Brodsky. Named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 To Watch” in 2016, Caitlyn Trainor is an accomplished dancer and choreographer known for her physically vigorous yet emotionally human performance style. Created in conjunction with choreographer Ali Kenner Brodsky, Parallels features three distinct pieces, ranging in style from comedic to poetic. Alphabet Soup playfully imagines each letter of the alphabet as a movement phrase, while The House Still Standing reflects on nostalgic memories, and “In The Forest” depicts a ritualistic conjuring of energies at dusk. See Parallels Fri, Aug 3 at 8:30pm and Sat, Aug 4 at 12 at the Wilbury Theatre Group.
Presenting a mixed program, Freedom Dances is an expression of the uniting power of dance. The performance reflects a spectrum of themes, creating a kaleidoscope of conversation within a single show. Hailing from Coventry, Freedom Dances artistic director, Nicole C. Laliberté, brings this important collection of works to the Main Hall Proscenium Stage at the WaterFire Arts Center Thu, Aug 2 at 7pm, Fri, Aug 3 at 10pm, and Sat, Aug 4 at 8:30pm.
If multimedia performances are more your speed, check out Os&En in A touch a well. This bold work combines movement with visual art, utilizing a simple piece of fabric to question the source of vulnerability and sensuality. Catch New York-native artists Elise Osborn and Yidan Zeng in this innovative performance Thu, Aug 2 at 7pm, Fri, Aug 3 at 7pm, and Sat, Aug 4 at 6pm at the Roof Deck of the WaterFire Arts Center.
Bringing international training to PVD, the Balliamo Dance Company will perform Only in a Dream; and Other Dances, a collection of contemporary dances, including imaginative solos (one piece interprets a rap beat through dance), romantic duets and dynamic ensembles. Italian-born Balliamo Dance Company choreographer and artistic director Annamaura Silverblatt has created a cohesive showcase that spans genres, from ballroom to hip- hop and even Tai Chi. Don’t miss this eclectic performance, coming to The Steel Yard on Sat, Aug 4 at 8:30pm.
North Attleboro-native Heather Brown presents her Continuing Fluctuations, a personal dance performance that offers an intimate perspective of Brown’s lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. The piece aims to provide its audience with a moving experience, while raising awareness about the disease. Heather Brown Dance will perform Continuing Fluctuations Thu, Aug 2 at 10pm and Sat, Aug 4 at 6pm at the L Studio at the WaterFire Arts Center.
Hop on into JUMP! Dance Company’s, Dreamers, a touching ode to those struggling due to the changing political landscape. This poignant work asks young dancers to challenge their environment, encouraging them to make their voices heard through movement. Join JUMP! Fri, Aug 3 at 8:30pm and Sat, Aug 4 at 7pm at the Main Hall Stairs/Balcony at the WaterFire Arts Center.