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originally published: 06/29/2021

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Dance enthusiasts will have to wait until the fall to travel to Manhattan to see the return of most of the country’s top companies. In the meantime, the NYC dance world is coming to the Garden State.  Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT), the professional ballet company founded by Elise Feldman and Gabriel Chajnik as a program for Ocean Township’s Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), will present “Three’s a Crowd” at Bell Works in Holmdel on July 29 through August 2.

 This original program, curated by AXCBT company director Gabriel Chajnik, includes iconic masterpieces by Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, and new dance pieces by members of  New York City Ballet, Martha Graham dance company,  the Juilliard School and national-international choreographers.

“Three’s a Crowd,” it is hoped, will be the final chapter in Covid dancing, with each dance created for one, two and, even, three dancers. 

“…and the company will completely be unmasked!” says APAC Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco. “There’s no need to take the bridge or the tunnel when this very New York dance experience is happening here at the Shore…just 40 miles from the city!”

Since the spring of last year, AXCBT has continued teaching classes and making dance happen at its studio at Bell Works 

 

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An intimate program of beautiful and exciting dances, “Three’s a Crowd” will include an eclectic playlist of music from Wagner and Mendelssohn to Astor Piazzola to Zoe Keating; along with a special arrangement for string quartet by composer Chris Becker of David Bowie's epic ballad “Heroes.”

New York composer, Chris Becker has composed Devotion, an original string quartet, inspired by glam rocker David Bowie, to perform live. White-McGuire, who will be choreographing, Devotion, believes the piece “is inspired by the tenacity and devotion of performing artists, audiences and presenters who continued to explore their art and expression for the love of life during isolation. It is a love letter to people who refused to let their light dim.”

“’Three’s a Crowd’” represents dance from its very foundation, from master dance makers Paul Taylor and Martha Graham to national and international new choreographers who willingly take risks on and off the stage,” says Chajnik. “This program comes full circle after a year of struggle and a reminder that dance is about passion, drive and a vehicle for healing.” 

The program brings together an elite roster of world-renowned artists, including Michael Trusnovec, who will be staging an excerpt from Paul Taylor’s “Roses,”  Blakeley White-McGuire, from the Martha Graham Dance Company, who will be performing “Lamentations” and “Satiric Festival,” and Maestro Hector Zaraspe, Juilliard Dance Faculty Emeritus as well as AXCBT director Gabriel Chajnik, in addition to young emerging choreographers, including Italy’s Riccardo de Nigris (La Scala), New York City Ballet’s Gilbert Bolden III as well as and two company members, both Alvin Ailey graduates, Olivia Miranda and Lindsay Jorgersen. 

AXCBT President Elise Feldman is thrilled to be welcoming all dance lovers to Bell Works, “Three’s a Crowd” will bring us together once again, leaving us refreshed, stimulated, entertained, and uplifted.”

“Three’s a Crowd” will take the stage for a limited six-show engagement at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.  Performances are Thursday, July 29 & Friday, July 30 at 7:00pm, July 31 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm, Sunday, August 1 at 2:00pm & 5:00pm.  Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, New Jersey. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Performances on Friday July 31 at 7:00pm and Sunday August 1 at 5:00pm will offer an exclusive post-show cocktail reception where guests can enjoy wine and cheese as well as a meet and greet and photo opportunities with the dancers. Ticket link includes details.

​Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is a program of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center with performances at the Axelrod PAC located in Deal Park NJ. The Axelrod PAC produces a series of professional theatrical productions a year, including beloved musicals, cabaret-styled tributes, nationally acclaimed music and singing acts, and apprentice-based student productions. A 501c3 organization, the Axelrod PAC receives major funding for its programs from the NJ State Arts Council.