Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts Presents AXIS Dance Company On February 19th

Published by New Jersey Stage
01/17/2022

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts, home of the Marie Rader Presenting Series, is thrilled to present a one-night-only performance by AXIS Dance Company, one of the nation’s most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers. Founded in 1987 and based in Oakland, CA, AXIS creates powerful productions that challenge perceptions, and redefine dance and disability. As part of their national tour for 2021-22, AXIS will bring excerpts from re:surge to Rowan University’s Pfleeger Concert Hall Stage on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 8:00pm.

This performance will encompass a double-bill of new work, which premiered at their Home Season in San Francisco in October 2021, plus an exclusive dance film screening with audio description. T

Roots Above Ground explores the multiple meanings of home as it peels back the layers to uncover the human need for belonging. In his final work for AXIS as Artistic Director, choreographer Marc Brew delves deep into his own emotional journey as an immigrant, a disabled gay man, a dancer—always moving to follow ambition while longing to belong. Joined by the six disabled and non-disabled AXIS Company Dancers, this piece taps into our essential human need to be accepted—which is so deeply connected to our perceptions and definitions of home. Roots Above Ground was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Additionally to be presented will be Hold Fast, a series of duets that reflect on how we struggle, fight, yield, resist and surrender to the constant changes of our landscape, choreographed by Sonsherée Giles in collaboration with the dancers & Tajh Stallworth; and an exclusive screening of AXIS’ dance film Flutter, choreographed by Post: Ballet Artistic Director, Robert Dekkers.

Tickets are available for purchase online. Pfleeger Concert Hall is located on the campus of Rowan University (North Campus Drive) in Glassboro, New Jersey.

This engagement is part of the Marie Rader Presenting Series at Rowan University—a series that brings exceptional artists to campus, enriching the university community and the Southern New Jersey region. In addition to their in-person performance on February 19, AXIS will hold a master class with Rowan University dance students, and Artistic Director Nadia Adame, as well as other staff members will attend Rowan University’s Dance Alumni VIP Pre-Show Reception, and offer a question & answer session with company members, immediately following the performance.

Led by Artistic Director Nadia Adame, AXIS is one of the nation’s most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers. AXIS creates world-class productions that challenge perceptions and redefine dance and disability. The Oakland, CA-based company has toured to over 100 cities in the US, Israel-Palestine, UK, Europe, United Arab Emirates, and Russia, and has received nine Isadora Duncan Dance Awards. AXIS commissions new work from a host of renowned international choreographers including former Artistic Director Marc Brew, Arthur Pita, Robert Dekkers, and Jennifer Archibald.

In tandem with a robust performance calendar, AXIS provides unparalleled physically integrated dance education and outreach programs. AXIS builds paths to dance education for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages and experience.

Established in 2008, the Marie Rader Presenting Series at Rowan University brings exceptional artists to campus, enriching the university community and the Southern New Jersey region through expanded performing arts programming, bolstering a robust academic program in dance, music, and theatre. The series is made possible in part through generous support from the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation via the Marie F. Rader Memorial Fund and through funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

COVID-19 Safety Policy: Rowan University is requiring masks, regardless of vaccination status, for all indoor public spaces on campus, until further notice. Additionally please note that ticket sales are being capped to allow for adaptability to variable conditions. All tickets must be purchased in advance to help ensure a contactless process and responsible contact tracing. A brief health screening is required of all visitors before entering any public indoor spaces on campus.

PHOTO: David DeSilva, Dancers Yuko Monden Juma, JanpiStar, Sonsherée Giles, Louisa Mann, DeMarco Sleeper, 2021. Photo Courtesy of AXIS Dance Company.