Parsons Dance Company, comprised of ten full-time dancers, maintains a repertory of over 50 works (20 with commissioned scores) by Mr. David Parsons. Parsons's works range from the athletic to simple to beautiful to comedic. "Dance has an unfortunate history of being an elite art form-comedy breaks down the boundaries so everyone can enjoy it," David says. Parsons's choreography is often described as on the edge and unpredictable, and usually all his programs have an improvisation section for the dancers to display their virtuosity. His programs are a collection of works full of invention, fun and theatrical chicanery. It has been said that even avowed dance haters seem to fall under his spell.
The Parsons Dance Company makes its home on the New 42nd Street right in the creative heart of New York City, and since 1987 it has performed at City Center, The Joyce Theatre, The New Victory Theatre, Central Park Summerstage, Dance Theatre Workshop, and The Guggenheim among others. It is the only company to perform at all three Spoleto Festivals in one year, has appeared at Jacob's Pillow for six consecutive seasons and has been presented in some of the most distinguished theatres in the world.
The Company performed in New York City on New Year's Eve for Times Square 2000, the 24-hour performance marathon that celebrated the arrival of the Millennium in every time zone in the world. In addition to being featured on CBS Sunday Morning and the Discovery Channel, the Company's performances for this project were seen by the millions who packed Times Square as well as one billion worldwide who watched the festivities via satellite.
Since his arrival in New York City at the age of seventeen with a mere $70 in his pocket, David Parsons has enjoyed a remarkable career as a performer, choreographer, teacher, director and producer of dance. His work has been enthusiastically embraced by audiences, presenters and critics the world over. Mr. Parsons was a leading dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, where Mr. Taylor created many roles for him. His guest appearances include the New York City Ballet, the Berlin Opera, MOMIX, and the White Oak Dance Project.
Mr. Parsons founded the company which bears his name with lighting designer Howell Binkley in 1987. As artistic director, Mr. Parsons has created over 60 works. He has also choreographed works for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and National Ballet of Canada among others. Mr. Parsons was a recipient of the Dance Magazine Award for the year 2000. In 2001, he served as a director/choreographer for AEROS, a production featuring the Romanian Gymnastic Federation. He also choreographed The Pied Piper in collaboration with designer Michael Curry and composer John Corigliano, for American Ballet Theatre that premiered May 18, 2001 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
Members of The Parsons Dance Company will lead a modern dance master class on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8 PM in the Evans Physical Education BuildingÐDance Studio (Room 107). All participants must have minimal dance training and be age 12 and up. There is a fee of $10 and pre-registration is required. Call 780-2545 to register.
The Parsons Dance Company will perform for one night only at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center at HACC on Friday, April 12 at 8 PM. Tickets are $27 for adults and $22 for students and senior citizens. Box Office phone number is (717) 231-ROSE (7673). For information concerning the Performing Artist Series at HACC as well as a link to The Parsons Dance Company website, click on http://www.hacc.edu/rose.