Culture Fiend

Met Pick: Portland Dance Troupe Teeth at On the Boards

The 2011 A.W.A.R.D. Show! winners have a new multimedia piece to show off.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Feb 28, 2012 at 11:00AM 0 Comments

Portland dance company Teeth ­dominated last year’s A.W.A.R.D. Show! competition with Home Made, an electrifying interpretation of a long-term relationship, from lust to languish. At the time, I think I called it the dance equivalent of Blue Valentine. Dancers Keely McIntyre and Noel Plemmons engaged in flashlight foreplay beneath a sheet, using a handheld camera to trace each others’ naked bodies while projecting close-ups of elbows, feet, and chins onto a screen behind them. A foot caressed a head; it was… sweet.

Ever since choreographer Angelle Hebert and sound designer Phillip Kraft teamed up 11 years ago, Teeth has explored the boundaries of contemporary dance. This isn’t just about movement—it’s finely crafted theater, with an appreciation for dark comedy, improvisation, and creative multimedia. The group returns to On the Boards this weekend with the local premiere of Make/Believe, a new piece about obsession and anxiety featuring Plemmons, Philip Elson, and Seattle’s Molly Sides and Shannon Stewart draped in microphone cords—a sort-of modern Marley’s ghost bound by chains.

On March 3, Hebert and Kraft will co-teach a master class at Velocity Dance, covering material from Make/Believe, as well as dance technique, improv, and composition. All levels welcome.

Make/Believe
Mar 1–3 at 8, On the Boards, $20

Teeth: Master Class
Mar 3, noon–1:45, Velocity Dance Center, $15 ($7 with ticket stub)

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Tags: Velocity Dance, On the Boards

Lady Gaga Dance-Off

Embrace your inner diva—and win cash—at Century Ballroom.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Nov 15, 2010 at 02:30PM 1 Comments

Lady Gaga, reigning queen of pop.

What Lady Gaga dance-off, cohosted by Miss Indigo Blue and DJ Darwin.

When November 20, 8pm

Where Century Ballroom (West Hall), 915 E Pine St, Seattle

Why A portion of ticket sales supports Velocity Dance Center in its new home.

The rules Enter to win cash prizes for best costume/makeup, largest group, most original choreography, and best representation of the No. 1 Diva. Just sign up as a team or on your own (Lady Gaga would respect a solo act) with a routine that’s no more than three minutes long; all ages can compete. Email your name/group name, the number of people involved, and your song of choice to office@centuryballroom.com. Century Ballroom is also asking for audition clips via YouTube, CD or DVD (mailed to the address above), but if you can’t get one together in time, you can still enter. Just bring your poker face.

Just want to watch? Tickets are $15 advance, $20 day of. 21+.

A little inspiration…

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Tags: Dance, Velocity Dance

Met Pick: Velocity Dance Center’s Reopening Party

The “very heart of dance in Seattle” has a new beat, starting Saturday.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Mar 25, 2010 at 09:30AM 4 Comments

Velocity Dance’s founders are pretty excited about this reopening.

When the Oddfellows Building was sold in 2007, the new owner raised the rent, pricing out tenant Velocity Dance. The dance center—which PNB artistic director Peter Boal once called "the very heart of dance in Seattle”—had spent 13 years in its Capitol Hill home. Now it had months to find a new space—or close.

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending (read the full recap here ). After a grueling studio search and some creative fundraising, Velocity Dance will reopen in its new home at 1621 12th Avenue this Saturday—and they plan to celebrate in style.

Calling it “The Greatest Move on Earth,” the circus-themed party starts at 5:30pm with a parade—complete with marching band, moped gang, and Mayor McGinn—from the Oddfellows Building at 915 East Pine to Velocity’s new digs. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6, followed by a (FREE) party open to all ages from 7-11 with food, drinks, DJ sets by Mad Rad and performances by Airpocalypse and the Merce Cunningham Duo. If you’re looking for a dance party—a really, really good dance party this weekend—this is it.

Velocity will also offer FREE studio space for artists and FREE dance classes for adults (ages 16 and up) all week. Learn everything from hip hop and breakdancing to ballet and yoga. For more information, go to [corrected] VelocityDanceCenter.org.

Note: Parade participants shout meet on the third floor of the Oddfellows Building at 5pm.

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Tags: Capitol Hill, Met Picks, Dance, Weekend, Party, Velocity Dance,