Limón Company www.limon.org Limón Dance Company Limón Staff: Office:

Juan José Escalante Colin Connor The José Limón Dance Foundation Executive Director Artistic Director Everett Center for the Performing Arts +1 (212) 777-3353 x17 +1 (212) 777-3353 x21 466 West 152nd Street, 2nd Floor [email protected] [email protected] New York, NY 10031 Tel: (212) 777-3353 Booking Agent Brenna Monroe-Cook Fax: (212) 777-4764 Edward Schoelwer Licensing Director Email: [email protected] Red Shell Management +1 (212) 777-3353 x15 www.limon.org +1 (646) 495-1364 [email protected] [email protected]

Lena Lauer Niya Nicholson Director of Education Development Director Programs +1 (212) 777-3353 x14 +1 (212) 777-3353 x13 [email protected] [email protected]

Becky Brown Juliane Silveira Program Manager Business Manager +1 (212) 777-3353 x18 +1 (212) 777-3353 x10 [email protected] [email protected] Introducing the José Limón Dance Foundation 72 Years of Limón: Founder and Organizational History

Choreographer and dancer José Limón is credited with creating one of the world’s most important and enduring dance legacies— an art form responsible for the creation, growth, and support of in this country. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon both Limón and the Company he founded in 1946, including most recently the White House’s 2008 National Medal of Arts for Lifetime Achievement.

José Limón immigrated to the United States in 1918 and is considered one of Mexico’s greatest artistic exports, making him a role model for Latino communities throughout North America. His story is a powerful vehicle for reaching young people today. Limón4Kids is an important addition to the Institute’s mission taking the Limón legacy directly into the classrooms of the most under-represented New York City’s public schools and community centers.

The José Limón Dance Foundation supports two entities: the Limón Dance Company, this country’s first modern dance repertory company, and the Limón Institute, an educational and archival resource center. In our home-base of New York City, the Limón Institute reaches close to 5,000 students and scholars annually through its education programs (including Limón4Kids), archival library, and New York City classes and workshops. The Limón Technique

The Limón technique is based upon the movement style and philosophy of theater developed by modern dance pioneers, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman. In the early 1930s, both Weidman and Humphrey developed a dance vocabulary that worked in opposition to the strict rules of classical . Their intention was twofold: to demonstrate human emotions in a less stylized manner than ballet; and to incorporate in their work the natural movement patterns of the body and its relation to gravity. Limón further developed their ideas for his own work and technique.

The Limón technique is divided among various physical extremes: fall and recovery, rebound, weight, suspension, succession and isolation. These ideas can be illustrated in the way a dancer uses the floor as a place from which to rise, return to and then rise from again. The way a dancer explores the range of movement between the one extreme of freedom from gravity and the other of falling into it; for example, the moment of suspension just as the body is at the top of a leap, and the moment the body had fallen completely back to the earth. There are many words and ideas that are immediately associated with the Limón technique, i.e. its humanism, its use of breath, , lyricism and its dramatic qualities; however, the overwhelming consensus is that through the movement is always demonstrated some physical expression of the human spirit. Introducing the Limón Dance Company

Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of American Modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest dance companies. Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery, and expansive yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of José Limón’s work and vision. The Company’s repertory, which includes classic works in addition to new commissions from contemporary choreographers, possesses an unparalleled breadth and creates unique experiences for audiences around the world. Colin Connor assumed artistic leadership in July of 2016, succeeding Carla Maxwell who led the Company from 1978-2016 before becoming the Foundation’s first Legacy Director. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon both Limón and the Company he founded sixty-eight years ago in 1946, including most recently the White House’s 2008 National Medal of Arts for Lifetime Achievement. Additionally, the Company was the first modern dance group to tour under the auspices of the State Department and to perform at Lincoln Center.

DORIS HUMPHREY (Founder/Choreographer, 1895 - 1958), a founder of American modern dance, developed a distinctive movement approach based on the body’s use of weight and its relationship to gravity. Her choreographic contributions include many works now considered modern dance classics. Between 1928 and 1944, Humphrey collaborated with Charles Weidman, producing great as well as some outstanding performers, José Limón among them. When physical disability ended her career as a dancer, she became the artistic director for José Limón and his company, creating new works for the dancers.

JOSÉ LIMÓN (Founder/Choreographer, 1908 - 1972), born in Culiacan, Mexico, spent a year at UCLA as an art major before moving to New York to study at the dance school of Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, performing in most of their works. In 1946, after serving in the army, Limón collected a small group of dancers and formed his own company with Humphrey as his artistic director. During the ensuing years, many of his 74 works were hailed as masterpieces, most notably The Moor’s Pavane, and the company grew in size and stature. In his later years, Limón was the recipient of numerous commissions, awards, and honorary doctorates.

COLIN CONNOR (Artistic Director), born in London, England, is the fifth Artistic Director in the Foundation’s 70 year history. Mr. Connor began dancing in Canada and was a soloist with the Limón Dance Company for eight years, guest performed with several other companies, and toured extensively with his own work. He has always been committed to the idea that dancers are creative artists and that dancing draws from a large range of influences- musical, literary, sensory, social, and scientific - to bring attention back to the visceral communicative power of the human body. Mr. Connor’s over fifty choreographic commissions span the worlds of contemporary, ballet and companies, and his works have been presented at numerous venues across the Americas and Europe. As an educator, Mr. Connor has been on the faculties of The Juilliard School, New York University, the City College of New York, and most recently the California Institute of the Arts.

Community Bryant Park Moves with Limón Dance

Connection to Mission and Program Inspiration

The José Limón Dance Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate the Limón legacy, a humanistic approach to movement and theater, and to extend the vitality of that vision into the future. Bryant Park Moves classes fulfill this goal by bringing Limón out of the theater, out of the studio, and into the public. Often, attending a formal dance class in a studio intimidates non-dancers. Bryant Park Moves eliminates all such pressures but creating a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Held in one of New York City’s most vibrant outdoor spaces, Bryant Park Moves classes are free and open to all ages and levels. Participation requires no previous experience, only enthusiasm and a willingness to try. Taught by experienced Limón faculty, including Company Members, these hour-long classes happen every Saturday during the summer, May through the end of September. Many participants do not plan on attending; they simply happen by and cannot resist joining in. People from all walks of life can experience the freedom of dance and the infectious joy of the Limón technique in the pleasant atmosphere of Bryant Park. to Mission and Program Inspiration The José Limón Dance Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate the Limón legacy, a humanistic approach to movement and theater, and to extend the vitality of that vision into the future. Nothing is more central to fulfilling our legacy then continuing our engagement with local youth, developing their minds and imaginations, which is central to the cultural education work of the Limón4Kids program. The inspiration and content for Limón4Kids is Limón’s works, for example: The Winged. The Winged was first performed in 1966 to music by Hank Johnson. José Limón describes The Winged to be about “our dream that we have always had as human beings that we can fly”. There are many metaphors in The Winged hinting at the flight into our imagination. Limón goes on to say, “these flights of fancy take us to far places on unseen wings”. Each student participating in this year’s Limón4Kids program will be able to find their unique wings of flight.

Residency and Curriculum

The Limón4Kids residency program focuses on reaching school youths in grades 6 through 12. Starting in 2009 with two schools and 154 students to reaching over 650 students in six schools, the program continues to grow. Taught by Limón Dance Company members, the Limón4Kids program engages students in two sessions per week for 2 classes in each partner location over a three-week period for an estimate of 100 lessons. Partner schools are located all over New York City, focusing on schools with predominantly Hispanic populations in Manhattan, Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens. The curriculum is broken down into four key areas: , literacy, technique, and performance. Limón’s personal story introduces students to such concepts as heritage, community, identity and how we communicate. Following the residency, students perform in their own informal showcases for family, friends, and the local community. During these showcases, the Limón Dance Company performs work excerpts for the students and invites them to attend evening-length performances of the Company later in the school year. Continued...

Goals

• Reach the Hispanic community using Limón’s personal story as a way to instill cultural pride and a strong sense of identity • Widely disseminate art instruction to students who may not otherwise have access to a cultural arts curriculum • Provide the opportunity for youth to learn about the Limón legacy through an art enhanced curricula • Relate to movement as a universal language, through discovery and exploration of rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, space, and form • Develop an arts‐in‐education program that meets Department of Education learning standards, including physical, social, cognitive, and aesthetic benchmark • Provide support to schools for development of their art programs and encourage innovative teaching practices Continued...

Feedback from the Participants

“Did you see how they put on their medals? Because they felt that sense of pride...There was 100% participation, I have never seen this”. -Ann Biddle, Arts and Education Consultant

“Learning the power of movement and working in groups of ten was very empowering. I liked it!” -Sharda Mia Torres, Class 6 B PS 187, Washington Heights, NYC

“It felt great to perform, to be on stage” -Michael Pena, Class 8 H ‐ MS74 – Bayside , Queens

“All the dance we did was pretty good, specially because it really helps you to express yourself, and express your feelings, and it was pretty fun. The whole movie about José Limón really inspired us” -Anthony Cersosimo, Class 8H, MS 74, Bayside Queens

“We learn about multicultural histories through the dances” -Jin Ju Min, Class 8 D MS 74, Bayside, Queens

“It was very interesting, it was never the same thing over and over again. They taught me things I have never learnt before, I liked it” -Gustov Utstol, Class 6 A, PS 187, Washington Heights, NYC Education Programs of Study

Connection to Mission and Program Inspiration

The José Limón Dance Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate the Limón legacy, a humanistic approach to movement and theater, and to extend the vitality of that vision into the future.

Professional Studies Program (PSP)

The nine-month program runs from September - December, and January – May. It includes: ● An introductory workshop presenting the underlying principles of Limón technique ● Five Limón technique classes per week ● Six to eight weeks of Intensive daily repertory workshops ● Workshops and Lectures on a range of historical, theoretical, and supplementary subjects ● Individual coaching sessions with current and former company members ● Performance opportunities include studio showings and formal performances in theater venue

Limón Professional Studies Program 2 PSP2 – A newer training program for advanced Limón dancers offered by Limón Dance Company and the Limón School. The 9-month program offers unique access and involvement with Limón Company rehearsals and work sessions, daily advanced Limón technique classes, intensive one-on-one coaching with Artistic Directors, Company members and Limón faculty, plus group repertory workshops and performance opportunities.

Directed by Limón School Director Alan Danielson, in association with Carla Maxwell, Artistic Director, the program is flexible and customized to meet the needs of the dancers according to the Limón Company and Institute schedules. Open to PSP graduates and advanced dancers with demonstrated ability in the Limón technique. Education Programs of Study Continued...

Intensive Studies Programs - Fall and Spring (FSP and SSP)

The FSP and SSP are each a twelve-week intensive studies program September – December, and February - May. The programs are designed for college dance majors who want the experience of a semester in New York City, and for international students looking for a short-term program. Each program starts with a workshop that introduces principles of Limón technique, and consists of daily technique classes, repertory workshops, special theory and practice sessions, a performance opportunity and attend open Company rehearsals. Applicants should be at the Advanced or Intermediate-Advanced level and have completed the equivalent of two years of college dance training.

Dance Training and Arts Management Studies Program

The Dance Training & Arts Management Internship Program accepts qualified students to participate in rotating areas such as development, administration, production, archives, budget and finance, under the mentorship of the Limón’s professional staff. In addition to 16 hours a week of the internship, interns have the option to participate in technique and repertory classes as part of the Professional Studies Program (see above) and the open workshops offered by the Limon School.

Applicants should be college graduates with previous office experience and a specific interest in dance management. Tuition for this highly competitive program is fully subsidized.

Faculty: Sue Bernhard, Becky Brown, Geraldine Cardiel, Roxane D’Orléans Juste, Betty Jones, Ryoko Kudo, Carla Maxwell, Jim May, Risa Steinberg, Ann Vachon, Nina Watt and artists of the Limón Dance Company. Performance Opportunities: The Institute presents two Professional Studies Program Showings per year. Students have the opportunity to perform in both Limón repertory works and original works by Institute faculty members. Additional performance opportunities are frequently scheduled during the spring. International students who need a student visa should attend the Limón-Peridance Visa Student program. This is done in conjunction with the Professional Studies Program. International students attending the Fall or Spring Intensive Studies Program should contact us for visa information. The Limón programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Press Quotes “Combines sheer endless wealth of movement... with absolutely convincing power of expression.” “Glorious ensemble dancing… The front -Monica Klein, Rheinische Post, Germany ranks of American dance, a spot it deserved then, and deserves now.” -Elizabeth Zimmer, The Village Voice “Its unpredictability sent the house roaring with laughter.” -Kristen Hedberg, Tilt Magazine

“[Limón] repertoire, brilliantly performed by a new generation of dancers, still affects us today.” “There is little as thrilling as seeing a ‘museum piece’ spring -Robert Johnson, Dance Enthusiast to such glorious life. A close second, however, is surely seeing such a ‘legacy’ company take on new work, and successfully, as the Limón dancers do.” -Janine Parker, Berkshire Eagle

“As a highlight of the 2018 Pillow season, it was stunning to experience.” -Charles Giuliano, Berkshire Fine Arts Press Quotes "The choreography of the great José Limón, a Mexican immigrant, with its clean lines, those powerful curved arms and, always, the “The diverse group of deep emotional content, is one of our dancers whom you often national treasures." don’t come across in — Susan L. Pena, Reading Eagle, 2017 mainstream companies.” — Demetrius Shields, Dance Informa, May 2018

“But Humphrey weaves these steps for her cast of 16 into a complex, ever-shifting tapestry with an impressive “Curran’s Nocturne for Ancestors economy and understated restraint. offers the company and the Choreography at this level never has an audience a deep breath of joy, expiration date.” gratitude, and life in community in — Nicole Dekle Collins, The Dance this hearkening back to the heart Enthusiast, 2015 “But the Limón Dance Company lives on, now of , no matter what nearly 70, and its members remain heroic culture, no matter what age. defenders of their patrimony, the work of a man Kudos to the entire Limón family who was born in Mexico but became part of the for this powerful and uplifting core of modern dance in the United States.” continuation of their 68th year!” — Brian Seiber, New York Times, 2015 — Mary Seidman, Eye on the Arts, 2014