As Baltimore Dance Project rehearsed for their upcoming performances at UMBC’s Proscenium Theatre, directors Doug Hamby and Carol Hess took time out to discuss the new program featuring premieres by both artists as well as Sandra Lacy. The new works that will appear on stage February 4–6 reflect the interdisciplinary approach the company is known for and a deep sense of connection among the artists, all UMBC dance faculty, built over years of collaboration.
“For this season,” said Carol Hess, “I decided to re-construct Image in Red, a beautiful solo that was choreographed on me by Janet Soares in 1980. It has been thrilling to revisit this work and set it on Franki Trout.” Trout ’13, dance, now teaches dance in Anne Arundel County’s first Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program at Annapolis High School.
Doug Hamby created one dance with a commissioned score, Second Nature, by associate professor of music Anna Rubin. He will also will premiere Duet, which includes a live performance by Umbilicus, conducted by associate professor of music Tom Goldstein. He shared, “UMBC is a wonderful community of artists and I really enjoy collaborating with everyone here.”
The program also includes the premiere of Sandra Lacy’s mysterious new solo Lost and the company premiere of Untitled, choreographed by instructor Desiree Koontz-Nachtrieb ’11, dance, with music, Walk, by Ludovico Einaudi and performed by guest dancers Eric Holmes ’17, dance and biology, and Koontz-Nachtrieb. Additional works include Carol Hess’ Dolled Up, examining the interiors of five women in fancy dresses, with an original score by sound artist and visual arts professor Timothy Nohe; dance instructor Adrienne Clancy and Sandra Lacy’s quirky and playful duet, Stalked by Time; and The Lights from The Heavens are Called Stars, choreographed and performed by dance instructor Erica Rebollar with sound by Charlie Campagna.
Baltimore Dance Project is a professional modern dance company dedicated to presenting the creative work of Doug Hamby and Carol Hess, described as “two of the most exciting choreographers in Maryland.” Formed in 1982 under the name Phoenix Dance Company, the company is known for its edgy collaborations with composers, directors, sound artists and visual artists, and for infusing visual media and technology into riveting dance performance. This will be their 32nd annual performance at UMBC.
The company features outstanding professional dancers and has been honored with numerous grants and awards. Hamby, Hess, and company veteran Sandra Lacy have received a total of twelve individual artist awards from the Maryland State Arts Council, and their work has appeared in theaters and film festivals across the United States.
Complete performance information and tickets are available through the UMBC Arts & Culture Calendar.
Image: Baltimore Dance Project performance. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
Tags: CAHSS, Dance, Music, VisualArts
