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Our Programs and services Alban elved creates works for the traditional stage as well as site specific installations, indoors/outdoors. The company’s work challenges the definitions of feminine strength and physical power, redefining expectations. Live performances: Our main vehicle of communication and exchange is the live performance. We perform locally and tour nationally and internationally. alban elved’s performances speak to diverse audiences young and old. Works range from 5 min pieces to 2 hr evening length productions involving anywhere from 1-12 artists. The works are eclectic and seek to enrich, enlighten, challenge, entertain and educate audiences. Science and dance collaborations: ‘Free Space’ is the title for a series of collaborations between alban elved dance company and scientists from different Universities. The concept is to join artists, engineers, and humanists to explore how technology might expand human creativity and how forms of creativity might offer insights into expanding technology. Each collaboration is uniquely different and has varying topics. The first ‘Free Space’ production entitled took place in 2002 at Duke University, Durham, NC with the Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics and Computer Programming. Since then alban elved dance company engaged in two collaborations with the Wake Forest University Computer Science Department, the Information Studies Department and the Art Department, Winston-Salem, NC. A fourth production is planned for 2007 involving several educational institutions and universities in Winston-Salem. These collaborations bring elements and principles of science to a general audience raising appreciation and understanding. Aerial Works/ Non traditional performance spaces: alban elved dance company wishes to offer it’s audiences ever changing and fresh performance experiences beyond the traditional boundaries of the field. Using aerial equipment such as harnesses and ropes, bungee cords and metal structures, the company creates performances in galleries, gardens, against rock formations in national parks and buildings. Health related and social topics: It is our particular interest to create works that reflect on the human condition. Many works deal with emotional and physical health. “Lux Etaerna” seeks to shed light on the mysterious condition of Schizophrenia. “Ein Tag Zu Früh” describes a woman’s emotional state while in solitary confinement. The empowerment of women, as our mission statement explains, is an underlying theme that weaves itself through all of the company’s works. Question answer sessions and discussions with the audience: After each performance we exchange ideas with the audience. We answer questions and listen to feedback. These sessions serve as catalysts for a vivid exchange with the community and help shape our programming. Q&A sessions are a wonderful opportunity for company and audience to meet on a more informal and personal level, give everyone a chance to dig deeper into the meaning, message or creative process of a work. Lecture demonstrations: We introduce the company’s work to audiences of all backgrounds through lecture demonstrations. Those are often geared toward a particular group, such as high school students, teacher associations, The Association of American University Women, and others. alban elved dance company offers four topics for lecture demonstrations: 1) ‘The Creative Process’ 2) ‘Aerial work and physically demanding works’ and 3) ‘The “FREE SPACE” Dance and Science Collaborations’, (Bridging Sciences and art provides a new format for schools to approach sciences) 4) general introduction to our work and our philosophy. Lecture demonstrations seek to educate as well as entertain and support an understanding of the company’s work within the community. Classes/Master Classes: We offer dance classes to professionals, young adults and non dancers. Teaching gives the company another opportunity to share it’s philosophy and the experience of contemporary dance theatre with a variety of people. Teaching stimulates the student’s mind and body and contributes to a well-balanced education. We have taught master classes at festivals, in high schools, in colleges, private studios. Education makes up a substantial part of our programming. Video showings, forums and discussions: Occasionally we invite guest speakers to address various topics such as: computer programming, digital media, 3-D animation, cross disciplinary collaboration, and the economic impact of art on communities. Those events are free to the public and are offered in connection with our performances. Arts-In-Education Projects: alban elved dance company engages in arts in education projects: a) To explore the beauty and power of creativity and expression through body language, music and other arts. b) To offer a platform for works by students, teachers and professionals. |