SHIFT DANCE | FESTIVAL 2017
Guest Artists
S. Paola López R.
Photo Credit: Laura Bustillos Jáquez
Sandra Paola López R. is a dancemaker, improviser and performance activist. Her work is characterized by the investigation of complex issues such as relationship, gender, race, identity, awareness, kinesthetic listening and perception, and it has taken her through the US, Colombia, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Canada and Mexico. Since moving to the United States from her native Colombia in 2004, she has studied under renowned artist such as Kirstie Simson, Ruth Zaporah, Cynthia Oliver and Jennifer Monson and has developed her art practice to integrate her creative process and her community organizing efforts. Driven by her commitment to social justice, Sandra Paola co-founded and now directs in2improv – an organization empowering diverse populations through performance and improvisation in the US/Mexico border. She has taught widely in both formal and informal education settings and is currently dance faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso and a candidate in the MFA program in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College.
AGA Collaborative
L to R : Amanda Hamp, Gretchen Alterowitz, Alison Bory
Photo Credit: Mikale Kwiatkowski
Working across geographical distance, AGA Collaborative rigorously explores the possibilities of co-creating. We engage methods of collaboration in the realms of choreography, performance, writing, and teaching.
Our choreographic collaboration emphasizes the process of dancemaking and the possibilities of creating a shared space. We approach choreography as an act of research — into the experience of being, what the language of the body can communicate, and how bodies on stage can speak to the world. Our work presents multiple perspectives, layers of meaning, and a range of experience that are beyond the reach of a single choreographer.
In our choreography, we are dedicated to investigating different ways of thinking about and viewing dancing bodies on stage. Prioritizing intimacy and connection over bodily display, our work offers alternative ways of watching female bodies perform. Rather than creating experiences of diversion and spectacle, we aim to create compositions that allow for audience reflection and reflexivity. We approach the stage as a multidimensional space and a site for community building — amongst ourselves and with everyone in the room. From its vigorous dancing to its quiet contemplation, our performance work is always full-bodied and whole-hearted. We share the desire to have dance speak to something profound in our own lives, and to be available to and relevant for the audiences who experience it.
Erika Pujič
Photo Credit: Kelsey Paschich
Erika Pujič was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where she began her dance training at the School of Cleveland Ballet. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Juilliard School where she was the recipient of the Martha Hill Award. Upon graduation, Ms. Pujič danced with Gloria Marina’s Spanish Dance Ensemble performing in New Jersey Opera’s “Carmen”. She was a principal dancer and rehearsal director for Henning Rubsam’s SENSEDANCE for seven years. Ms. Pujič was a founding member and rehearsal director for Battleworks Dance Company during it’s 10 year span (2000-2010). She has been an integral part of the creation of many works for Robert Battle and she has been dancing and setting his works for over 22 years.
She was a Visiting Guest Professor at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque for the Fall 2013 semester and will be returning for the Fall 2014 semester. Ms. Pujič is currently teaching at George Mason University and she has been an Adjunct at Queensborough Community College since 2008. She has created works for The Ailey School, Marymount Manhattan College, Long Island University Brooklyn Campus, University of New Mexico, ABT’s Summer Intensives, Summer Arts Institute, Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and New York State Summer School of the Arts. Ms. Pujič is also performing, teaching and creating curriculums for the American Dance Legacy Initiative (ADLI).
Carl Landa
Carl Landa is the Musical Director of the Dance Department at Skidmore College. He teaches Music for Dancers, accompanies modern and ballet classes, and composes and records music for students, faculty, and guest artists.
Before joining the Skidmore College faculty in 2000 he was an accompianist at the Martha Graham School for Contemporary Dance, the Merce Cunningham School, the Julliard School, Purchase College, and many private dance studios in New York City.
Carl’s original scores have been used by Complexions Dance Company, Battleworks, and many colleges and universities including the Alvin Ailey School, The University of Richmond, and Long Island University.
Carl has been on the faculty of the Bates Dance Festival since 2001.
