Dance Connections with DCDC
Having just started with Portland Ovations in December, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was a fitting first dance performance for me to see here in Portland. I moved here from NYC, where I worked at the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance. When we received the program information, one of the first things I noticed was a familiar name among the dancers—Hershel Deondre Horner III, who had studied at the Martha Graham School while I was there. Having seen him in the works of Martha Graham, it was wonderful to see him perform the works of other choreographers, and great to touch base following the Q&A.
Another connection from this performance to my life at Graham was Donald McKayle’s Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder, in which Mary Hinkson, a Graham alum, performed the original female role. Having seen videos from when Hinkson performed in the piece, it was interesting to see today’s dancers’ take on this classic work.
DCDC’s dancers were not only powerful onstage, but also in the studio, giving both a Professional Development Workshop for educators and a Masterclass for local dance students, and allowing young dancers at Portland Ballet Company and Casco Bay Movers to observe their company class.
If you attended the concert, Q&A, workshop, or masterclass, I’d love to hear about your connections with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.
Kymberly Dakin-Neal says:
Please bring this amazing company back to Portland. Their energy, expertise, inspiration - and the sheer power of the stories they told gave us an unforgettable evening of artistry. Thank you so much!
John Chiodo says:
The dancers for Dayton Contemporary Dance put on a beautiful performance, with tremendous energy and effort, which was very evident. I would like to see them again in Portland.