PRESENT TENSE 2003

Present Tense combines Trisha Brown’s abstract aesthetic with her newfound interest in emotional narrative. This aerial choreography results in raucous, cantilevering partnering where dancers seem to ride and tumble suspended across the space. The earth-bound phrase-work is distinctly Trisha Brown, but unexpected in its logic, employing motifs that hint at a poetic emotional narrative.

Commissioned for the 2003 Cannes International Dance Festival. The project was supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Charles Engelhard Foundation and made possible by the Doris Duke Fund for Dance of the National Dance Project, a program of the New England Foundation for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the Ford Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Altria Group, Inc.

Choreography: Trisha Brown


Music: John Cage, Sonatas & Interludes for Prepared Piano 1946-48, Sonata 3, Sonata 7, Second Interlude, Sonata 11, Sonata 12, Sonata 13. By arrangement with Peters Edition Limited, London Courtesy of Mode Records and Philipp Vandré


Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton


Set and Costumes: Elizabeth Murray

GEOMETRY OF QUIET 2002

In Geometry of Quiet, Trisha Brown’s second work to the music of Salvatore Sciarrino, she matched the poignancy and delicacy of the music with choreography that implies a personal, emotional intimacy. The organic sounds of the flute seem to emanate from the sail-like banners that form the first theatrical set designed by the choreographer herself.

Commissioned by White Bird/Portland, Oregon and Montpellier Danse Festival. Funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Philip Morris Companies Inc.


Choreography: Trisha Brown


Music: Salvatore Sciarrino


Set design: Trisha Brown


Costume design: Christophe de Menil


Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton


Flute: Mario Caroli

GROOVE AND COUNTERMOVE 2000

Groove and Countermove, the final piece in the jazz trilogy, reveals an intricate world of counterpoint between one dancer and the Company, the dance itself and Dave Douglas’ music, and the frenetic energy of the movement and the Terry Winters set. Whether engaged in bold unison phrases or catapulting each other through the air, the dancers create an intriguing environment at once easygoing and vitally expressive.

Commissioned by the American Dance Festival and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through the Doris Duke Millennium Awards for Modern Dance & Jazz Music Collaborations with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Original score co-commissioned by Skidmore College’s Office of the Dean of Special Programs. Co-produced by Luzernertanz - choreographic centre at the luzernertheater, and Octobre en Normandie Festival. Additional production support received from NYSCA Technology Initiative.


Choreography: Trisha Brown


Music: Dave Douglas


Set and Costume design: Terry Winters

Lighting design: Jennifer Tipton