Discover the Von Howard Project

Yes, the best plan for this city weekend is to stay indoors with A/C and the--for now, at least--affordable charms of Netflix. But if you do want to venture out, you might enjoy discovering the young dancers of Von Howard Project, who hail from all over the US plus Kingston, Jamaica. Under the direction of master dancer Christian von Howard, VHP proves to be a disciplined team capable of plasticity, apt timing and finely-calibrated expression in two demanding new works by Susan Douglas Roberts (breath to bone) and von Howard (the New York premiere, Triptych). Triptych--an extended meditation on romance delivered in three sections with a 10-minute intermission--seems a little catch-all, something for everyone, from serene abstraction to sheer mainstream entertainment. But it does offer a sense of this company's range and hints of considerable potential. It also includes a memorable star turn for von Howard himself, a strong man as surefooted as a mountain goat, decked out in a bridal gown and carrying a bouquet of calla lilies. Michael Jarett handsomely supports the evening with lighting keyed to the poetic intent of both works.

Performances by von Howard, Elizabeth Alvarez, Laura Barbee, Rachel Brady, Beth Brandt, Bryanna Brown, Matthew Cumbie, Whitney Hubbard, Aaron Burr Johnson, Christina Carlotti Kolb, Allison Meyer, Nikolai McKenzie, Kelly Oakes, Kim Palmer, Allison Ploor, Kyoko Ruch, Courtney Sauls, Ellenore Scott, Stacie Shivers, Jerome L. Stigler and Rohnie D. Williams

Von Howard Project continues tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm with a final performance on Sunday, July 24 at 2pm.

Click here for tickets, or call 212-924-0077.

New York Live Arts
219 West 19th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues), Manhattan,
(directions)