In memoriam: Niles Ford [UPDATE]

This weekend, the dance community was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of dancer-choreographer Niles Ford (Niles Ford/Urban Dance Collective) who passed away in his sleep.

Niles Ford

Ford was scheduled to present the world premiere of Summer of Hate/15 Steps at FLICfest--an annual dance festival of "feature-length independent choreography" at Fort Greene's Irondale Center--on Friday, January 27, 9pm. Dancer-choreographer Gabri Christa, a longtime friend and collaborator, announced on Facebook that that program will go forward as planned and will be followed by a video tribute to Ford and a dance party with DJ. Admission to that evening's performance will be free.

Here is some information about the new work:

Summer of Hate/15 Steps investigates the events and ideas that emerged during the summer of 2010 around President Barack Obama, the media, and conversations about race. Focusing on the “Facebook Generation,” the work explores the energy of the younger generation that voted for Obama, and their use of technology to be active and engaged within society. Summer of Hate/15 Steps is performed by Katie Balton, Stephanie Booth, Edwardo Brito, Stephesha David, Jessica Parks, Laura Rekuc, Cara Robino, Michelle Siegel, Nabowire "Nabz" Stokes, and Royce Zackery. Costumes are by Cheryl McCarron.

On Saturday, January 28, 2-5pm, there will be a memorial gathering, also at Irondale Center with musical tributes, video and time to speak. The organizers invite you to "...bring kids, food and drinks."

My heart goes out to Ford's family, his dancers and his many friends and colleagues in dance who loved him dearly.

FLICfest
The Irondale Center
85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn
(map/directions)

For more information on FLICfest programming and ticketing, click here.