Ben Sota and Jil Stifel present the hybrid dance event ‘WaywardLand’

By Steve Sucato There are journeys in life, and then there are journeys of being. Jil Stifel and Ben Sota’s new work,WaywardLand, explores the idea that we’re on a journey in our human evolution. The 55-muinute abstract work combines circus, dance and physical theater, says Sota, 34, artistic director of the Zany Umbrella Circus.WaywardLand, part of The New Hazlett Theater’s Community Supported Art Performance Series, … Continue reading Ben Sota and Jil Stifel present the hybrid dance event ‘WaywardLand’

Pittsburgh’s Attack Theatre to kick off year-long community dance project

By Steve Sucato What better way for Attack Theatre to kick off its year-long community dance project Remainder/Northside than with a free, family-friendly community day at the New Hazlett Theater? On Sun., June 22, the Pittsburgh-based, internationally touring troupe will launch the project and entertain audiences as only Attack Theatre can, with interactive movement activities, mini-performances, and games including life-size chess, Four-Square and Bag Attack Boogaloo. “We have had a … Continue reading Pittsburgh’s Attack Theatre to kick off year-long community dance project

Maree ReMalia’s ‘The Ubiquitous Mass of Us’ explores how we take up space

By Steve Sucato Outer space may be the final frontier, but it is the space we humans occupy on Earth that has inspired countless choreographers and their works. The latest to address that subject is choreographer Maree ReMalia, whose The Ubiquitous Mass of Us premieres June 14 as part of the New Hazlett Theater’s Community Supported Art performance series. ReMalia — who also performs with the Staycee … Continue reading Maree ReMalia’s ‘The Ubiquitous Mass of Us’ explores how we take up space

Back from a successful New York show, Texture offers new work at the New Hazlett

By Steve Sucato On the heels of a recent successful performance at New York’s Ailey Citigroup Theater, Texture Contemporary Ballet returns home to the New Hazlett Theater this week for Shades of Light. The program features the premiere of company associate artistic director/resident choreographer Kelsey Bartman’s ballet “This.” Set to the music of Icelandic composer/musician Valgeir Sigurosson, the 15-minute ballet for five dancers is a response … Continue reading Back from a successful New York show, Texture offers new work at the New Hazlett

Asase Yaa African-American Dance Theatre to tell uplifting story in ‘Drum Love’

By Steve Sucato Song, music, dance and the richness of the African diaspora come together in Asase Yaa African-American Dance Theatre‘s ballet of Drum Love, presented by Kente Arts Alliance, at the North Side’s New Hazlett Theater. With Drum Love, the Brooklyn-based troupe will make its Pittsburgh debut, having performed around the world including in Japan, Korea, France, Iceland, Ghana, Guinea and the Netherlands. Asase Yaa has also appeared at … Continue reading Asase Yaa African-American Dance Theatre to tell uplifting story in ‘Drum Love’

Fiesta Flamenca takes a big step forward

By Steve Sucato Flamenco dance, the most famous export of Spain’s Andalusia region, will take center stage Thu., Jan. 23, at North Side’s New Hazlett Theater — the latest, and largest, celebration of Flamenco Pittsburgh’s bi-annual Fiesta Flamenca. The all-ages program will have a different vibe this time, says Carolina Loyola-Garcia, Flamenco Pittsburgh’s co-founder and director. What started five years ago as a student showcase held at … Continue reading Fiesta Flamenca takes a big step forward

Corning Masterful in New One-Woman Show about Loss

CorningWorks: The Glue Factory Project – Remains New Hazlett Theater Pittsburgh, PA June 5, 2013 Reviewed by Steve Sucato Choreographers as much or perhaps more than any other artists turn to their personal lives for inspiration in creating their works. Veteran dancer/choreographer Beth Corning in her last several productions for her Glue Factory Project – a performance series featuring dancers over the age of forty … Continue reading Corning Masterful in New One-Woman Show about Loss