“AN UNUSUALLY BEAUTIFUL VISION”
DANCE TABS

CLIMATE PERFORMANCES

We share dance programs exploring human entanglement with nature as full-company stage productions, site activations, solo/duo presentations, and residencies.
Please
contact us to discuss your programming needs.
North American Representation:
Cadence Arts Network, Inc.
rachel@cadencearts.com | 310.701.9191

CURRENT COMPANY TOURING PROGRAM

Arbor & Other Works About Nature
(Arbor, Wind Rose, Plastic Harvest, Piece for a Northern Sky)

Sublime, entrancing, meaningful. Experience dance that connects you with nature. Choreographer Jody Sperling and environmental composer Matthew Burtner, long-time collaborators, share works exploring the intimacy of trees, atmospheric sensations, and proliferating plastic.

“a visually gorgeous evening of performance”—Fjord Review 

“The performance was powerful and moving . . . their passion for their craft and mission is evident”
—Karisa Cloward, Director, Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, Southern Methodist University

"every audience member from the youngest to the oldest was riveted." —Christina Delfico, founder iDig2Learn

8-9 Touring Personnel: Choreographer/Soloist + 6 Company Dancers + Lighting Designer + Composer/Musician (optional)

  • Jody Sperling in American Elm

    ARBOR

    Arbor dwells on the nature of trees. This ensemble work is the latest outgrowth of the climate-themed collaboration between Sperling and composer Matthew Burtner. About an early study for the work, Fjord reviews: "Sperling was a master of stage presence as she evoked the deep-rooted majesty of the tree, rising and commanding the stage in stillness."

  • Wind Rose

    WIND ROSE

    Performed by dancers wielding enormous white costumes, this work visualizes global wind patterns which are changing dramatically along with the earth’s climate. The dance integrates sound, movement, and airflow, shaping swelling gusts and subsiding breezes in cascading rhythms. “a stunning, spinning white cloud that both moves and is moved by wind.” —Fjord

  • Plastic Harvest

    PLASTIC HARVEST

    Radically transformed by costumes fashioned from hundreds of repurposed plastic bags the dancers appear as plastic monsters frolicking and foraging in their habitat. The dance creates a surreal spectacle while provoking contemplation about the beauty of what—and who—our society throws away. “a folk dance for the 21st Century.”—Dance Enthusiast

  • Piece for a Northern Sky

    Sperling’s solo is a whirling meditation on planetary motion. Burtner’s score creates vortices of sound with vibraphone rhythms based on Fibonacci sequence patterns. “nothing can match the pure spectacle of whirling silk that is Sperling’s solo” —Fjord; "a compelling piece, brilliantly executed."— Critical Dance

SITE ACTIVATIONS

We offer site activations and performances that transform places whether they occur in city streets or natural environment. “The performance was held on a bustling open street with lots of activity but the group's choreography created a sense of unity and connection, making it feel like we were all part of one big party!”—Solveig Entwistle, Car-Free Earth Day Event Organizer 

Solo/Duo Presentations

Jody Sperling offers solo performances and lecture-demonstrations. With composer Matthew Burtner, the two offer ecokinetics/ecoacoustics presentations that elucidate the ways creativity may entwine with natural systems. Repertory includes American Elm and Piece for a Northern Sky.

WORKSHOPS/RESIDENCIES

Check out our educational offerings, including workshops, residencies, setting work on student ensembles, and more.

"a perfect blend of education and art"—Fjord Review