Cameron Basden

Photographer:

Photo by Chris Freeman

As one of the flagship voices in the contemporary dance landscape in Miami, DanceNow! Miami, under the leadership of Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini, is once again treading into new territories. Partnering with the World OutGames Miami, DanceNow! will be presenting “Out” on Monday, May 29 at the Colony Theater on Miami Beach. This will be the troupe's first gay themed evening of dance, an evening that depicts the beauty and strife of life experiences through two new pieces and one revival. The evening will finish with a repeat of the haunting and poignant “Lacrymosa” originally choreographed for The Joffrey Ballet by the young Edward Stierle who died from complications of AIDs at the age of 22.

"We have been particularly political this year with our statements through dance,” says Salterini.

Photographer:

Lacrymosa (Photo by Jenny Abreu)

In this volatile political climate, DanceNow’s last performance project was entitled “Bridges Not Walls.” The title alone made a statement. The work addressed identity, overcoming barriers and the continuous difficulties that exist economically and socially. “Bridges” was a collaboration with Mexico through performance, shared dance, and dialogue.

Now, looking at relationships and identity, they present “Out.” Last week, watching a rehearsal as the up-coming works were being refined and completed, offered a closer look at what went into each piece as it was being developed. Both Salterini and Baumgarten were on hand to provide background.

Photographer:

(Photo by Chris Freeman)

Salterini says that as a gay man he is proud to be representing the OutGames. “It is my community. It is pushing us to address issues that are more current and timely. But ultimately, art is art and dance speaks to everyone.”

Salterini was emotional when he referenced the new piece of choreography by his teacher and mentor, Roberto Salaorni, who had traveled from Rome to work with the dancers. Having his teacher in Miami working with him was a long time dream for Salterini, which was now finally being realized. 

Salterini, speaking about his teacher said, “He is a very proud man and a very quiet man, he doesn’t speak about personal things. Roberto didn’t say, but I think this must have come from a personal experience or feeling. In Rome, he doesn’t have the opportunity to work with male dancers often. So this was a wonderful experience for him.”

The new piece is called “At the Barre.” Dancers spend much of their life in the studio at the dance barre, the place where technique is honed and the day begins. The studio atmosphere is also one where intimacy becomes something more tangible as vulnerabilities and emotions are revealed. In this duet, two men share a sensitive and tender relationship that starts “at the barre.”

Continuing with life experience, Salterini has revived his 2012 piece “Here and There,” a trio that might ring all too true as social mores continue to reign in some relationships. The male, of a seemingly content heterosexual couple, has an external, heartfelt relationship with another man as he continues his socially acceptable life with a woman. We see what is perceived, and what is behind the scenes. In this piece, cellist Michael Andrews from the South Beach Chamber Ensemble, will play the two Bach pieces of music live.

Photographer:

Lacrymosa (photo by Jenny Abreu)

Baumgarten takes a different path in “For Her, Stories of Infatuation, Passion, Hurt, and Love,” a new piece being created specifically for the OutGames. The concept of the piece was music by women and for women with an all female cast. However, in Baumgarten’s research and while listening to music, the concept evolved and a man was added. But not just any man. Baumgarten felt so strongly about the transgender community, the bullying that she feels continues in that community, and statistics of high rates of suicide, that she felt this needed to be addressed in her piece by adding a transgender character. Bullying was an issue that hit very close to home personally.

“In one section, life has put a lot of stress on this person. Having been bullied myself, it took me back to the high school days of walking down the hall and whenever you turn, there they are.”

Baumgarten continued, ”With young people, when they’re alone, they can make friends, but the peer pressure of the group makes it so difficult.”

“I also just wanted to show some fun moments of love, some deep moments of passion and I wanted to use music that is really well known because I wanted the audience to groove a little!”

Beautiful dancers, poignant and relevant choreography and ultimately a “groovy” evening of dance will be a sensational tribute to life and identity as DanceNow! sets the stage for the week of activities for the World OutGames. The Games will continue through June 4.

OUT as part of the World OutGames Miami 2017. Monday, May 29 at 8 p.m. The Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
$40 General Admission $25 Students, Seniors, Miami Beach Residents, Credentialed OutGames Participants (Day-of ONLY with ID)

Don’t miss DanceNow as they perform the solo from “Lacrymosa” at PULSE POINTS as part of the World OutGames on June 1 at The New World Symphony Center, 500 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information about this event and the OutGames activities, visit: www.outgames.org