This November 7, at the KnJ Theatre at Peridance Center in NYC, Yuka Kawazu’s Danse En L’Air presents Toki–Time, an evening of dance, music and visual art exploring the preciousness of time, love, memory and human connection. Bringing together an international ensemble of artists, the program spans theatrical and neoclassical ballet, contemporary and aerial dance, ballroom, and West Coast swing.
“Experiencing loss, both personally and through those closest to me, has deepened my appreciation for how precious our time together truly is,” says Artistic Director Yuka Kawazu. “My family lives in Japan, and I cannot see them as often as I wish. I am learning that happiness is not only about following our dreams, but also about the kindness and love we share with others. We cannot stop time, but we can fill the time we have with love.”
Among the evening’s most personal works is Kawazu’s Keep Going, a moving tribute to loved ones lost by her close friends and students. The piece honors their lives while exploring the strength required to move forward with their memories.
Italian dancer Noemi Cobelli, known for her expressive performances and theatrical artistry, performs alongside Adam Soniak, a Brooklyn-based dancer, singer and actor whose international musical theatre credits include Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story. Japanese dancer Hanano Ishiguro, recognized for her strong foundation in Russian ballet technique and versatility in commercial dance, collaborates with Kawazu on a new work.
The company’s ballet mistress, Meghan Schardt-Gensberg, recognized for her elegant classical technique, partners with Rinor Zymberi, whose classical training and expressive artistry bring depth and emotion to the stage. Teryn Trent brings a contemporary sensibility to neoclassical ballet, further expanding the evening’s range of movement and expression.
Returning West Coast swing champions Dimitri Hector and Dillon Luther join the evening’s lineup. Contemporary dancer Vive presents an original work characterized by fluid, graceful movement, while Zachary Bordonaro partners with Kawazu in an intimate ballroom piece choreographed especially for her.
Additional highlights include aerial performances by Kyla Ranney, live vocals by Nico Lugo Echeverri, and the premiere of excerpts from 24 Love Letters, composed by D. Manuel Oliveira.
The Danse En L’Air ensemble also features Selene Parke, Summer Kailani, Chloe Young, Georgia Wood and Pam Pitakanonda, each contributing their individual artistic perspectives to the program.
Projected works by visual artists Melissa Kraft and Didi will complement the performances, weaving visual art into the movement and emotion of the evening.
For tickets, visit www.peridance.com/event-details/shi-toki-time-by-yuka-kawazus-danse-en-lair.
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