“Dance on Camera” celebrates its 40th anniversary at Film Society of Lincoln Center in January, kicking off with Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance (pictured), a new documentary about the iconic Chicago ballet.
The film, a world premiere that will screen simultaneously in theaters across the country, traces the ballet from its inception in 1956 through its current international acclaim. Both showings, on Jan. 27 and 28, will feature current and former dancers from the ballet, including (on Jan. 28) Trinette Singleton, who appeared on the famous Time magazine cover of the ballet in 1968.
The latest “Dance on Camera” program continues a longtime tradition at FIlm Society: “'Dance on Camera' has become a vital part of our annual offerings, as each year it presents both cutting edge works alongside milestones of the dance/film genre,” Program Director Richard Peña said. “Film is the natural bridge among all the arts, and there is perhaps no greater aesthetic affinity than that which exists between the cinema and dance, two mediums based on motion.”
The series’ Centerpiece, Musical Chairs, comes from Desperately Seeking Susan director Susan Seidelman. The romance follows a ballroom dance enthusiast who, after ending up in a wheelchair, finds new hope with her lover at a rehab center. The program will close with Check Your Body at the Door, an exuberant documentary that examines house music over 30 years using archival footage.
This year's program will also include “Meet the Artist” forums, which seek to connect audiences with the program’s lifeblood. Among the slated guests is Richard Daniels, who created the “Dances for an iPhone” app and will present an interactive demonstration of the app’s latest iteration. All “Meet the Artist” forums are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Dance on Camera” runs from Jan. 27 – 31 and tickets go on sale Jan. 5. For a full line-up and more information about the films, check out the press release.
