Parsons Dance is a

contemporary dance Contemporary dance is a genre of dance performance that developed during the mid-twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominant genres for formally trained dancers throughout the world, with particularly strong popularity in ...

company A company, abbreviated as co., is a Legal personality, legal entity representing an association of people, whether Natural person, natural, Legal person, legal or a mixture of both, with a specific objective. Company members share a common p ...

founded in 1985 by

choreographer Choreography is the art or practice of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies (or their depictions) in which motion or form or both are specified. ''Choreography'' may also refer to the design itself. A choreographer is one who cr ...

David Parsons and lighting designer Howell Binkley that tours nationally and internationally and includes an annual season in New York City, its base.

History

Parsons Dance was founded on July 17, 1985, by David Parsons and Howell Binkley. The company consists of nine full-time dancers. It maintains a repertory of more than 80 works, 20 featuring commissioned original scores by composers and musicians including Dave Matthews, Michael Gordon, Milton Nascimento, John Mackey and Phil Woods. Parsons Dance has collaborated with many other artists, including Julie Taymor, William Ivey Long, Annie Leibovitz, Donna Karan and

Alex Katz Alex Katz (born July 24, 1927) is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints. Early life and career Alex Katz was born July 24, 1927, to a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York, as the son of an émigré who ha ...

. Since its founding, the company has performed in more than 445 cities, 30 countries, and 5 continents. In addition to performances, Parsons Dance also provides various education and outreach programs, workshops, post-show discussions, open rehearsals, studio showcases, and open company classes. In 2016, the company launched Autism-Friendly Programs, featuring sensory-friendly programs and relaxed performances. As of 2021, Parsons is Artistic Director and Choreographer. The company performs in the Joyce Theater.

Notable people

Robert Battle Robert Battle (born August 28, 1972 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA) is a dancer, choreographer and the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Early life and education Originally from the Liberty City community of Miami, Fl ...

Roger Montoya Roger Evan Montoya (born February 3, 1961) is an American humanitarian, painter, former professional dancer and gymnast, and politician serving as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 40th district. Elected in 2020, he ...

* Katarzyna Skarpetowska (1999-2006)

References

* {{Authority control Dance companies in New York City Contemporary dance companies 1985 establishments in New York City Arts organizations established in 1985