Year: 2024-2025
DanceForce Member: Nancy Long
Artist: Jon Lehrer Dance Company
Community Partner: Community Foundation HOC
Audience: 373
County: Oneida
The Jon Lehrer Dance Company community-based residency that took place in four locations throughout Utica engaged 373 young children, teens, and adults. The three-day after school and school workshops were led by Director Jon Lehrer and Associate Director, Cristiana Cavallo.
On Thursday, March 27, the children in the inner-city after school program, run by the Thea Bowman House had the first workshop. Executive Director wrote, “Thank you so much for the treat you offered the children…They arrived upstairs so very happy and full of good energy. It was nice of you to think of us.” The program coordinator at Albany Elementary School simply said it was “phenomenal”. Friday, May 28 they held workshop at Donovan Middle School on the stage specifically targeting the drama club, while a large group of students and teachers observed in the auditorium. The choral teacher, and school representative was inspired to point out the value of the workshop “The importance of movement serves far beyond the stage, often connecting us with a part of ourselves we often forget…”
On Friday, March 28, “Utica Dancers Unite,” a dance and choreography workshop intended to bring together dancers from throughout the region, was launched with an open class by the full company. Six dancers and director Jon Lehrer led students, alumni and faculty from several schools in the two-hour, high-energy, technique and repertory class. The 25 intermediate level dancers were encouraged to move beyond their comfort in larger and more generous ways. One dancer said, “I don’t want this weekend to end!” Those able to continue on in the choreography workshop on Saturday and Sunday learned a section of Jon Lehrer’s Solstice which they performed prior to the company’s free studio performance that was open to the public. The group of local dancers will come together again this spring to present the polished piece in a local performance on stage at the Mohawk Valley Community College. The Jon Lehrer Dance Company residency was made possible with funding from the NYS DanceForce and The Community Foundation HOC.