DIARY: Celebrating Isadora Duncan
Dancer Lori Belilove, founding Artistic Director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation (IDDF) invites artists to a series of pop-up dance performances and cultural events as part of the multi-year celebration of the birth of the matriarch of modern dance, Isadora Duncan (1877-1927). Presented in the Foundation’s first floor Chelsea gallery space, dancers perform the iconic, flowing moves of Duncan, accompanied by vocalist Amber Evans and her Indian Harmonium Shruti box, and the music of contemporary recording artists including Brian Eno, among others. As part of DART’s Women’s History Month celebration, as well as legacy celebrations like Isadora 150, we spoke with Lori Belilove, who has generously offered half-price VIP seating for two performances this week. Above: Lori Belilove, with tambourine, leading a IDDF Company workshop; photo by Stephan de las Heras
As the Foundation continues to share Duncan’s revolutionary approach to movement with new audiences, the Isadora Goes Chelsea program echoes the avant-garde “happenings” of mid-20th-century New York, bringing artists from many disciplines together, thereby blurring the lines between performers and audience. In true Duncan spirit, a reception to meet the dancers follows each performance, with bubbly and delicious bites provided by Bill Carter Foods and Amy’s Breads.
Lori Belilove invites artists to join the celebration and draw the dancers in the gallery at close range. For the Friday and Saturday performances, ten half-price VIP seats, at $40, are offered.--That's ten invites for an artist and their invited friend, for a total of 20 VIP seats. First come first served! To register, please email info@isadoraducan.org Please mention how you learned about this opportunity. Above: Artists drawing the dance at last Saturday's workshop, photo by Peggy Roalf. Below: photo by Pauly Alyce Scully
Schedule of events this week
Thursday, March 20 at 6:30pm: Gallery Tour followed by Performance
Friday, March 21 at 6:30pm: Artists invited to draw the performance
Saturday, March 22 at 6:30pm: Artists invited to draw the performance
Sunday, March 23 3pm: Family Matinee Performance
Right: Lori Belilove in flight. Photo courtesy of IDDF
Running through 2027, Isadora150 will spotlight Duncan’s enduring legacy through live performances, lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, publications, and educational outreach worldwide. The initiative will not only celebrate Duncan’s transformative artistry, but also explore her relevance today and bring awareness to the IDDF school, which offers classes for both adults and children. Right: Lori Belilove in flight. Photo courtesy of IDDF
So stay tuned for upcoming events in May [the month for celebrating Isadora Duncan’s birthday, and beyond. To get on the mailing list, send your message to info@isadoraduncan.org See the Smithsonian interview with Lori Belilove here For more information on Isadora Goes Chelsea! visit www.isadoraduncan.org More on Instagram: @isadoraduncandancefoundation See the fun clip of me drawing the dance last Sunday @peggy.roalf, courtesy of IDDF!
The Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation pop-up gallery is located at 141-143 West 26th Street, New York, NY Info Located on the ground floor, the performance space is wheelchair accessible. Info
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