carolyndorfman.dance
an extraordinary dance company Carolyn Dorfman Dance connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic works by Carolyn Dorfman and nationally renowned choreographers. The company’s ten multi-ethnic and stunning dancers tap their unique talents to present high-energy and technically demanding dance that unleashes the powerful storytelling and imagery of its visionary creator. This distinctive combination takes audiences on intellectual and emotional journeys that ultimately illuminate and celebrate the human experience. This is contemporary dance that moves you to think, feel, laugh, cry and engage. The highly acclaimed ensemble is known for emotional resonance and artistic excellence both in performance and in its interactions with audiences, students and the community. Sharing art and process is the hallmark of this company. For over 30 years, Carolyn Dorfman Dance has appeared at major theaters, dance festivals, universities, schools, museums and galleries regionally, nationally and internationally.
moves
repertory Known as a creator of evocative dances that reflect her concerns about the human condition, Dorfman is interested in creating “worlds� into which the audience can enter. She has created stunning pieces that reflect a spirit and passion for life, people and truth, survival and renewal. From the intimacy of the duet, to powerful, driving ensemble work, Dorfman uses her unique way of interweaving individual bodies and the whole ensemble to create work that is powerfully human. She involves the audience literally and figuratively in the work. Through choreographic collaborations with nationally and internationally renowned artists, commissions of original scores, live musical accompaniment, and multi-media components, Carolyn Dorfman Dance stays on the forefront of artistic creation and innovation.
the legacy project Carolyn Dorfman Dance celebrates Jewish legacy, its trials and triumphs, treasured uniqueness and precious commonalities across cultures and the globe. The human story is at the heart of all Carolyn
Dorfman Dance repertory, and Carolyn Dorfman’s Eastern European Jewish roots have helped shape her process and elements of her artistic work. As a child of Holocaust survivors, Dorfman reveals her heritage through dance stories that interweave the common threads of our humanity. The legacy project explores the rich tapestry of human experience and tradition through interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration.
carolyndor fman.dance 908-687-8855 info@carolyndor fman.dance
teaches
education “We move. . . We speak. . . From the beginning of time, people have defined themselves and their worlds through movement. From the stage to the street, we observe and come to understand others. In doing and creating, —CAROLYN DORFMAN we shape ourselves and the world.” Carolyn Dorfman Dance teaches all levels providing carefully designed educational programs at the professional and pre-professional training programs, including university residencies and arts high schools, K–12 public, private and charter schools’ residencies and community programming. Master classes, lectures, and the company’s acclaimed “Back Stage Pass” lecture/ performance, help people connect dance to life, learn new skills, explore their potential and better understand our world and each other.
k–12
speaking through dance Master artist/teacher Carolyn Dorfman and company members conduct choreographic and performance residencies, exploring the expression of heritage and stories through movement and Dance. Supporting all of the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards in the Visual and Performing Arts, a dynamic and integrated approach involves the viewing, making and understanding of dance and its elements. Some residencies culminate with a company and student performance. This immersive, creative process provides students with first-hand knowledge of how to move and to speak, on and off the stage. Selected performances are endorsed by the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education.
pre-professional high school, university/college professional Dorfman is a multi-award winning choreographer, guest teacher and lecturer at preprofessional (University and High School) and professional training centers nationally and internationally. Emphasizing center-driven movement, nuanced weight transfer, breath phrasing, intention, focus and performance, master classes expand the dancers’ technical, dramatic and artistic range. Dorfman believes “artistry is built on specificity and detail.” Classes explore the essence of solo and ensemble performance; partnering technique, where the individual exists in relation to the other, is followed by company repertory. Carolyn Dorfman Dance repertory is available to be set on professional and student companies.
carolyndor fman.dance 908-687-8855 info@carolyndor fman.dance
connects
community Our multi-touch approach brings audiences closer to the art and artists both onstage and in the studio. Whether at home or on tour, Carolyn Dorfman Dance creates a true “in residence” feel in every community we touch. Community engagement involves performances in theaters and alternative spaces, talk backs, preperformance discussions, master classes, dance intensives, and summer camp residencies. We teach all levels, from the novice to the seasoned professional. The company offers an array of community classes and workshops that connect audiences to the company and its work.
nj summerdance intensive Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary dance and the inspiring art, artists and processes of Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Our one-week summer intensive features a Pre-professional/ Professional track as well as an Open Level Community Track for ages 14–adult. Daily classes include modern/contemporary technique, repertory, Pilates, mentoring discussions with Carolyn, workshops with renowned guest artists and more. The week culminates with performance by the participants and the company. Video audition is required for Pre-professional/ Professional track only.
njpac Carolyn Dorfman Dance heads the Dance Division in Arts Education at NJPAC, New Jersey’s premiere performing arts center in Newark. Contact NJPAC.org for more information on YASI—Young Artist Summer Intensive and YAI—Young Artist Institute for Fall and Spring classes.
local and national workshops Carolyn Dorfman Dance provides annual residencies at NJ Y Camps in Milford, PA and serves as guest artists in summer programs throughout the tri-state area and nationally. Check with us for details.
carolyndor fman.dance 908-687-8855 info@carolyndor fman.dance
contact Anita Thomas, executive director, to learn more about:
performances educational programs outreach & community programs choreographic commissions providing support 908-687-8855 athomas@carolyndorfman.dance
2780 morris avenue, 1–a, union, nj 07083 908 -687- 8855 carolyndorfman.dance #carolyndorfmandance Carolyn Dorfman Dance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported in part by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner of the NEA; the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation; The O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation; New Music USA; The Hyde and Watson Foundation; EJ Grassman Trust; Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through USArtists International; Karma Foundation; Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center; and the Harkness Foundation for Dance. We are truly grateful for the numerous foundations, generous major donors, corporations, and individual donors committed to Carolyn Dorfman Dance’s artistry and programming.