If you enjoy contemporary dance, you must go and experience Parsons Dance during their annual season at The Joyce Theater in New York City. We attended a spectacular performance on Saturday, May 17, 2025, that was a memorable night of contemporary dance. The first time we saw a work by David Parsons was in 2006 in March in Berlin, Germany at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. The work was called The Envelope, one of his most famous choreographies created in 1986, and it was part of the program entitled Triple Bill, and it was sheer magic, a most memorable moment in time. Since then, we have wanted to see more performances by Parsons Dance yet always missed the timing, until last night when we were richly rewarded with an outstanding program. Parsons Dance will be at The Joyce Theater until May 24, 2025, so hurry to catch a performance.
Wolfgang
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, we finally had the opportunity to experience Parsons Dance again during their Joyce Theater Annual Season (May 13 – 24, 2025). The two-part evening’s sensational program began with Wolfgang (2005) choreographed by David Parsons, with lighting design by Howell Binkley, costume design by David Murin, and music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which was originally commissioned by and created for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
This stunning work introduced the audience to the vibrant and impeccable choreography of David Parsons and the amazing Parsons Dance corps, performed by Zoey Anderson, Megan Garcia Ziminski, Téa Pérez, Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, and Emerson Earnshaw. This large-scale work had all of the elements that one hopes for in contemporary dance – wonderful movement, flow, and the gravity defying physicality that not only defines, but it also a hallmark of excellence.
Her Gifts – Zoey Anderson
The next work in the program was the World Premiere of Her Gifts (2025) “dedicated to Roberta Flack who was a devoted friend and patron of Parsons Dance.” This work was choreographed by David Parsons, with lighting design by Christopher Chambers, costume design by Norma Kamali, donated by Nora Brennan, and music by Roberta Flack, written by Ewan McCall. The selection was used with special arrangement with The Royalty Network. All Rights Reserved.
Her Gifts – Zoey Anderson
David Parsons notes, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, one of her most enchanting pieces, inspired me to create this work in honor of Zoey Anderson’s 10th anniversary with our company.” This was a solo work performed by Zoey Anderson that engaged the audience and held their rapt attention with her elegance of movement, her grace, and her strength. Zoey Anderson is a phenomenon, a tour-de-force dynamic dancer that one feels privileged to watch in action.
The Hunt
The evening’s program continued with The Hunt (2001) choreographed by Robert Battle, with lighting design by Burke J. Wilmore, costume design by Mia McSwain, and music by Les Tambours du Bronx*. “The Hunt was created at Parsons Dance in 2001 and premiered at the Company’s season at The Joyce Theater.” This intense work featured dancers Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, Emerson Earnshaw, and Odin Brock. Pounding drums and the intense physicality of the work had our hearts racing with the dancers’ thunderous movements. A short intermission followed to let the dancers, as well as the audience, catch their collective breaths after the exciting opening program.
The Hunt – Featuring Odin Brock
The second part of the program opened with the World Premiere of Sheep’s Gothic (2025) choreographed by Rena Butler, with lighting design by Christopher Chambers, costume design by Asha Ama, and music by Darryl J. Hoffman. Interesting to note about this large-scale work was that “the music and dance for Sheep’s Gothic was supported by a commissioning grant from the O’Connell-Green Music and Dance Foundation. Sheep’s Gothic was created with the generous support of Lake Placid Center for the Arts and created in residency in Lake Placid, which was made possible by the New York State Council for the Arts with the support of the Office “of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.”
Sheep’s Gothic
The audience was treated to another stunning solo performance by Zoey Anderson with David Parson’s thrilling and dynamic work, Caught from 1982. Choreography and lighting concept by David Parsons, with lighting design by Howell Binkley, costume design by Judy Wirkula, and music by Robert Fripp, Let The Power Fall. The deft use of strobe lighting and Zoey’s ability to defy gravity with her long leaps made this work another standout in the sensational program.
Sheep’s Gothic
The program closed with the large-scale exciting work, The End by David Parsons (2005), with lighting design by Howell Binkley, costume design by Christine Darch, and music by the Dave Matthews Band. This work highlighted the individual talent of the exceptional dancers comprised of Zoey Anderson, Megan Garcia Ziminski, Téa Pérez, Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, Justine Delius, Joanne Hwang, Emerson Earnshaw, Odin Brock, and Gabrielle DiNizo.
Sheep’s Gothic
It was an enthralling evening of Parsons Dance, and we are happy to have had the opportunity to experience the vision of David Parsons and his truly exceptional corps of dancers once again.
Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!
A Sampling of Parsons Dance Performances
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The Joyce Theater
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New York City, NY
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May 13-24, 2025
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Annenberg Center
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Philadelphia, PA
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May 30 – 31, 2025
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In addition to their annual season, Parsons Dance offers a Summer Intensive at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City from June 16-28, 2025.
Sheep’s Gothic
About Parsons Dance
Parsons Dance, founded by David Parsons and Howell Binkley in 1985, has earned many accolades along the way. One of the reasons for their remarkable success is that David Parsons is not only a brilliant choreographer, but he has also honed his exceptional career as a dancer, bringing the unique element of knowing what will work, what the body is capable of executing. He studied at the Alvin Ailey School, then worked as a dancer for such notable dance companies as the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the New York City Ballet, as well as others. He is a dynamic and creative force in the world of dance, who has created over 75 works for Parsons Dance, has choreographed films, musical theater, and has had many of his works performed internationally.
“Parsons Dance is a contemporary American dance company, internationally renowned for its energized, athletic ensemble work. Founded in 1985 by Artistic Director David Parsons and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, the company has toured to more than 445 cities, 30 countries, and 5 continents and has performed at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Maison de la Danse, Teatro La Fenice, and Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.”
Sheep’s Gothic
“Heralded by The New York Times as “one of the great movers of modern dance,” David Parsons has received many accolades throughout his career, including three Choreography Fellowship Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; the American Choreography Award; the Dance Magazine Award; a Howard Gilman Fellowship; the Dance Masters of America Annual Award, and the Capezio ACE Award. He has collaborated with iconic artists across all disciplines, including Dr. Billy Taylor, John Mackey, Kenji Bunch, Stephen Schwartz, Milton Nascimento, Allen Toussaint, Donna Karan, Annie Leibovitz, Ellsworth Kelly, and Alex Katz. The company performs works selected from the vast and varied repertory of more than 75 works created by David Parsons. In addition, established choreographers like Trey McIntyre and Monica Bill Barnes are invited to re-stage works from the American canon on its dancers. And, through its newly launched GenerationNOW Fellowship, the company offers commissions to young American choreographers whom Parsons mentors through the creative process.”
“Parsons Dance is committed to providing enriching experiences beyond its performances as it seeks to engage audiences of all ages through education and outreach programs; through post-show discussions, open rehearsals, studio showcases, video workshops, open company classes, summer workshops for pre-professional dancers; and in-school workshops for public school students. The company is especially proud of an initiative that it launched in 2016–Autism-Friendly Programs, featuring sensory-friendly workshops and relaxed performances for audiences of all abilities. “All these activities are driven by the vision of Artistic Director David Parsons, who, for more than 30 years, has combined his choreographic gifts and talent for training highly skilled dancers with a real passion for the art form.”
“The mission of Parsons Dance is to bring life-affirming performances and joy to audiences worldwide and, through education and outreach programs, to sustain an appreciation for dance. We embrace the power of a diverse and inclusive company to enhance awareness and empathy, engage with audiences of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, lift us as individuals, and bring us together. We envision a more positive, creative, and welcoming world because of our art.”
“The arts are a powerful tool for self-expression and communication. My goal is to provide opportunities for more people to experience the wonders of dance. David Parsons”
Debra C. Argen & David Parsons
For more information on Parsons Dance, their upcoming performances, or taking classes at Parsons Dance, please visit their website: https://www.parsonsdance.org.
Parsons Dance
124 East 91st Street 2B
New York, New York 10128
Telephone: +1-212.869.9275
Email: info@parsonsdance.org
Website: https://www.parsonsdance.org/
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/parsonsdancecompany
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/parsonsdance @parsonsdance
The Joyce Theater Foundation
175 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
United States
Box Office: +1-212-242-0800
Website: https://www.joyce.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoycetheater/ @thejoycetheater
For more information on more dance performances at The Joyce Theater Foundation, please visit their website: https://www.joyce.org/
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