ONLINE PREMIERE:

HOME STUDIES, PART III

Choreographed by Helen Pickett

Thursday, August 27 @ 7:00 PM

The third installment of choreographer Helen Pickett’s Home Studies trilogy features artists from Charlotte Ballet along with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem in a digital performance choreographed and rehearsed entirely over Zoom. This bold and imaginative performance film, which emerged as a response to challenges faced during a global pandemic, stands apart from other performances existing in the digital space. Home Studies, part III represents a true moment in time when communities have come together to celebrate the beauty of dance and determination of an artist’s spirit.

Thank you to the artists from Charlotte Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem who lent their talents for this independent project.

Some of Charlotte Ballet’s dearest friends have created THE RESILIENCE FUND—a campaign that has simply become our lifeline during this time of crisis. Learn more and help sustain our artists and organization.

HOW TO STREAM

  1. Make sure you follow us on Facebook.
  2. Visit our Facebook page on Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
  3. Click on Home Studies, Part III , or copy and paste “Home Studies, Part III” into your Facebook search
  4. In the bottom right there should be a “full screen” button so you can enjoy the show at full screen on whatever device you are using
  5. Don’t have Facebook? Click HERE on August 27 at 7:00 PM (EDT) to watch on YouTube

CREDITS

Choreographer/Director/Concept: Helen Pickett

Videographer/Editor/Co-Director: James Wiley

Dancers:

Charlotte Ballet: Raven Barkley, Sarah Hayes Harkins, James Kopecky, Sarah Lapointe, Joshua Hall, and Maurice Mouzon, Jr.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Miranda Quinn and Chalvar Monteiro

Dance Theatre of Harlem: Lindsey Donnell, (Amanda Smith took part in the creative process.)

Using the virtual space of Zoom, Home Studies was simultaneously choreographed and rehearsed, over a period of 6 days, in my apartment and in the 9 dancers’ home environments. Home and life at home inspired the concepts. We filmed in 6 days: James Wiley filmed five dancers in a film studio, and four dancers filmed with their private phones. Peter Salem composed the music. James and I edited it over several days.

Home Studies, part III is a multi-community project.

Peter Salem, UK composer, generously offered his original music for Home Studies.

This collaborative effort proves that together is better! Dances UNITES!

My heartfelt thanks to all involved.

Helen Pickett, July/August 2020

Photos by: Kelsey Kline