“Brilliant Exile Isadora Duncan in Paris” by Word Dance Theater performance
Performance
Maison Française - Villa Albertine
4101 Reservoir Road
Washington, D.C., United States 20007
Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 7:30pm – 09:00pm
Experience Word Dance Theater‘s contemporary dance interpretation of Isadora Duncan’s repertoire, in the frame of the Brilliant Exiles exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
Word Dance Theater, in collaboration with The National Portrait Gallery and Villa Albertine, proudly presents Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris. Experience an unforgettable evening featuring dance masterpieces choreographed by Isadora Duncan, vibrantly brought to life by award-winning Word Dance Theater and internationally acclaimed Isadora Duncan International Institute. Join us for an evening of spell-binding and timeless Duncan dances accompanied live by masterful pianist Carlos Cesar Rodriquez.
About the dance performance
The early 20th century brought many ambitious, unconventional American women such as Isadora Duncan to Paris. These “Brilliant Exiles” challenged the prevailing conceptions of female identity and redefined the image of modern womanhood. Themes such as autonomy and liberation of the female body; female identity and creative expression; art influenced by Nature; and the metaphysical in Art, were at the heart of their Art. Word Dance Theater provides unique insight into Isadora Duncan’s choreography from this period in an evening of dance, music, and historical commentary. Word Dance Theater is joined by brilliant Duncan dancers, Jeanne Bresciani and Rosemary Cooper from the Isadora Duncan International Institute, (www.idii.org) in bringing to vibrant life the master choreography of Isadora Duncan. Join us for Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris followed by a Question/Answer session between audience and artists!
The performance will be followed by a discussion with Robyn Asleson, curator of the exhibition Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939 at the National Portrait Gallery.
Carlos César Rodríguez (Music Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of RÓMEZ3arts. Mr. Rodríguez is a musician of great brilliance and versatility; foremost as pianist but also as conductor, collaborative artist, composer, arranger and improviser. He has performed throughout the Americas and Europe. Venues include Carnegie Hall, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the United States and the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. Mr. Rodríguez is a faculty member at Levine Music in Washington, D.C.
Duration: 60 minutes with no intermission
Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 7:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.
This event is organized by the Institut Français USA – Villa Albertine and the Resources USA Foundation. Resources USA Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting collaboration between the US and France to encourage Innovation in Science, Technology, Culture, and Higher Education. Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity for our events at la Maison Française, whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, or part of a matching gifts program. Please contact us for contributions exceeding $250.
In partnership with
Word Dance Theater
Word Dance Theater’s (WDT) mission is to provide dance education through classes, workshops, partnerships, and performances that are embodied and expressive celebrations of life. Our work preserves and cultivates the dance legacy of Isadora Duncan through a return to the body that encourages the strength, beauty, and right to freedom of each person exactly as they are. Through creative educational experiences and performances, we embolden all genders, sexes, and identities to manifest wellness in today’s world.
Find out more about Word Dance Theater here.
National Portrait Gallery
The mission of the National Portrait Gallery is to tell the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation’s history, development and culture.
Experience portraiture beyond the frame. Our collections present people of remarkable character and achievement. These Americans—artists, politicians, scientists, inventors, activists, and performers—form our national identity. They help us understand who we are and remind us of what we can aspire to be. Get to know us at the National Portrait Gallery. We look forward to sharing the faces and stories of inspiring Americans with you.
Find out more about the National Portrait Gallery here.
La Maison Française
Unique among French diplomatic missions, La Maison Française at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., offers an environment that encourages friendly relations between states, promotes outreach and cultural events, and serves as a center for professional and educational activities.