Dancing into 2021: Beacon returns Friday

Whatever the reason, modern dance is the performing art that gets the least amount of attention in our arts-rich community.

That’s not to say there isn’t high-quality work being done by spectacular talents. Quite the contrary.

Every spring since 2015, Beacon Dance has presented an all-original concert performance at the Palladium Theater (well, except for 2020, when nobody was allowed to work). Beacon 2021 is a virtual/livestream performance beginning this Friday, April 16, via the Palladium’s website.

“It feels good to be back,” explains Beacon’s leading light, dancer/choreographer Helen Hansen French (she co-founded the movement platform with Lauren Slone). “I missed my dance community. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we miss each other. We miss being in the theater together, we miss being in rehearsal together.

“And Zoom, as helpful as it has been and as beneficial, in that it’s enabled us to be able to pivot in so many ways, it doesn’t give us the human connection in the same way.”

In this video interview, French talks about each component of Friday’s program, from the choreographers to the performers to the meaning behind every piece of movement (you’ll also see a video preview of the show).

“The goal of Beacon is to provide support through a performance opportunity, which is paid, so that work can get made by working local artists – and they can have an opportunity to show the work to our community,” she says.

“Every year we try to introduce new performers, dancers and community members to the Beacon platform. And also can grow what we call the Beacon family. Once you’re in the Beacon family, you’re always part of the Beacon family.”

The program

Journey to Freedom: I remember that Night like it was Yesterday. Created and Performed by Charlotte Johnson, Luis Alicea, Deven Filer, and Stefanie Maisonet.

Confluence. An improvisational performance conceived by Erin Cardinal and Brian Fidalgo II, with artistic collaboration and direction by Robin Gordon and Michael Foley.

Cogs in the Machine. Choreographed by Christina Acosta. Performed by Dwayne Schuenemen and Sea Lea.

Immure. Choreographed and performed by Helen Hansen French.

when the petals fall by Project Alchemy. Choreographer: Alexander Jones. Dancers: Carissa Bishop, Nicholas Daulton-Crotty, and Kirsten Standridge

“Immure,” Helen Hansen French

Dwayne Schuenemen and Sea Lea., “Cogs in the Machine”