FOCUS DANCE to present four programs

FOCUS DANCE is a part of FOCUS 2013, the national platform to promote American dance both abroad and nationally. Presented by Gotham Arts Exchange, the weeklong platform showcases performances of U.S.-based dance companies during the annual Arts Presenters Conference in New York City, known to be one of the largest gatherings of artists, dancers and dance professionals in the U.S. From January 8-14, 2013, four venues present the artistic visions of five curators gathered to shape this year’s edition.

An exciting celebration now in its second season, FOCUS DANCE is a partnership between Gotham Arts Exchange and The Joyce Theater that promotes American dance to the national and international community. This year’s curator, Jodee Nimerichter of the American Dance Festival, has assembled four programs featuring some of the most captivating companies performing today.

FOCUS DANCE will present four programs featuring eight U.S.-based choreographers and companies, including: Jodi Melnick, Stephen Petronio Company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Brian Brooks Moving Company, Rosie Herrera Dance Theater, Doug Varone and Dancers, Eiko & Koma, and John Jasperse.  FOCUS DANCE will run from January 8-13 at The Joyce Theater,  located at 175 Eighth Avenue, NYC.

Program A, which will be performed Tuesday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 13 at 2 p.m., will feature Jodi Melnick in Solo, Deluxe Version (2012) as well as the Stephen Petronio Company in excerpts from Like Lazarus Did (LLD), The Architecture of Loss (2012) and UNDERLAND (2011.) Melnick, well-known for being a Twyla Tharp Dance Company dancer, has been honored with two Bessie Awards for sustained achievement in dance. The Stephen Petronio Company, founded in 1984, has performed in 26 countries throughout the world and brings experience and perspective to the stage.

Program B, which will be shown Wednesday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m., will present Camille A. Brown & Dancers in Mr. TOL E. RAncE (2012), City of Rain (2010) and Been There, Done That (2010.) Brown, who is respected for her energetic personality, produces work that is often character based. In addition, Program B will present Brian Brooks Moving Company, which will perform I’m Going to Explode (2007), Descent (2011) and FALL FALLS (2012.)

Program C, showing Thursday, January 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 12 at 8 p.m., will feature Rosie Herrera Dance Theater in Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret (2009) and Doug Varone and Dancers in Able to Leap Tall Buildings (2012) and Lux (2006.) Rosie Herrera Dance Theater, led by Rosie Herrera, has previously presented at the Florida Dance Festival, Dot Fifty One Gallery, The Emerging Choreography Series at Excelo Dance Space and internationally as part of the Digital World Institute. Doug Varone and Dancers, marking its 25th anniversary during this season, is known to command attention for its expansive vision, versatility and technical prowess.

Lastly, Program D, being presented Friday, January 11 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m., will present the slow-moving duo Eiko & Koma in White Dance (1976) and Flower Dance, a world premiere, as well as John Jasperse in Fort Blossom revisited (2000 and 2012.)

Tickets are between $10-$39 and are available at 212-242-0800 or www.joyce.org.