MDD's Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change: April 2nd

Mark DeGarmo Dance’s 16th annual interactive Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change (VSPS) presents 12 Global Choreographers with 4 Alternate Artists on Thursdays, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, & Apr. 2 at 7:00 PM ET via Live Zoom* with the VSPS 2026 theme Dance and Social Change.

MDD’s April 2nd VSPS is a curated sharing of original transcultural transdisciplinary work from Chongqing, China; West Bengal, India; Lima, Perú; and NYC. MDD’s Thursday, April 2 salon features the work of  Sudeshna Dey (West Bengal, India), Yan Longdan (Chongqing, China), Brighit Leonella Mercado Vera (Lima, Perú), and Yuri Ogasawara (NYC). Alternate Artists include Paramita Bhattacharyya (CA), ADJI ADJI Charlotte Manuella (Yaoundé, Cameroon), and Jo Pearson (VT).

Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change provides an opportunity for the public to view and engage with original performing arts and dance works-in-progress of curated artists. Since 2019, Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change has featured the work of 566 presenting artists and performers from over 31 countries and 23 U.S. states in 39 in-person and live virtual salons.

Tickets:

By donation on Eventbrite

Suggested donations:

Salsa -- $10

Step -- $15

Break -- $20

Improv -- $50

Aerial -- $100

Other

*Zoom Link will be sent to attendees by 5:00 PM ET the day of the performance from info@markdegarmodance.org. If a donation for tickets is made after that time, the MDD staff will send the link via email as soon as possible. Contact info@markdegarmodance to communicate regarding ticket status.

About the Artists & Works-in-Progress

The artists will present a range of dance works-in-progress exploring the VSPS 2026 theme, Dance and Social Change. The works will explore themes of identity, rejection, and the fight for acceptance and visibility within India’s LGBTQ community (Sudeshna Dey; West Bengal, India), challenges in communication and connection in modern life (Yan Longdan; Chongqing, China), female identity, freedom, and strength, honoring Peruvian women through traditional and contemporary dance (Brighit Leonella Mercado Vera; Lima, Perú), and the celebration of diverse artistic expressions accross various cultures (Yuri Ogasawara; NYC).

About MDD’s Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change

Founded in 2010 by choreographer and curator Mark DeGarmo, the Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change (VSPS) encourages discourse between the public and choreographers to support the creation of original dance and movement works-in-progress. The goal of VSPS is to produce under-recognized choreographers from New York City and State, the U.S., and globally. The series encourages the works-in-progress of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Hispanic and Latinx, and Multiracial artists as well as those who are people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and over 50, 60, 70, and 80 years old.

https://markdegarmodance.org

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