SOUND~EARTH~MOTION: Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance Performance and Gala

Schedule

7:00-8:00pm – Performance
8:00-9:30pm – Gala Reception with Artists

The New York Society for Ethical Culture presents an evening by Eco-Artist-in-Residence Jody Sperling and her Time Lapse Dance ensemble exploring human entanglement with nature. Featured works highlight the climate-engaged collaboration between choreographer Jody Sperling and environmental composer Matthew Burtner. Arbor dwells on the intimacy of trees. In Wind Rose, dancers render changing atmospheric patterns palpable to sight, sound, and touch. A rare reprisal of Sperling’s masterful solo Clair de lune evokes the shimmer of a moonlit sky.

All of these works feature transformative costumes that abstract the essence of human movement into elemental and organic forces, with the dancers variously appearing to conjure a growing forest or hovering storm clouds. The company’s unique style of movement draws inspiration from and furthers the art form created by dance icon Loie Fuller (1862-1928) a century ago.

“conjures a timelapse photograph of a flower bud opening to full blossom”
—Karen Hildebrand, Fjord

“[Sperling’s] mission is climate activism through body consciousness”
—Janet Koplos, Arts Writer & NYSEC Member

Following the performance, enjoy a sparkling evening, from wine to conversation, with the artists, fellow Time Lapse Dance fans, and members of the Ethical NYC community. Light dinner fare served at this cocktail-style gala.

Artists and Performers

Time Lapse Dance Dancers: Frances Barker, Anika Hunter, Maki Kitahara, Nicole Lemelin, Jody Sperling, Sarah Tracy & Rathi Varma

MET Orchestra String Quartet: Bruno Eicher (violin), Sarah Vonsattel (violin), Kari Jane Docter (cello)

Costumes: Mary Jo Mecca (construction), Gina Nagy Burns (textile artist)

This program is made possible in part by an ongoing eco-artist-residency at The New York Society for Ethical Culture, with the generous support of the Peck Stacpoole Foundation, and with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.