Internationally-celebrated choreographer Bill T. Jones returns to Jackson Hole
Award-winning dance troupe will showcase one-of-a-kind performance with local dancers
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Dancers’ Workshop is delighted to welcome Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company back to Jackson Hole in March. After a week of rehearsals in residence at Dancers’ Workshop, Jones will present his latest work: What Problem?
Jones is a celebrated choreographer known worldwide. Recognized as a Macarthur Genius Fellow, he won two Tony awards during his distinguished New York City-based career, and received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in 2013.
What Problem? is a unique performance specially cultivated for and by Jackson Hole. The concept, Jones explains, is originally born from one of his previous visits to the valley. It provokes the tension between belonging to a community and feelings of isolation that many feel during these divisive and tumultuous times.
During the week preceding the March 18 and 19 performances, Jones and the company will be working alongside 25 Jackson community members—who are not exclusively trained dancers—to develop unique, personal, and locally-inspired content to weave throughout the performance.
“Our tradition is body-based expression,” Jones explained in a recent interview with Time Magazine. “So you do not have to be trained in technical dance, but you have to be able to understand physical problems and solve them. You have to be able to get up and in and out of the floor, you have to be able to change modalities of emotional expression. How does anger work? How does pure shape work? There’s a profound meaning in people lowering each other to the ground and helping each other up. The metaphors are there. But they’ve got to understand the technique from inside. Even when it’s not perfect, it is something. We call it milling. And it’s a profound thing to see.”
DW’s artistic director Babs Case says the inspiration emanating from Jones and company will have a lasting impact for local dancers.
“We’re so thrilled to present this thought-provoking and profoundly creative project,” Case said. “Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company is celebrated around the world for the voice they bring to the current times. It’s priceless that they’re able to work with our students and dancers here in Jackson Hole and incorporate inspiration from members of our community. In such dynamic and challenging times, this is a welcome opportunity to explore the genuine value and impact of connecting and expressing our experiences through movement.”
Tickets for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company performance of What Problem? Will be on sale beginning February 17. The performances will be at 7pm on March 18-19, at The Center Theatre (240 S. Glenwood) in downtown Jackson Hole.
