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| Courtney
Ffrench
BIO The Vissi Dance Theater was founded in 1997 by dancer/choreographer Courtney Ffrench. Vissi dancers hale from all over the world and bring with them their cultural diversity and unique perspective on artistry. There is a special interest in bringing out the actor in the dancer as well as the dancer in the actor. The style of dance can be described as Urban Contemporary; a spirited combination of all forms including but not limited to Jazz, Modern (Dunham), West African, Funk, and Ballet. Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench has danced, choreographed and produced numerous dance shows for both stage and video for over 15 years. He has performed with several international dance companies, choreographed extensively for recording artist and appeared in several dance videos and television specials. His dance technique is currently the subject of a dance documentary entered into the Library of Congress. Academically, Mr. Ffrench holds a BA in Dance and Media Arts from The City University of New York. He is currently the Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer for the Vissi Dance Theater. The Vissi Dance Theater has performed at the TriBeCa Theater at BMCC, Aaron Davis Hall, New Rochelle Library Theater, Old Westbury College, American Theater of Actors, Theater for a New City, Educational Alliance Theater, Theater at Riverside Church, Hempstead Museum, Hostos College, Harry De Jur Playhouse, New York City Center and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. Their solo concerts include the dance opera "The Hoarde" which premiered in September 2000 at the Theater at Riverside Church. Aaron Davis Hall, in it's "E-Moves" series, also presented Vissi in the summer of 2000. As a benefit for 9/11-disaster relief, the Vissi Dance Theater, in association with the Children's Aid Society, produced and performed in a benefit titled "Dance of Souls." Vissi has also performed at the Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance (BAAD) in its city artist series. September 2004, Vissi debuted their show titled "Amazing Grace" which is inspired by Alex Haley's "Roots." In 2005, the Vissi Dance Theater re-staged and revised their feature "The Hoarde" as an ongoing show for Broadway development. Most recently Vissi has had the opportunity to perform at the Crystal Theater in Norwalk, Connecticut, The Great Hall at Cooper's Union and the Rosa Parks Theater in Paterson, New Jersey. In June of 2006, Vissi kicked off the Summer Festival at Jacob's Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts with a performance on the Pillow's Inside/Out Stage. Never wanting to limit their experience to theater work alone, Vissi made its movie debut in the Independent Film "Starting Out in the Evening," directed by Andrew Wagner, and has performed at Afrokinetic and Brooklyn Mecca.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT The Vissi Dance Theater is committed to art and artists that use the gift of dance and drama to explore moral and social issues. Through art, the Vissi Dance Theater seeks to speak to the human condition, lift the spirit, ask questions, celebrate the joy of life, and reflect the truths of human nature.
REPERTOIRE FOR SONIA (2006) - A dance in four parts that speaks to the personality of one woman. A personal tribute to a dancer, teacher and friend. Music: Barbara Streisand, Macy Gray, Mahalia Jackson,Jocelyn Brown. Runtime: 15 minutes CRUSADES (2006) - A work in progress about the terrors of religious war. Music: Igor Stravinsky. Runtime: 15 minutes. BIG UP! (2006) - "Big Up!" is a Jamaican expression used to show respect to a person or idea. This four part dance is a tribute to the heritage, music and the nuances of the Jamaican culture. Music: Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, Junior Gong, Norma Fraser. Runtime: 12 minutes. AMAZING GRACE (2004) - A full length dance drama that covers the last slave auction, emancipation, Jim Crow, lynching, civil rights and religion. Show includes images of lynched men and women. Music: McIntosh County Shouters, Hugh Masakela, Nina Simone, Deep Mix-DJ Nyck Henry, Louis Armstrong, Chicago Mass Choir. Runtime: 90 minutes. THE BUSINESS (2002) - An explosive piece that stretches the possibility of the human body through technique and extreme movement. Music: King Brit. Runtime: 8 minutes. MELBABCD (2002) - A stylized fusion of urban dance styles in New York City, with an emphasis on house, jacking and whacking. Music: Mix by DJ Teewee. Runtime: 8 minutes. FOR MY LOVE (2001) - A five piece work honoring our fallen soldiers. Music: Gil Scott Heron, Deep Mix DJ Nych, Aretha Franklin, Four Tops, Nina Simone. Runtime: 25 minutes. THE HOARDE (2000) - A full length work with a story about love, betrayal, death, vengeance, and redemption. Music: Nina Simone, Kitaro, Fela Kuti, Donna Summer, Carl Orff. Runtime: 95 minutes. RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES Along with performing in and out of NYC, the Vissi Dance Theater has an ongoing working relationship with the Paterson School District in New Jersey.
CONTACT Courtney Ffrench at vissi@earthlink.net Copyright © 2003 Pepatián. All rights reserved.
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