March 20, 2005

MASS MoCA Presents Irreverent "Theater-Meets-Synchronized Swimming" at Williams Inn Swimming Pool

(North Adams, Mass.)-- Known for their irreverent and utterly unexpected performances, Headlong Dance Theater takes its creative style underwater in Hotel Pool presented by MASS MoCA at the Williams Inn swimming pool on Wednesday and Thursday, April 20 and 21, at 7 P.M. and Friday, April 22, at 7 and 10 P.M. This innovative dance company has gained its reputation through works like Britney's Inferno, about the rise and fall of a star in pop-culture hell; Subirdia, a fantasia on a suburban community populated by flightless bird-people who dream of the skies; Teen Tragedy Trilogy, a suite of dances based on high-school shooters and the Prom Mom; and their most famous dance, Car Alarm, a folk dance set to the "music" of a car alarm.

According to The New York Times Headlong Dance Theater, "likes to lace its cerebral offerings with sly humor…Headlong is clearly not your typical dance company, with dances in keeping with the troupe's motto that intelligent experimentation can be compelling and, in some cases, hilarious." Philadelphia Weekly described Hotel Pool as "Thrilling and utterly delightful…the experimental dance is both effortless and enormously fluid…No longer restricted by the rules of gravity, the dancers reach heights unattainable on the ground, and the effect is both freeing and exuberant."

Hotel pools are mysterious, sensuous places where reality drifts away and anonymity laps against a weary body. Headlong's co-directors found themselves lounging at just such a pool, trying to escape the rigors of a conference they were attending. They watched as hairy, awkward businessmen slid into the pool, closed their eyes, and fell playfully into the water. Suddenly, the strange environment sparked an idea: They could dance in the pool and around it... wearing business suits. Frequent musical collaborator Rick Henderson could craft a sound score melding underwater musique and children's echoing laughter with lush pop songs. The resulting piece explores the overwhelming kinesthetic power of pools, a force that can transform burly entrepreneurs into childlike daydreamers. As Brick put it, "No matter how uninspiring a hotel is, the pool -- a wet, glimmering thing -- can be overwhelmingly beautiful and full of imagination."

Headlong Dance Theater was founded by co-directors David Brick, Andrew Simonet and Amy Smith in 1993. Over the years, Headlong has created over 35 dances, many of which are known for their witty take on contemporary culture. Rather than relying on a single dance style or technique, Headlong develops a unique movement vocabulary for each new piece, often informed by such eclectic sources as contact improvisation, releasing techniques, theater, sports, sign language, Bharata Natyam, and Ghanaian dance.

Tickets for Hotel Pool are $15. Space is limited so reserve early. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org