The George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium is offering a lively spring season filled with opportunities to catch some of the most cutting-edge dance performances in the city.
After showcasing powerful South Asian moves on Saturday during the annual Elite 8 Bhangra Invitational, Lisner Auditorium is continuing its dance streak with several other new shows. These include a sophisticated night of ballet and contemporary choreography with Jessica Lange Dance, and the world premiere of “MindFluctuations,” a performance from GW Professor of Dance Maida Withers that features the work of computer artist and GW alumna Tania Fraga.
“I am most excited about the diversity of dance styles represented this
spring, and I’m also inspired by the strength and vision of the female artists engaged in these events,” said Maryann Lombardi, executive director of Lisner Auditorium. “The performances offer the unique voices of choreographers Maida Withers and Jessica Lang, along with computer artist Tania Fraga—these women are amazing.”
Catch all the dance highlights below:
March 19, 8 p.m.
Tickets $25-$38
What if you could see what dancers are thinking while they’re onstage? Internationally recognized choreographer and GW professor Maida Withers is giving audiences the chance to do just that in her new show, “MindFluctuations.” Dancers will wear special neuro headsets on stage, and vibrant 3-D virtual artworks of their brain waves will be projected onstage. The performance includes the work of GW composers, electronic musicians, dancers, a sculptor and computer artist and GW alumna Tania Fraga.
“MindFluctuations” premieres as Ms. Withers celebrates the 40th anniversary of her company, Maida Withers Dance Construction Company. Ms. Withers has created more than 100 dance performances and recently received special recognition at the 2014 D.C. Mayor’s Arts Awards Ceremony.
March 28, 8 p.m.
Tickets $25-$38
Choreographer Jessica Lang has been called a “master of visual composition” in Dance Magazine. She offered a taste of her elegant aesthetic to Washington audiences last year in a program for the National Symphony Orchestra. Now, her New York-based company is bringing their first evening-length performance to Lisner Auditorium.
The performance is co-presented by Washington Performing Arts and CityDance.
April 25, 8 p.m.
Tickets $35-45
The Pan American Symphony puts Argentine dance on display at this performance, part of the DC Tango Festival. The show reads like a greatest hits list of the world of tango: Interpretations of pieces by composer Astor Piazzolla; internationally acclaimed dancers and bandoneón players; and music by Argentine tenor Martin de Leon.