David Dorfman Dance named company-in-residence at CC

	Last October, David Dorfman Dance performed its work "underground" at CC. Photo courtesy of Gary Noel Photography.

David Dorfman Dance, one of the most influential contemporary dance companies in America, has been permanently named company-in-residence at CC.

The New York-based company is led by David Dorfman, the William Meredith Associate Professor of Dance. His company will spend several weeks at the college each year working with student dancers, performing its repertory, rehearsing new work and collaborating with the college as a whole. The residency will begin in the fall of 2007.

The collaboration gives the company a home away from home and gives dance students at CC an experience unique in higher education.

"Students will have first-hand and consistent experience and contact with a professional dance company," Dorfman said. Dorfman, who obtained a master's of fine arts degree in dance at CC in 1981, returned to the college in 2004 to teach.

Frances L. Hoffmann, dean of the faculty, said the arrangement provides significant benefits for both the college and the company.

"David Dorfman Dance is one of the most sought after and distinguished modern dance companies in America. To have the company in residence at Connecticut College will enhance the college's interdisciplinary curriculum and provide rich opportunities for dance students and the larger New London community," Hoffmann said.

Connecticut College has a long history as a hotbed of contemporary dance. From 1948 to 1977 it was the home of the American Dance Festival. The festival premiered works by some of the greatest 20th century American artists, including Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, Eric Hawkins, Doris Humphrey, Jose Limón, Sophie Maslow, Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. The college's dance department was founded in 1971 by the renowned Martha Myers, the Henry B. Plant Professor Emeritus of Dance.

Dorfman said the company plans outreach with the greater New London community, by working with the school system and presenting performances for young people and the community. Dorfman said the college and the company are also exploring the possibility of the return of a permanent summer dance festival in New London at Connecticut College, hosted by the company and featuring key guest artists.

For more, view the CC press release.