Photo pages: highlighting notable happenings.
THE COLLAGE DANCE COLLECTIVE
In Binghampton, Collage Dance Collective wrapped up 2020 in a new, larger studio space and with its first ballet broadcast on WREG. The company was creating more dance for film ahead of the pandemic, a welcome coincidence as many performing arts groups struggled without live shows.
Part of that growth includes an $11-per-month digital membership that includes on-demand performances and behind-thescenes footage, including interviews with dancers and short dance films.
For non-members, the company is set to debut its third TV broadcast performance in April. “Spring in my Step” premieres April 26 on WREG at 6:30 p.m. The performance will feature Kevin Thomas’s “Firebird” and Kevin Lega Jeff’s “Flack.”
Collage implemented a variety of COVID-19 protocols to keep dancers and staff safe and healthy while learning and performing the new shows for digital audiences. The dance company, which now occupies the largest Black-owned studio space in the South, dedicates itself to making ballet more accessible across race and class.
Executive Director Marcellus Harper said last fall that he views the company’s role as one that can propel out of an insular dance world and toward a world that encourages broad engagement and participation with ballet.
“I also feel very strongly about imagery, and the power of imagery to really influence and change young people’s minds about how they see themselves and others,” Harper said at the time. “...So I love being part of something so powerful that is positive.”