‘Women Creating History’ event at museum of dance
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> SUNY Empire State College, in collaboration with the Capital Region Dance Alliance, will soon present “Women Creating History,” a two-day exploration of how leading female figures influenced the history of dance, art, and theater – and how the arts, in turn, helped shape women’s history.
The free event will be held Nov. 6 and 7 at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, and will include guided interactive tours of the museum in addition to a full schedule of educational and arts programming featuring experts in dance, theater, and women’s history from SUNY Empire, the New York University Tisch Dance Department, and Skidmore College, among others.
“SUNY Empire is thrilled to partner with such accomplished organizations to highlight the impact women have had on the history of art,” said Jim Malatras, president of SUNY Empire, in a press release. “We welcome our entire community to stop in and experience the powerful educational programming amongst our partners within the arts community, our faculty, and alumni.”
“The Capital Region Dance Alliance is proud to partner with SUNY Empire to highlight the importance of female leaders within the arts,” added Mary Anne Fantauzzi, president of the Capital Region Dance Alliance. “We look forward to partnering on additional opportunities in the Capital District to bring community members out to learn more about the art of dance.”
Dennis Moench, senior director of education for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center said in the release, “SUNY Empire and the Capital Region Dance Alliance are delivering an impressive array of inspirational programming on art history and the role of leading women. Art has always held tremendous power to educate and transform, and this event will not only explore that power, but demonstrate it with live performances.
“This kind of collaborative programming is at the heart of everything that we present at SPAC, and I look forward to seeing more partnerships in the future.”
The event will include an Address by SUNY Empire alumna and New York University Tisch Dance Department professor, academic and dance company director Giada Ferrone; a “Singing for Suffrage” presentation by SUNY Empire alumna, arts faculty and acclaimed folk singer Peggy Lynn with Dan Duggan; participatory dance lecture/workshops Thursday morning on Isadora Duncan by Mary Disanto Rose, Skidmore associate professor of dance and Dance Alliance vice president, and on Katherine Dunham
by Dance Alliance board member Tina Baird, jazz tap artist and educator; and presentations and panel discussion about American dancer and choreographer Agnes de Mille by SUNY Empire Fulbright Scholar Dr. Karen Garner, a historian specializing in women’s history; award-winning arts mentor Dr. Cindy Bates, a theater director and historian; and other female leaders who will help illuminate the development of theater and dance in a historical context.
The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Riggi Theater on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and 9 a.m. to noon in the Southeast Gallery on Thursday, Nov. 7. The National Museum of Dance is located at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.