We are thrilled to announce the official press release for Revival 8: Then and Now, Dances For A Variable Population’s upcoming celebration of dance and community. Set against the stunning backdrops of Queensbridge Park and Grant’s Tomb, these performances promise to be a vibrant fusion of choreography inspired by dance legends of the 20th century. To read the full details of what’s sure to be an unforgettable series of events and workshops, please click on the press release below.
REVIVAL 8 Then & Now Tickets Reservations Live!
REVIVAL 8 Then & Now is a unique series set to unite legendary pieces from renowned choreographers, creatively inspired by esteemed ex-dancers who once graced their companies. These former dancers, with a deep connection to the original works, will infuse the essence of iconic pieces such as Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street, Paul Taylor’s Esplanade, and Tina Ramirez’s Carmen, into new dance creations tailored for our older adult population. REVIVAL 8 Then & Now finale draws inspiration from Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, weaving themes of community and unity among groups of dancers.
Eventbrite reservations for Revival 8 are now live!
Secure your tickets early and ensure your spot at our spectacular June performances. Don’t miss out!
Queensbridge Park – June 1st, 2024
41st Avenue and Vernon Blvd,
Long Island City, NY 11101
Performance – 4:00 PM
Workshop – 5:00 PM
Grant’s Tomb Park – June 15th, 2024
501 Riverside Dr,
New York, NY 10027
Workshop – 5:00 PM
Performance – 6:00 PM
DVP Board Member Judy Rogers Honorary Doctorate from Dickinson College
We wanted to take moment and highlight DVP’s own board member Judy Rogers as she was honored by Dickinson College. Below we have shared the amazing story of Judy, provide to us from Dickinson College.
Judith Rogers and Maureen Newton began their studies at Dickinson College in 1961, during an era of tremendous racial, social and political strife. While not the first African American women granted admission to and ultimately graduating from Dickinson, they were the first to integrate the women’s residence halls. As such, and because of their pioneering volunteer work, they helped create the diverse campus we know today.
While Rogers and Newton (now Newton Hayes) enjoyed their academic experiences, life on campus and in the borough of Carlisle was difficult, given the looming specters of racism and segregation. Some parents of white students expressed concerns about their daughters rooming with Rogers or Newton Hayes and did not want them using the same restroom facilities as their children. The pair recalled being assailed with demeaning names in Carlisle and denied service at a local diner. The Dickinson School of Law represented Rogers in a suit against the diner and the pair went on to desegregate the community’s restaurants.
By persevering, these young civil-rights champions set Dickinson—and the local community—on a trajectory toward greater equity, justice and inclusion.
Rogers, the daughter of a World War II veteran, came to Dickinson from her home in New Jersey, spurred by family and mentors to “open doors for other Black girls.” She formed a local chapter of the civil rights group CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), where she trained people to participate in civil rights protests. She also organized Project Africa, raising funds for students to travel to Sierra Leone through Operation Crossroads Africa, an intercultural and service opportunity. As a result, in summer 1963, she joined other American, Canadian and African college students to help build a boys’ school dormitory in Sierra Leone (three more Dickinson students participated the following year). She was also appointed by the faculty to serve as an upper-class counselor in a first-year women’s dormitory—the first Black student to serve in this role.
“Dickinson was a life-changing experience that prepared me for a life of service and led me to become a citizen of the world,” Rogers said.
As an undergrad, Newton Hayes, a Philadelphia native, managed Dickinson’s yearbook, The Microcosm, and broke barriers as the first woman in the college’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the first Black woman in Phi Delta Epsilon, and the first Black woman in Wheel and Chain. Together with Rogers, Newton Hayes led a Brownie troop for local Black girls, preparing them for an integrated Girl Scouts experience.
Their postgraduation lives were also impactful.
After graduating with honors in sociology and a minor in English, Rogers spent two months in Singapore, representing the U.S. Youth Council; earned a Master of Social Work from New York University; and enjoyed a long and successful career helping vulnerable people, especially children and adolescents, as a licensed clinical social worker. After 25 years at Harlem Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry, she continued to teach psychiatry residents in her retirement. She was named Social Worker of the Year in New York City in 2001, served as mental health consultant for Headstart programs and made many presentations at conferences in America and South Africa. Rogers co-founded Nah We Yone and Telem, providing services to African displaced persons, refugees and asylum-seekers in New York City, where she resides close to her son and three grandchildren. She serves on the board of directors for Dances for a Variable Population, a dance organization for seniors, and she participates in the book ministry and grief ministry at Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Newton Hayes graduated with a biology major and a minor in chemistry. After studying at Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia, she launched her career as an analytical chemist and the first Black woman employed by Atlantic Richfield. Pausing her career to raise two children, she returned to the workplace as the first Black woman pharmaceutical salesperson at Hoffman-LaRoche, Philadelphia. Newton Hayes also worked in medical-supply sales, as a recruiter for scientific and technical positions and in management at an emergency-room billing company. She was the founder and president of Athena Personal Concierge Services, LLC, and she founded an organizing business, Straighten Up.
Active in her church, Newton Hayes also volunteers for Vanguard Theater, a food pantry and a book drive. She resides in the New York City area, close to her grandchildren, and volunteers for their school. Currently, she’s secretary of the local high-school PTA.
“Life after Dickinson has been adventurous and rich,” Newton Hayes said. “I truly believe my education gave me a very broad view of the world, and I am grateful.”
Teaching Artist Spotlight: Sandra Rivera
Another week, another spotlight on DVP’s incredible teaching talent. This week we’re shining a light on the incredible DVP Teaching Artist talent – Sandra Rivera!
Background: “I was born and raised in East Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Ana y Manuel Rivera. Ours was a dancing community. My community.”
Dance Origin: “I started my dance training at the Tina Ramirez School of Spanish Dance and started my professional career as a founding member of Ballet Hispanico. Another significant mentor is Carla De Sola who invited me to dance with her company, Omega Dance Co., at the amazing Cathedral of St. John the Divine where I was an artist-in-residence, and where the opportunity to first choreograph would be encouraged.”
Fun Fact: “I have found that the skills I developed through my many years as a teaching artist for a younger population have helped and informed my teaching for DVP. “
Personal Insight: “There are two particular dances that I choreographed for DVP that I am most proud of. In the dance Fuerza (Strength) I found inspiration on the power of dance in the Puerto Rican community. In Revival 5 I was able to draw from my remarkable Spanish dance training and created the dedication dance, Para Tina Ramirez.
I am most grateful to Naomi Goldberg Haas for providing opportunities to continue my dance artistry and to the extraordinary DVP teaching artists that I have collaborated with, including: Ellen Sackoff, Gabriela Aponte-Quiles, Bryanna Dean, Magda Kaczmarska, Marisol Morales, and Rebecca Teicheira”
Teaching Artist Spotlight: Ellen Sackoff
Meet Ellen Sackoff, our next shining star in the Teaching Artist Spotlight! Ellen brings an unparalleled passion to every class, making movement an inspiring journey for all. Join us in celebrating her vibrant impact on our community.
Background: “A Philly girl, in love with NYC from the age of 11, moved here after college to continue dance training.”
Dance Origins: “Thank you to my mother for starting me at the age of six with Creative Movement, then introducing me to the ballet where I began my training with Pennsylvania Ballet and continued through their Apprenticeship program. Adding Jazz, Contemporary Dance and a Master’s Degree in Dance Ed from Columbia led me on a teaching tour of dance to all ages from preschool through adults, in almost every NYC borough from private studios to colleges. Choreographing for Dance Theater Workshop and now a Teaching Artist with DVP is the icing on the cake. “
Fun Fact: “After almost 30 years, the joy of reconnecting with a colleague from Columbia as her Rehearsal Assistant in my first DVP Revival performance.”
Personal Insights: “Anything with four legs and a tail instantly wins my heart. The happiest ‘me-time’, is prowling ‘off-the-beaten-path’ boutiques, wandering through galleries and museums. Always followed by a pretzel with mustard – it’s a Philly thing.”
Classic Jazz with Alfred Gallman
Join us for the finale of Alfred Gallman’s Classic Jazz sessions this Thursday, Feb 15th, at William Hodson Senior Center, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Don’t miss the chance to groove with Alfred at 1320 Webster Ave, Bronx, as part of DVP’s 2024 Guest Artist Masterclass Series. Please register upon arrival and let’s jazz it up!
Spotlight on Movement: DVP in the News
Experience the vibrancy of dance with DVP’s latest feature in Stance on Dance. Get a glimpse into how Artistic Director Naomi Goldberg Haas and her team are crafting a dance community for all ages. Be inspired by our story and vision—click to read our highlighted journey.
Celebrating Excellence at ARC XVI A. Philip Randolph Senior Center
On Tuesday, January 30th, the ARC XVI A. Philip Randolph Senior Center, was honored as the Best Older Adult Center in NYC for 2023! The event featured DVP’s Myna Majors, and was attended by distinguished guests including the Commissioner of DFTA, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, and other elected officials. The center’s commitment to our community is inspiring!
REVIVAL 7: Revelries Sept 23rd Performance Postponed
We regret to inform you that due to inclement weather, the REVIVAL 7 performance and All Together Dance Workshop scheduled for tomorrow, September 23rd at Yolanda Garcia Park, has been postponed. The safety and enjoyment of our audience and performers are our top priorities, and with the forecast predicting rain throughout the day, it is in the best interest of all to reschedule.
We will let you know the future date when we will dance at Yolanda Garcia Park as soon as we can!
REVIVAL 7: Revelries – September Performances
Join Us for REVIVAL 7: Revelries – Celebrating Life through Dance!
Get ready for a captivating celebration of life and movement as we present REVIVAL 7: Revelries! Dances for a Variable Population (DVP) invites you to honor the lives lost during the time of COVID with an inspiring series of dances that exude joy and remembrance.
Mark your calendars for two unforgettable performances in iconic NYC locations:
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Washington Square Park Garibaldi Plaza, East of the fountain (5th Avenue)
- Live Performance: 6 PM
- All Together Dance Workshop: 5 PM
Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
Yolanda Garcia Park, Bronx, NY
- Live Performance: 4 PM
- All Together Dance Workshop: 3 PM
REVIVAL 7 Revelries features legendary choreographers and DVP, creating individual dances dedicated to beloved individuals who impacted our community. Through movement and remembrance, we’ll transform grief into an uplifting celebration of life.
The performances are free, but reservations are recommended. Join us for an extraordinary expression of artistry and intergenerational connection!
Visit Revival7.org for more details and how to reserve your spot. Let’s celebrate life together through the power of dance!
Calling All Enthusiastic Interns! Join Our Team for an Unforgettable Experience!
Dances for a Variable Population is excited to offer paid internship and community service opportunities during the upcoming REVIVAL 7: Revelries performances. If you’re eager to be part of an inspiring non-profit organization and passionate about dance, older adults, or arts administration, this could be your dream internship!
Internship Details
Date & Time:
- Saturday, September 9th, from 1 pm to 8 pm at Washington Square Park, NYC
- Saturday, September 23rd, from 12 pm to 6 pm at Yolanda Garcia Park, Bronx
How to Apply:
If you’re eager to make a difference and become part of this unique experience, send us a note at ellis@dvpnyc.org explaining why you’d be a great fit for the internship. Your interest, passion, and drive matter more than your experience. We look forward to hearing from you!
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to be part of REVIVAL 7: Revelries and witness the power of movement and intergenerational connections. Reach out to us and join our dynamic team for an unforgettable experience!
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