Jody Oberfelder Dance Projects

The Flea Theater presents Jody Oberfelder Dance Projects, with two premieres: Heavy Light and The Title Comes Last.

The Village Voice writes of Oberfelder, "She’s a model of physical strength and flexibility, and her matching persona is all straightforward gutsiness. As a choreographer, she’s equally down-to-earth."

In The Title Comes Last, the performers travel from a bland work-a-day world into a land of vibrancy, making sensuous connections along the way. Through their quirky quest, which references the senses, the dancers transform from the inside out.

Oberfelder and dancers will also perform Heavy Light, a work that addresses life’s tragic/comic dichotomy inspired by Horace Walpole’s quote, "Life is a comedy for those who think, and a tragedy for those who feel." This new piece will develop the movement metaphors of lightness and heaviness.

Dancing with Jody Oberfelder Dance Projects are Luke Gutgsell, Elise Knudson, Rebekah Morin, Brandin Steffensen, and Carlton Ward. Music by John King (composed for the string quartet ‘Ethel,’) FischerSpooner, and Mistiquartet are among the diverse musical selections. The performance will also feature lighting design by Bessie Award winning designer Kathy Kaufmann, costumes by Katrin Schnabl, set design by visual artist Sharon Louden and a unique collaboration with the perfume house Les Christophs.

Jody Oberfelder is known for her inventive choreography and daring, acrobatic movements. In previous work, Oberfelder has implemented surprisingly non-traditional elements, from props — one piece featured dancers bowling with potatoes — to unusual sets and unexpected arrays of musical accompaniment. However, she has earned most critical accolades for the risks she takes in the dancing itself.

Backstage writes, "The awesome athleticism and acrobatic partner work of Oberfelder’s choreography proves perpetually compelling." Drawing freely from her background in gymnastics, springboard diving, and water ballet, Oberfelder tests the limits of the body as she explores the art of expression through movement. "Jody Oberfelder knows her stuff," says The Village Voice. "She sets her precise, muscular, strongly designed athletic movements in excellently built structures that keep your eyes and mind engaged, and she provides surprises without rambling or digressing."

June 13’s opening night Gala is a benefit with tickets ranging from $175-$250. Please contact jodyober@inch.com for more information.