Hear a message from BDT Founder / Climate Reality Leader Jessie Jeanne Stinnett about SURGE and why it is important for artists to play a role in solving the climate crisis.

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We dance on.

 

I want to pause for a moment to thank you for your continued presence and support of Boston Dance Theater through what has been a staggering year. Today, these words from Maya Angelou come to mind: “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” If there is one sentiment that has helped me rise to face each day this year, it was the spirit that Ms Angelou encapsulated in that simple yet profound combination of syllables. 

 

It’s with this spirit that Boston Dance Theater has continued to dance on. Amidst a chasm of fear, tears, and disappointments, our BDT family has stuck together like glue. As I think back over this year, I’m astonished to share that, together, we:

 

• Taught free classes to over 400 people residing in 36 countries through our online educational programming.

• Performed virtually for approximately 1,753 people in partnership with MassRivers, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Global Arts Live, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Movement Arts Gloucester Massachusetts, and Jewish Arts Collaborative.

• Served 100 audience members via SURGE: our first ever online series that featured ocean scientists, environmental advocates, creatives working on the intersection of arts and science, and an award-winning chef.

• Promoted Khris Henry from Guest Dancer to Core Member.

• Welcomed 2 new dancers into our in-person Trainee Program and held three virtual auditions for the 2021 cohort.

• Commissioned a new dance work from Rena Butler (Princess Grace award winner)

• Produced 2 dance films in collaboration with our fabulous artistic team: Ernesto Galan, Grant Stinnett, and Zane Kealey.

• Were featured in Dance Magazine, Boston Globe, and WBUR!

• Engaged in anti-racism / anti-oppression and conflict resolution trainings over the fall months.

 

All of this was achieved while following the strictest health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 including social distancing, wearing masks, COVID-19 testing and disinfecting protocols outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts government advisories. 

 

Absolutely none of this would have been possible without the consistent support and resilience of our community. Thank you, thank you for all that you do! We are now looking forward to kicking off 2021 with high hopes and in full gear. Here’s what’s ahead for BDT:

 

• A new series of free virtual class programming in January.

• A dance film project commissioned by Goethe Institut Boston in February 2021.

• Continuing “SURGE” our art+science collaboration on climate change and sea level rise with Dr. Larry J Pratt in January 2021 in anticipation of a fall 2021 outdoor performance.

• A new commission with Rosie Herrera in May 2021.

• A residency at Vineyard Arts Project for the development of “SURGE” in June 2021.

• Our next live performance at the Institute of Contemporary Art presented by Global Arts Live in the fall of 2021.

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I thank you so much for reading and showing up for Boston Dance Theater.

 

With hope and enthusiasm,

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Jessie Jeanne Stinnett

Founder / Co-Artistic Director

www.bostondancetheater.com