Major dance companies and rising stars perform at Contemporary Dance in June with curation by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, featuring Ayodele Casel, Dance Heginbotham, Ephrat Asherie, Ariel Rivka Dance, The Missing Element, Music From The Sole, EMERGE125, Josh Johnson, Earl Mosley's Diversity of Dance, and a Social Latin Dance Class with Ballet Hispánico.
Bryant Park also hosts its first-ever Open Rehearsal Residencies on the stage with dance companies Athomasproject, EMERGE125, and Dance Heginbotham.
Contemporary Dance: EMERGE125 + Ayodele Casel
Founded in 1981, EMERGE125 (formerly Elisa Monte Dance), bridges cultural barriers through the universal language of dance. The company’s work emphasizes three main objectives: create with and for a corps of professional dancers; educate individuals in the art of movement and in appreciation of live dance performance; and collaborate with distinguished artists across other disciplines to bring dance to new audiences and new platforms. Since 2016, Tiffany Rea-Fisher has served as the company’s Artistic Director, building on our nearly 40-year history while also expanding our scope, vision, and reach. The organization now operates dual homes in Harlem and majestic Lake Placid, New York, while continuing to serve audiences around the world with national and international tours, as well as our performances across New York City. Since assuming a leadership role, Tiffany has quickly established herself as a leader in her field, setting a new industry standard for dancer care, greatly expanding our multi-generational educational programs, and extending our legacy of cutting-edge dance performances through innovative, interdisciplinary collaborations.
Ayodele Casel, an award-winning “tap dancer and choreographer of extraordinary depth” (The New York Times) and one of The New York Times’ “Biggest Breakout Stars of 2019,” most recently serves as Tap Choreographer for the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Funny Girl. She also created and choreographed Chasing Magic, a dance film and concert encapsulating the wonder of collaboration and artistry. Ayodele was also a 2019-2020 fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University and Artist in Residence at Harvard University. Ayodele has the privilege of being a featured tap dancer honoring the art form of tap on a 2021 US Postal Service Forever Stamp.
Borrow a picnic blanket or chair – or bring your own. Bryant Park blankets and chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendees may bring their own food or purchase from on-site food and beverage vendors near the Lawn. At most performances, attendees can purchase food from a rotating line-up of local NYC vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. At all performances, Stout NYC offers cheese and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of beer, wine, frosé, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Performances are cancelled when it is unsafe to be outdoors. In some cases, the Lawn may be too wet to open but the performance may continue. Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates.
COVID-19 vaccinations and masks are not currently required but Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer as necessary.