Programs
First Steps
Continuum
Dance with Me
Program: Continuum
This program presents films that illuminate the fluidity of time mobilizing dance as a medium as which we imagine reality. Through it all, dance endures as a constant for human expression.
Choreography of Light
Homa Sarabi | United States| 6 minutes | Dance Film
The mechanical production of the camera is articulated through the mechanics of the body. This choreographic journey of a film strip overlays the physicality of the analog filmmaking process and the anatomy of the human body. This is a symbolic study of the mechanical reproduction of light and life through film.
El Llanto (The Cry)
Ayrthon Alfaro | Peru | 10 minutes | SPARK Student Film
In a dark celestial chamber, a recently extinguished candle smolders, with several others already snuffed out in the background. The deity, seated on the floor, covers their face tightly for several seconds before deciding to observe their creation.
Telegraph
Cooper Troxell | United States | 3 minutes | Dance Film
An optical telegraph operator in 1830s France struggles with a monotonous job.
It Drops at Midnight
Raymond Ceres | United States | 9 minutes | SPARK Student Film
A young maid trapped in servitude discovers a bizarro path to freedom.
Moving in the Heart of Danger
Riza | Iran | 4 minutes | Dance Film
In a country where dance is prohibited, the film opens with the worst possible result of rebellion. Based on experiences of detained artists, the opening images transmit feelings of despair. Yet, this dancer resists. Whether in an abandoned park or an isolated room, he keeps moving in the heart of danger, because this is his only way to exist.
KILL TICK
Shiyu Li , Yifan Xia | China | 13 minutes | SPARK Student Film
Two girls develop a new understanding of time through the ‘death’ of a cat, and search for Tick's true identity in a never-ending dream world.
Program: First Steps
This program presents films that illuminate the fluidity of time mobilizing dance as a medium as which we imagine reality. Through it all, dance endures as a constant for human expression.
Directions to the Other Side of the World
Derrick Belcham | Ireland | 12 minutes | Dance Film
A woman explores the far reaches of rural Ireland in an attempt to make peace with the darker aspect of her spirit.
Underpass
Stefan Georgiou | United Kingdom | 6 minutes | Dance Film
A couple who meet at various underpasses to dance together as part of an affair, realise it has to stop.
Chambers Street
Scott Dempsey Keenan | United States | 7 minutes | Dance Film
A young man, shadowed by the ghost of his ex-girlfriend, spirals into the loss of the relationship.
Body Language
Michael Petruzzelli | Canada | 5 minutes | Dance Film
A short dance film exploring the topic of grief.
Half Breathing
Yueting Liu | China | 3 minutes | SPARK Student Film
Half Breathing is an evocative solo underwater dance that explores the delicate interplay between social anxiety and avoidant attachment. Through fluid yet restrained movements beneath the surface, the dancer embodies the suffocating isolation of fear, the instinct to withdraw from emotional connection, and the quiet numbness that follows prolonged detachment.
Dance Into the Day
Taney Basinger | United States | 4 minutes | Dance Film
An elderly woman kick-starts the day by transforming her morning routine into a disco dance party.
Program: Dance with Me
How do we express the depth of human connection when words are not enough? This collection of short films showcase the versatility of dance in expressing the different facets of desire, vulnerability, and resilience.
EDGE
Abel Moreno Pradas | Spain | 14 minutes | Dance Film
Locked in, separated by a huge glass and deprived of speech, two people meet without knowing how they got there. Where are the limits that prevent us from acting in unjust situations? Are they physical or are they within us?
I SEE
Olivia Brancato | United States | 8 minutes | Dance Film
​Exploring themes of intimacy and perspective, I SEE examines physical and emotional vulnerability, both on an individual and interpersonal level. The film presents two dancers, acting at times as two individuals and at others and one unique entity, as they explore the true meaning of human connection.
LINA
Louann. Le Roux | France | 10 minutes | Spark Student Film
Following the tragic death of Maël, her boyfriend and choreographer, Lina tries to pursue her career as a dancer. To do so, she must confront her past and overcome her guilt.
INFINITY!
Benjamin To | United States | 11 minutes | Dance Film
A famous Japanese American dance duo must choose between their passion or their lives as World War II concentration camps begin to rise in the U.S.
Pendelum
Martha Berkmann | United Kingdom | 8 minutes | Dance Film
A couple, struggling to reconnect after moving in together, escape into a surreal fantasy where their unspoken emotions come to life.
Away From Home
Joe Raffanti, Amy Saunder | United States | 7 minutes | Dance Film
In this no-dialog, movement-based short film, three characters interact with each other and with their own feelings of longing, disappointment, and love during a single night at a hotel.
Events
Join us on Saturday for two free movement workshops, hosted by movement instructors Akoiya Harris and Heather Harris.
November 22nd
11:00 am - 11:45 am:
Movement Workshop (Ages 4-5)
The students will participate in a creative movement pre-ballet warm-up. We will use song and storytelling to spark imaginative dance concepts. We will go across the floor, using cones and scarves to activate gross motor skills. We will end class with a cool down of calming breath and meditation.
November 22nd
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm:
Movement Workshop (Ages 12-17)
Students will learn foundational movements and principles from modern dance techniques. We will learn how to approach new movement styles with curiosity, joy, and focus. Students will be led through a warm up, across the floor, and a short combination.
November 21st
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm :
Opening Night Party/Reception
After the screenings on Friday (Nov. 21st), join us for the post screening party. Drinks and small bites will be provided, and music from the band Animal Talk. Free entry with purchase of ticket. Entry is free with the purchase of a screening ticket.
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