JFD MARCH 2005 NEWSLETTER

An electronic publication of Jane Franklin Dance, 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206. Tel. 703-298-3235. Web site www.janefranklin.com. E-mail to info@janefranklin.com.

Recently Danced (Highlights of the winter performance season)
In The News (The Arts Show and Tell)
You Won’t Want To Miss (Upcoming performances)
Works in Progress (JFD’s newest projects)
Urgently Needed (Nurturing JFD)
Spotlight On (Profile Stefanie Quinones, senior company member)

Welcome

This is the second electronic newsletter of Jane Franklin Dance (JFD). Thanks for reading us!

Recently Danced

JFD kicked off the 2005 Winter season with Night and Day, two performances at Gunston Theatre One on January 8. The Family Matinee featured JFD company members and Young Dancers Project performers in Animal Watch, inspired by the local stories from The Washington Post column of the same name. More young performers appeared in Hanabi, choreographed by guest artist Janet Kazuko Stormes of Alexandria's Choreographer's Collaboration Project. The Evening program marked two Jane Franklin premieres; Fell, in which four women tumbled and were caught, and Second Sight, a duet danced by Carrie Monger and Stephanie Quinones to a poem by local poet, Kim Roberts. Second Sight used movement, spoken word, and video projection to bring the audience the experience of how the familiar can become startlingly new.

On February 12th and 13th, JFD shared the stage again with Richmond-based Starr Foster Dance Project. 119 Miles was presented at the Jack Guidone Theatre at Joy of Motion Dance Center. Each choreographer presented three works. JFD presented Games, Second Sight, and Clear Cut, a new work. Clear Cut filled the stage with video images, sound, and movement, making the seven dancers seem like many more. Bob Anthony of Review 4U said the work "gave a powerful anti-war statement as it showed how violence moved from the battlefield into the maddening crowds."

On February 26th and 27th, JFD performed In The Blink of an Eye at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Maryland as part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Choreographer’s Showcase, adjudicated by nationally known artists Kevin Wynn and JoAnna Mendl Shaw. This is the second year JFD has been asked to take part in this showcase. In the Blink of an Eye layers images of serenity, speed, danger, and rescue as the dancers interact with projected video. Two stunning photos of dancers from this piece, Pinling Lin and Jennifer Rivers were featured in The Washington Post Style Section on February 28th.

Video clips: www.janefranklin.com/videoclips.html
Reviews: www.janefranklin.com/press.html

In The News

Congratulations for two achievements! JFD has received a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation Senior Adult Endowment Fund to cover a project at Arlington Senior Centers May 4th through June 22.

Also, JFD has been accepted for the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington's The Arts Show & Tell. This program provides production capabilities to produce one 12 minute segment that will be aired on community television. JFD's segment will be filmed on April 28th, with the volunteer services of both Women in Film and Video and the Cultural Alliance. We'll keep you posted on when it will air.

You Won’t Want To Miss

JFD concludes a two-day residency at Alexandria's Episcopal High School with an evening performance in the newly renovated Pendleton Hall at Ainslie Arts Center on April 1, 2005 at 7:30 pm. We will be dancing repertory favorites including Summertime on the Northern Neck, Games and Alvin Mayes' Nothing Gold Can Stay. http://www.janefranklin.com/performance_episcopalhighschool.html

On April 10th, 2005 at 3 p.m. join us for Ridge Line, a site-specific performance. Arlington's Fort C.F. Smith Park was built by Union troops in 1863 as part of the Defenses of Washington. Choreographed by Jane Franklin with original music by Judith Shatin, the work resonates with the history of the location. Dance fragments will be seen up close and the observer participates by selecting which segment to view. Come be a part of this unique performance that takes place in the park and in many rooms of the Hendry House. Ft. C.F. Smith Park is located at 2411 24th St. N. in Arlington. http://www.janefranklin.com/performance_Ft.C.F.SmithPark.html

On April 28th, 2005 at 11 a.m. Jane Franklin Dance presents for the fifth consecutive year, Concert for Community, a late morning performance for Senior Adult and other community groups at Gunston Theater One at 2700 S. Lang Street in Arlington. Tickets are $15 at the door. Deep discounts are available for community groups with advance purchase. For details, http://www.janefranklin.com/performance_ConcertforCommunityApr28.html

On April 30 , 2005, JFD will present matinee and evening performances at Gunston Theatre One, 2700 S Lang Street Arlington VA 22206. The 8 p.m. concert includes recent repertory and premiers the proscenium production of Ridge Line with electronically manipulated text and original music by Judith Shatin, Director of the Virginia Center for Computer Music at the University of Virginia, multi-media video by Lars Issa and art by Tracy Sutton. Don't miss this exciting new piece. Get your tickets early online for a reduced price of $16.00! General Admission at the door will be $20, with our usual reduced fee of $18 for students with a valid ID and seniors over 65. http://www.janefranklin.com/performance_April3020058pm.html

The April 30 family matinee (3 pm) for audiences of all ages, is fired by imaginative scenarios and tales and combines the adult professional company with youth ages 7-14 years. J FD and Young Dancers Project performers incorporate stories from The Washington Post's "Animal Watch" column. The program includes "Tan Line" inspired by summertime and a dance that incorporates the spooky sounds of a theremin. Think "It Came From Outer Space" in the new work, "HAZ MAT." Read a Washington Post Preview article about "Animal Watch." http://www.janefranklin.com/performance_FamilyMatineeApril302005.html

Works in Progress

Please join JFD at Theater on the Run in Arlington for the Fourth Annual Benefit Performance and Reception, on June 25, 2005. This event features JFD and Young Dancers Project performers Up Close and a reception with delicious edibles and non-alcoholic beverages immediately following the performance. The Benefit will help support projects and programs in the upcoming 2005-06 season including Concert for Community for Senior Adults, Young Dancers Project, performances at Schlesinger Concert Hall, Gunston Theater One and Dance Place, marketing assistance, after-school projects, and new work by guest choreographers. Our suggested contribution is $25 for a great evening of fun, and a lot of good will. And don't forget, all contributions are tax-deductible. We'll keep you posted as the time draws near. www.janefranklin.com/performance_BenefitJune25.html

JFD's Young Dancers Project is gearing up for our Spring Repertory Class! This is a marvelous opportunity for students ages 7 -14 of any level of experience. Young dancers will collaborate with JFD company members in the creation of a new dance work to be performed June 25th at our Fourth Annual Benefit Performance.

Classes are on Saturdays from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm at 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Room 129, Arlington, starting May 7th through June 25th, 2005. Young dancers must be available on June 25, 2005 for a daytime tech and dress rehearsal and the evening performance at Theater on the Run. http://www.janefranklin.com/youngdancers.html

Urgently Needed

JFD is looking for male performers. JFD provides opportunities to perform in many types of settings, to teach in the community, and to grow as an artist. It’s an excellent place to dance! Please contact us at info@janefranklin.org or call (703) 298-3235.

The company is seeking part-time administrative assistance in Marketing. Click here to see a job description. Also, volunteer opportunities abound with JFD. Many are listed on our web site (see links under “Support/Get Involved with JFD.” Let us know if you would like to volunteer or assist the company in any way.

As always, JFD seeks your tax-free contribution to help nurture and grow our dance and dancers. Major contributors are listed on our web site (see “Support/Funders”). We hope you will help. Contribute online at http://www.janefranklin.com/donatenow.html

Spotlight On Stefanie Quinones, senior company member

Stefanie Quinones has been living and dancing in the DC area for over three years now. After graduating with a BA in dance from James Madison University, she moved to Beckley, WV to dance with the West Virginia Dance Company. Currently, Stefanie dances with the Jane Franklin Dance Company, BosmaDance, and The Playground. She has also performed works locally by artists Katrina Toews, Vincent Thomas, and Ursula Payne. This past summer she produced, choreographed, and performed in a concert of shared work at Dance Place with Jessica Marchant. In addition to dance, Stefanie is pursuing a career in social service.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. It's about three and a half hours south west of DC.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing when I was in the fourth grade. After seeing a friends' dance recital, I told my mom that I no longer wanted to play to violin... I wanted to dance!

What type(s) of training have you had?

I started with just ballet and tap, then added jazz and pointe training in middle school. I did a little bit of modern in high school, but it wasn't until college that I primarily focused on modern dance.

What brought you to the Washington area (and to JFD)?

I moved to the Washington D.C. after dancing for about a year and a half with a company in Beckley, WV(which was where I went directly after college). I was ready to be in a larger area, and also wanted to be closer to my family and my boyfriend.
Jane had come to my university (James Madison University) previously, to create a piece on the repertory ensemble I was dancing with. I knew she was in the area, so I contacted her when I moved here to see if she needed dancers. As it turned out, she did!

What inspires you when you dance?

When I dance, I am thinking about what I am trying to communicate to the audience. The hope is that someone will be moved to feel something, an emotion, a memory, a connection to the piece, or to an image within the piece... that is my inspiration. I love connecting with people, and performing is a way that I can do that.

Have you read any good books lately?

It seems that most of the books I am reading as of late, are to do with weddings/wedding planning, etc. I am getting married this summer, so am trying to learn a thing or two about all this stuff!

What do you do when you're not dancing?

Currently, I am seeking a career in social service. I worked for a year at a transitional housing organization for homeless families, and am hoping to further my education in social work. I also try to spend good time with my friends and family. I like to read and watch movies, and to see other live performances.

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Suggestion Box
Any suggestions for JFD News? Please write them down and send them to info@janefranklin.com.