New Hampshire Dance Collaborative to Host Excerpts and Investigation

by | Aug 30, 2022 | Press Releases

On Wednesday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Factory on Willow in Manchester, New Hampshire Dance Collaborative (NHDC) will host Excerpts and Investigation. Featuring brief performances by NSquared Dance, the event concludes with a moderated discussion led by Matt Cahoon, artistic director of theater KAPOW and former director of The Stockbridge Theater.

The purpose behind the evening, according to NHDC Founder Joan Brodsky, is to present dance as an art form within a broader context. “Often for the public, dance can seem mysterious or intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” she said. “That is why I think this event can serve a deeper mission.”

After the performance, which will consist of three short segments of an evening length dance called ‘The Shire,’ the audience will hear from both the choreographer and the dancers. The moderated discussion will frame an even broader look at dance.

“It can enhance our understanding of each other and help us hone our skills for empathy and non-verbal communication,” said Brodsky.

Regarding the performance, ‘The Shire,’ it is NSquared’s Zackery Betty’s bioregional exploration of the state of New Hampshire. “I visited several parts of my new residence in the state of New Hampshire, taking into consideration location, economics, historical references, agriculture, nature, and the region’s culture,” he said.

His exploration of the state resulted in ‘The Shire,’ which assimilates movement based upon improvisations done throughout spaces and places in the regions. “I am excited to always take on new ideas and chose to do [The Shire] with an open mind to communicate my findings through movement,” added Betty, who is co-founder of NSquared.

According to Brodsky, ‘The Shire’ is “a terrific example” of life’s metaphors that can be explored through dance. “Dance is relevant, and it has the power to bring people together—that is so important right now,” she added.

Founded in 2017, NHDC’s mission is “to make dance a more well understood, accessible and utilized art form.” To learn more about NHDC, or register for free to attend Excerpts and Investigation on Wednesday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m. at The Factory on Willow in Manchester,

New Hampshire Dance Accelerator Announces First Fellows

by | Aug 23, 2022 | Blog

Our first two artists have already built dance organizations which have name recognition and a clear, creative mission. They simply need a welcoming and supportive environment in which to thrive and the opportunities to share their craft.

We chose to use the term Fellow at the risk of sounding self-important, because our candidates were selected because their accomplishments, focus and singular vision make them ready for a rigorous process of training.

  • NHDC will provide artistic coaching though a mentorship relationship with seasoned choreographers and theater professionals
  • Strong support for articulating both the case for dance in general and the individual stories of these particular artists through Exponential Squared, a business development firm that focuses on ideas and the written word.
  • Both a media and social media campaign that will culminate in performances at The Rex Theatre in October
  • Coaching in grant writing and the art of a good press release

Zackery Betty and Anthony Bounphakkom have the potential to make a transformative impact on the culture of New Hampshire Because dance hasn’t yet taken flight in New Hampshire like the visual arts, NHDC’s vision is to create an appreciation and utilization for dance that reflects our state and that is used with greater imagination and scope than simply as something to be watched.