Stephen Petronio: Reflections on Repertory and the Creative Process

Stephen Petronio 74F—a leading contemporary choreographer and a graduate of Hampshire College—will participate in two public events January 17 and 18, reflecting on the creative process and screening his major repertory work.

Petronio will be in the area to lead an intensive workshop for the Five College Dance Department's newly launched Institute for Choreography and Creativity.

The two events that are open to the public and free of charge—entitled "Stephen Petronio: Reflections on Repertory and the Creative Process"—will be held on Thursday, January 17, at 7 p.m. in Mt. Holyoke College's Studio Theater and on Friday, January 18, at 7 p.m. in Hampshire College's Franklin Patterson Hall (East Lecture Hall).

The five-day intensive workshop Petronio is leading for the Five College Dance Department, January 16-20, will include "Choreography and the Thinking Dancer," taught at Smith College, and "Improvisation and Composition," taught at Hampshire College in the main dance studio.

Petronio is nationally and internationally regarded as one of the most cutting-edge American contemporary choreographers. He has created over 35 works for his company, and has been commissioned by some of the world's most prestigious modern and ballet companies.

Petronio's choreography, writes dance critic Deborah Jowitt, "rushes along like a torrent smacking against the concrete walls of a twisty canal."

Stephen Petronio Company >>