September 16, 2011
Contact: Lila Hurwitz, 206/686-7323
After 18 successful years, Dance Art Group is handing over its world-renowned Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation to Velocity Dance Center.
Seattle, WA — Dance Art Group (DAG) announces that Velocity Dance Center will take over production of the annual Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation (SFDI).
Over the past 18 years, SFDI has played a great part in gaining and maintaining Seattle’s reputation as a hotbed for the study and appreciation of dance. The week-long internationally-recognized event offers master classes, performances, panel discussions and other activities with local and international dance artists.
A team of dedicated dance lovers have produced SFDI since 1994. In 2002, they formed Dance Art Group, a 501(c)3 organization, to produce SFDI and other related events throughout the year. SFDI has evolved from a three-day event organized in six weeks, into a world-renowned week-long festival with participants traveling from as far away as Ireland, Israel, Japan and Sweden.
While in the past few years many Seattle arts organizations have cut back programs or folded completely, DAG is proud to make this conscientious decision to hand its successful and vital event to a sister organization that shares its dedication to furthering the art form in the region and beyond.
As SFDI turns 18, we are thrilled that the festival will spread its wings under the trusted support of Velocity, our friends and partners since the beginning of both organizations.
[Lila Hurwitz, Administrative/Co-Artistic Director, Dance Art Group]
SFDI is without question one of the world's leading festivals of dance improvisation. We are thrilled to be entrusted with this beloved festival with a stellar international reputation. SFDI brings to Seattle many of the world's leading dance innovators and provides local ground-breakers with opportunities to teach, perform and collaborate with international artists. Now Velocity's summer programs will bring together our Strictly Seattle event and SFDI for four weeks of unparalleled movement intensives, creative laboratories, performances and forums that attract dancers from across our region and beyond, and shape the artistic vitality of our city.
[Tonya Lockyer, Executive Director, Velocity Dance Center]
Velocity will also take over the production of weekly improvisation-based classes that DAG had produced at Velocity since 2007. The newly-named “Investigative Movement Practices” series started September 8.
Dance Art Group’s programs have included SFDI and other events supporting innovative dance research, education and performance. It is funded in part by 4Culture, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and individual donors. www.danceartgroup.org
Velocity Dance Center promotes excellence in the field of contemporary dance, inspiring dance artists to reach their maximum potential. Velocity provides opportunities and space for education, dance creation, performance, and national/international exchange. www.velocitydancecenter.org
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