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Carlos Gonzalez of Hamptons Dance Project performing at Fireplace Lodge in Springs on opening night, August 18, 2023. QUINN WHARTON
Jose Sebastian of Hamptons Dance Project performing at Fireplace Lodge in Springs on opening night, August 18, 2023. QUINN WHARTON
Jose Sebastian of Hamptons Dance Project at Fireplace Lodge in Springs. ARTHUR ELGORT
Jose Sebastian of Hamptons Dance Project performing at Fireplace Lodge in Springs on opening night, August 18, 2023. QUINN WHARTON
Jose Sebastian of Hamptons Dance Project performing at Fireplace Lodge in Springs on opening night, August 18, 2023. QUINN WHARTON
Hamptons Dance Project (HDP) launches its sixth season of classical dance from a contemporary perspective in East Hampton August 9, 10 and 11 in partnership with Guild Hall.
For the fourth year, performances will take place at Fireplace Lodge in Springs, a scenic 20-acre farm overlooking Gardiner’s Bay on the Northeast shore of East Hampton.
“We’re so grateful to be at Fireplace Lodge,” said Jose Sebastian, HDP’s artistic director and one of its dancers. “It’s a huge thrill — for us and our audiences — to experience dance against a backdrop of the sparkling water in the light of the setting sun.”
HDP VI will feature new and established works from top choreographers, including Justin Peck (resident choreographer, New York City Ballet) returning for his third season and Christopher Wheeldon (NYCB and Tony Award-winning director and choreographer of Broadway’s “MJ”) returning for an encore (with a musical surprise) of a ballet first seen at HDP in 2022. The program’s three world premiere commissions are from Craig Salstein (“West Side Story,” “Maestro”), Houston Thomas (Dresden Semperoper Ballett) and HDP veteran Gemma Bond (ABT, New York City Center), who is creating a new work set to original music composed by HDP music director David Evans (“Wicked”).
ABT dancers from seasons past who will be returning for Season VI are Aran Bell, Lauren Bonfiglio, Isabella Boylston, Carlos Gonzalez, Isadora Loyola, Devon Teuscher and James Whiteside. Dancing with HDP for the first time will be Breanne Granlund (ABT), Anabel Katsnelson (ABT), and Lloyd Knight (Martha Graham).
“I feel so lucky to work with these incredible artists in this magical venue,” said Sebastian. “We’re deeply grateful to Fireplace Lodge for inviting us back and to our producing partner Guild Hall for their vital support and expertise.”
Hamptons Dance Project has been a highlight of the East End’s cultural calendar since its launch in 2019.
“We’ve planted our flag, now we have an exciting road ahead,” said Sebastian. “This season, we’re featuring dancers in roles they’ve been dreaming about, forging a collaboration between our music director and one of our favorite choreographers, and continuing to bring musicians and dancers from other disciplines into the mix.”
HDP’s commitment to expanding its programming, sparking exciting artistic connections and bringing dance to schools in underserved communities remains at the forefront.
“Dance is an extraordinary force that changed my life,” said Sebastian. “I am committed to sharing its power wherever and whenever I can.”
The Hamptons Dance Project (HDP) pairs premier dancers from the worlds of ballet and modern dance with master choreographers to present the classical repertoire reimagined alongside innovative new works with a modern sensibility. HDP promotes dance as a part of the cultural landscape of the East End; encourages artists to take risks and stretch their talents in new directions; and connects with outside communities that have minimal exposure to ballet and classical dance performance.
Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 9, 10 and 11, at 6 p.m. Tickets for Hamptons Dance Project VI are $125 for general admission and $200, which includes a pre-show cocktail reception. Tickets may be purchased through hamptonsdanceproject.org or at guildhall.org/programs.
