MAYDAY // MAY DAY

MAYDAY // MAY DAY was conceived as an inaugural Spring Showcase that would incorporate dances from Clymene Aldinger’s Femmenisto Chapter One, an evening-length work that premiered in December 2021, and past and present dances choreographed by Aldinger, that explore philosophy and spirituality.

A week before the NYC Spring Season 2022, COVID changed the plan and the show was cancelled for the safety of our dancers and audience members.

Living in a COVID world has taught us we are capable of adaptation. Presented here is the cinematic reimagining of an excerpt of Aldinger's piece titled Godot Called which would have been revived in Mayday // May Day. This duet was originally choreographed in 2007, before Aldinger danced with Elisa Monte Dance for eight years, and before her time as Monte’s last principal protégé. In the show, it would have represented the CLYMOVE choreographic seed that was planted long ago. Now, it is an homage to the show that never was and a reflection of embracing the here and now. It honors the strength and courage to pivot and continue making dances, making art, producing performances. As a creative modern dance company it is important for us to share the work.

As you will see, the choreography traverses the dark, weird, and painful, as well as the silly, quirky, and fun. The dancers vacillate onstage between shared moments and aloneness. The dancers surge with stamina and athleticism, utilizing tempo, strength and partnering acumen while also harnessing the art of pause and reverting to slow-motion. The dancers take turns physically supporting each other and emotionally connecting, through darker and lighter interactions, often finding themselves in existential crisis.
Ultimately, the dancers attempt to find a balance in movement that feels authentic to who they are as individuals full of beautiful shadow, light and frightening potential.

Production Credit:
Choreographer: Clymene Aldinger
Dancers: JoVonna Parks + Bridget Cronin
Music: DJ Kurt Rambus
Cinematographer: Oliver Covertt
Producer: Ashley Faison