Burnt Sugar / Danz conduction
Why can't choreographers come together and create spontaneous new ensemble work the way musicians do?
Burnt Sugar/DANZ answers to the contrary: Yes they can!
about the work
Gabri Christa and Greg Tate started Dance Conduction Continuum (later Burnt Sugar/Danz) in 2002 after Christa was exposed to the music of Tate's Burnt Sugar Arkestra — a multi-genre ensemble greatly inspired by Butch Morris CONDUCTION system for improvising orchestras. Their recombinant project, Burnt Sugar/Danz, draws upon the cream of NY music, choreographic and dance-performance talent to create innovative, never-before-seen works, live and in real time. Adopting Morris’ baton gestures and hand-sign vocabulary to dance, Burnt Sugar/ Danz presents an alchemical blend of spontaneously composed music and choreography. The results are consistently exciting for both participants and audience.
In the thirteen years since the first dance conduction performance, two member choreographers Nathan Trice and Alysia Ramos have contributed to development of gestures. Dance conduction grows with each performance. Other regular performers/members include Germaul Barnes, Niles Ford, Kyle Abraham, and Francesca Harper.
The project has performed at The United Nations, Central Park Summer Stage, Barishnikov Arts Center (BAC), Symphony Space, Lincoln Center out of Doors, and Alvin Ailey Theater. Directed by Greg Tate with filmmaker, choreographer, and Guggenheim Fellow Gabri Christa, the project is performed and conducted by a rotating group of choreographers.
“the entirety is fun, stimulating and a welcome experience of some exceptional performers exercising their creativity on the spot.”
— Eva Yaa Asantewaa, Infinite Body
related work and research
Learn more about Butch Morris’s CONDUCTION practice through his interview with NPR’s Farai Chideya.
Learn More
A performance of Dance Conduction danced at the United Nations “Nations for the Remembrance of Slavery Day.”
BOOKING & CONTACt
To book Dance Conduction for performances, please contact Gabri Christa.
credits
Director: Gabri Christa and Greg Tate
Performers & Conductors: rotating group of choreographers and dancers
Music: Burnt Sugar Arkestra
Inspired by Butch Morris CONDUCTION system