Alden Announces Residency of Christopher K. Morgan & Artists/CityDance

The Alden in McLean has announced its first ever artist-in-residence, modern dance company Christopher K. Morgan & Artists/CityDance. The company will hold a series of educational and enrichment events leading up to the world premiere of Limited Visibility, choreographer Christopher K. Morgan’s first evening-length work.

While CityDance has a performing presence in Maryland and DC, as well as ties to the McLean community as the providers of dance training at Madeira and Potomac Schools, this will be its first venture onto a Northern Virginia stage. The Alden has a history of presenting modern and contemporary dance, including a performance by the Martha Graham Dance Company in April of 2011, but this is the theatre’s first artistic residency with a dance company. The two organizations hope to build a relationship with the community via opportunities to learn more about the creative process and to become involved in the work. The themes of Limited Visibility will also be a draw for audiences.

“Limited Visibility deals with the secrets, the hidden parts of our lives, and things usually only done in private,” says Sarah Schallern, Performing Arts Director of The Alden. “Given the proximity of the CIA to the Alden and the preponderance of government officials residing in Northern Virginia, we believe that the subject matter will resonate with our community and allow them to connect to an art form they may not normally find accessible.”

Choreographer Christopher K. Morgan’s work has been seen around the world at venues such as The Kennedy Center (DC), La Mama (New York City), Theater Artaud (San Francisco), The Maly Theatre (Moscow) the Hong Kong Cultural Center (China) and the South Lawn of the White House. In April of 2011, Morgan was profiled as one of six breakout choreographers by Dance Magazine. His first evening-length work, Limited Visibility, is eagerly anticipated by the dance community.

In addition to his accomplishments as a choreographer, Morgan is an engaging educator who is currently on the faculty of American University. He and his dancers will share their gifts at the Alden by conducting modern dance workshops, a hands-on open rehearsal and a pre-performance chat.

Residency activities will include:
Introduction to Modern Dance Workshops, conducted by Christopher K. Morgan and his dancers
Saturday, February 11, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Monday, March 5, 8–9:30 p.m.
For ages 14 and older. $15/$10 district residents

Open Rehearsal
Monday, March 19, 8 p.m.
In the open rehearsal of Limited Visibility, Morgan and his dancers will invite audience members to see a sneak peek of the performance. While learning about the work's creative process from the choreographer and the dancers, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and play an interactive and creative role, controlling the unconventional lighting objects used for the performance. Free

Pre-Performance Chat
Saturday, March 31, 7 p.m.
Christopher will give an inside peek into the life of an artist, illuminate the genesis of Limited Visibility and give insight into its meaning and secrets. Free

Of the “Behind Closed Doors” residency, Morgan says, “The opportunity to interact with a community in so many ways, culminating in the performances, is greatly enriching for audiences and artists alike. Activities and dialogues such as these can give an audience a deeper understanding of the performance. Additionally, the creative team and performers are enriched by having to really think about and discuss their work. It makes for a better performance.”