Performances

Original choreography is an on-going process that never stops.  
But you can stop by Dafmark (or call us to find out about our rehearsal schedule) and watch our dancers preparing for upcoming productions.  Keep moving…

Dixon Hammond was back at Dafmark on June 8, 2023. Dixon’s violin remains one of those unique moment in time when the audience gets the opportunity to bathe in the sounds of an extraordinary musician.

———————

A PLAY for the SENSES – April 21 & 22, 2023. Dance, music, poetry, visual arts and theater coming together in this deeply personal statement about being a woman in this century. Dafna Rathouse Baier has gathered a team of artists who bring their personal interpretation to this shared artistic journey. Click on the following link to see the performance: https://youtu.be/54VyFxB-QW4

———————

UNDER THE GREAT ICE SHEET – APRIL 1 & 2, 2022. The question is, what comes after UNDER THE GREAT ICE SHEET? Now that the ice has melted and that this show is behind us, it is time to take a moment to thank our wonderful audience for supporting our creative endeavor. Our deepest gratitude goes to our amazing performers for bringing such a level of care and excellence to Dafna’s creative vision! Thank you to Jen and Scott for their magnificent dancing, to Kelly and Vin for offering original compositions of such amazing quality. Marsha, we admire your creative genius applied to your evocative artwork in real time while the show is occurring and for the great costumes you designed. Kara, your stage presence is commanding and infectious. Paula, thank you for your insights and theatrical contributions. Shaha, your photo of our frozen lake was a perfect partner to this production. Scott, your lighting and poster design were flawless. And last but not least, since I am the one writing this post, Dafna, your visions never ceases to amaze me. Your originality and emotional response to our times stand as pearls of professionalism and artistic brilliance. It is thrilling to be your partner in crime. And a final expression of gratitude to all the people and organizations whose generosity makes our voice an Erie reality. Click on the following link to see the performance: https://youtu.be/3QaBrfMP5YM

———————

UNTITLED: A FALL PRESENTATION
an evening of dance, live music and poetry on Friday, Nov. 12 & Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021
It was an incredible weekend, the coming together of 5 different artists of extraordinary caliber
linking together dance, music, poetry and the visual arts: Dafna Rathouse Baier and her stunning choreographic vision encompassing the magnificent dancing of Jennifer Dennehy, the extraordinary musical interpretation of Kelly Armor, the magnetic presence of Kara Gladney’s poetic renditions and the amazing hand-painting costume creation of Marsha Cisek. Our deepest gratitude to our wonderful audience and all the supporters and organizations who made this artistic gathering feasible.

———————

Dixon Hammond performed at Dafmark on October first, 2021.
It was an extraordinary experience, a combination of amazing artistry, generosity and wisdom.
Thank you Dixon for sharing your passion with us! 

Here is the beautiful introduction to Dixon Hammond’s music written by John Chacona as a preview!  
https://www.johnchacona.com/previewing-dixons-violin-at-dafmark-dance-theater/

———————

CELESTIAL MUSINGS was performed at Dafmark on May 28 & 29, 2021. The original choreography of Dafna Rathouse Baier links the personal to the cosmos and the choices we make after a year of tragedies and losses. This 36’12” video features three Dafmark dancers, Jennifer Dennehy, Trinity Walker and Annie Wiesner with original music by Kelly Armor and Dixon Hammond. Support for this project was provided in part by the Clarence E. Beyers Music Performance Fundof the Erie Arts Endowment and Erie Arts & Culture Unrestricted Ignite Arts Grants Funds.

Excerpt from PALIMPSEST, production cancelled due to the Pandemic.

———————

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL –April 5 & 5, 2019 – a diary in motion exploring who we are and our perceptions of self and others… featuring the choreography of Dafna Rathouse Baier with Jennifer Dennehy, Melissa Dixon, Trinity Walker, Annie Wiesner and of course, Scott Heinrich.   Marsha Cisek’s canvas added an extraordinary dimension to this evening of reminiscence in motion and visual elegance.

Excerpt from “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”

A YEAR TO REMEMBER – April 6 & 7, 2018 – about reality, alternate reality, tweets and much more… featuring the choreography of Dafna Rathouse Baier with Marsha Cisek,  Jo Theisen, Jennifer Dennehy, Megan Sabatini and 
of course, Scott Heinrich.   Vince Brocki provided unparalleled  drumming.

Excerpt from “A Year to Remember”

 AND IF NOT NOW, WHEN – April 7 & 8, 2017 – to a mesmerizing song cycle for voice and orchestra based on ancient Hebrew  and Arabic texts, featuring the choreography of Dafna Rathouse Baier with Marsha Cisek, visual artist,   Jo Theisen,  Jennifer Dennehy, Megan Sabatini, and of course, Scott Heinrich. 

Excerpt from “And if Not Now, When”

   “Dance Kaleidoscope” – February 18, 2017 – Dafmark’s dancers interpreting Dafna Rathouse Baier’s brilliant  choreography,  the passionate poetry of Charles Brown, the extraordinary music of Zack Orr and Kristen Weeks, a fascinating dialogue between the audience and the performers….  All this, the result of a collaborative project between Dafmark and Gannon University Theater Department.  A feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul!

   “Partners in Dance XV” part II– December 12, 2016 – a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at 226 West 26th Street in Erie, home of EHCA.

   “Partners in Dance XV” part I – June 7, 2016 – a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at 226 West 26th Street in Erie, home of EHCA.

   “A Still Unfinished Journey” – April 1 & 2, 2016 – based on 25 years of personal and memorable markers, featuring the choreography of Dafna Rathouse Baier with Marsha Cisek, Charles Corritore, Jennifer Dennehy, Scott Heinrich,  Megan Sabatini and Charlotte Twitchell.

   Partners in Dance XIV” – May 13, 2015– a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at Young Artists Conservatory, Villa Maria Campus.

   “Urban Beat“– was presented at Dafmark on April 10 & 11, 2015 – about the rhythms of our daily lives.

   “Partners in Dance XIII” – June 10, 2014 – a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie  Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at St. Ben’s Community Center.
 
  “Symphony in 2, 5, & 6 “– was presented at Dafmark on April 4 & 5, 2014 – inspired by the music of Gustav Mahler.

   “Behind the Curtain” – November 22, 2013 – featuring Dafmark, actors from the Erie Playhouse, from Gannon University Theater Dept. and magician Bobby Borgia.

   “Partners in Dance XII” – June 13, 2013 – a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at St. Ben’s Community Center. 

   “The Waves” – Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2013 – evening of dance inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf.

   “Governor’s Arts Awards” – Thursday, September 20, 2012 – at the Warner Theater.  Dafmark performed.

   “Partners in Dance XI” – June 7, 2012 – a collaborative performance featuring Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. at St. Ben’s Community Center. 

   “Pictures in Motion at an Exhibit!” –  Friday, March 23 & Saturday, March 24 2012  – produced by and presented at the Erie Art Museum.

   “Missing, Remembering!” – Friday, Nov. 4 & Saturday, Nov. 5,  2011 – A tribute to 9/11.

   “Partners in Dance X” – May 27, 2011 – Dafmark Dance Theater presented  at St Ben’s Community Center in collaboration with the Erie Home for Children and Adults, Inc.   

   “Rite of Spring!” – Friday, April 29 & Saturday, April 30, 2011 –  Dafmark’s newest works of choreography to the music of Igor Stravinsky and influence of Coco Channel.

   “Leaping into the Future!” – Friday, October 8 & Saturday, October 9, 2010 – Dafmark celebrated its twentieth anniversary.

   “Partners in Dance” – June  5, 2010 – Dafmark Dance Theater presented  at St Ben’s Community Center in collaboration with the Erie Home for Children and Adults, Inc.   

   “The Face of Monody: Opera II” – Friday, April 9 & Saturday, April 10,  2010  – Dafmark’s expanded “Dafmark, Divas and Arias.”

   “Voices of Change’-  Sunday, November 22,  2009 – featuring live music with Julio and Jeremy Quezada.

   “Dafmark, Divas and Arias” – October 23 & 24, 09 – presented at Dafmark Dance Theater. 

   “Partners in Dance” – Tuesday, May 28, 2009 – Dafmark Dance Theater presented  at St Ben’s Community Center in collaboration with the Erie Home for Children and Adults, Inc.                      

   “An Ancient Song” – April 17 & 18, 2009 – Scott Heinrich, our guest performer returned to Erie.