“We absolutely love sharing these performances with the community. In our opinion, witnessing Boston Dance Theater perform is a true highlight each year here on the Seacoast. Even if you don't think of yourself as someone who loves dance, do yourself a favor and come see this show. You will leave inspired."
— Beth Falconer, Executive Director of 3S Artspace.
We at 3S are feeling the hallmarks of spring arrive around us. The crocuses are starting to bud, the prospect of walking around town feels more friendly, and the performance space is buzzing with spring runs of one great act after another. The energy is electric! We are regularly humbled at the privilege that our work means bringing incredible contemporary art and artists to the Seacoast for the enjoyment and enrichment of our community.
One of those great acts that we are thrilled to be welcoming back to the Performance Space stage this year is Boston Dance Theater (BDT).
Boston Dance Theater is a trailblazing contemporary dance company celebrated for its diverse and boundary-pushing artistry. Recognized in Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2021, BDT is hailed as “a fresh and powerful voice in contemporary dance.” BDT joins 3S for a limited performance run of their show, "Red is a feeling", on March 28 and 29.
A journey through the complexities of human emotion and movement, the program of short dance works in "Red is a feeling" shares multi-faced expressions of love, longing, and the fight to live, woven together by the color red.
The program title is from a new commission by Iranian-Hispanic choreographer Roya Carreras Fereshtehnejad, one of four choreographers comprising the program. Fereshtehnejad, who was diagnosed with two forms of cancer in her early thirties, created the piece that opens the show as an exploration of the profound sensations of fighting for life, clinging to each moment, and surrendering to the present.
Next, German choreographer Marco Goecke’s “Firebird Pas de Deux” reimagines the classic story of The Firebird set to Stravinsky’s iconic 1910 score. Known for its signature “staccato body thrusts, unpredictable flicks and shrugs of the head and shoulders, and quicksilver footwork” (Paula Citron & Ecotopia Productions), this gripping duet takes audiences on a visceral journey of companionship. Audiences may recall this piece from the 2024 "Pinnacle Works" program at 3S Artspace.
The program continues with “Memories,” a stunning reflection by BDT Co-Artistic Director Itzik Galili as he revisits his illustrious choreographic career, weaving together past movement phrases with text written over a decade ago. Originally created for the women artists of BDT, “Memories” serves as both a tribute to Galili’s creative evolution and a testament to the dancers’ expressive depth.
The penultimate piece, “If as If,” a duet also choreographed by Itzik Galili, is set to music by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis. This powerful work explores themes of longing, tenderness, and doubt, as the dancers traverse the emotional spectrum between seeking comfort and resisting connection. It challenges viewers to question: “Is one the dark side that the other refuses to see?” (Elisabeth Gibiat).
Closing the evening is ‘“Fifties,” a vibrant, rhythm-infused celebration choreographed by BDT Co-Artistic Director and Founder Jessie Jeanne Stinnett. Set to an uplifting collection of 1950s hits, this joyous piece reflects Stinnett’s musical background and the deep-rooted influence of growing up in a family of electric bassists. With movement as a vehicle for healing and connection, “Fifties” radiates energy and invites audiences to clap along in celebration of life and vitality.
“In 2017, we had the unique opportunity to host Jessie Jeanne Stinnett and dancers for a two week residency at 3S Artspace before she co-founded Boston Dance Theater. Through the residency, we had the opportunity to witness process, not just the performance, and we’ve followed their incredible progress and success ever since,” said Beth Falconer.
Red is a feeling premieres at Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston just prior to the performances at 3S Artspace. This marks Boston Dance Theater’s third time on the 3S stage, following "The Carol Kaye Project" (October 2023) and "Pinnacle Works" (May 2024) which were enthusiastically received by Seacoast audiences.
Ticket prices for "Red is a feeling" are $25 for General Admission, with seating available for all ages. Don't miss this opportunity to witness groundbreaking contemporary dance in Portsmouth, NH. Secure your tickets now at 3sarts.org.