Video above is a rehearsal of the NYC cast shot in NYC, NY.
View performances of Still Rush by MWDCCo:  https://vimeo.com/100908352 and https://vimeo.com/101001560/

Premiere performance was January 12 and 13, 1991 at Dance Place, Washington, DC, as part of an evening titled Spirit Path / Migration / Remains (check archives).

(1991) Dancers for Still Rush were auditioned and selected by Maida Withers with Mino Nicholas for the work to be performed in New York City, NY at the French Embassy Theater.  The work never premiered in NYC as planned.  Several producers in NYC forced the cancellation of Mino Nicholas concert due to previous bad behavior (debt, etc). This video is the final rehearsal in NYC before performance in Washington, DC that was sponsored by MWDCCo and Dance Place.

Still Rush:  “An intricately layered and driving work for seven dancers to a dramatic intense score by the percussion ensemble, Shaman.”  (Flyer)
Choreography by Maida Withers for 7 dancers in NYC.  Original commission by Mino Nicholas.  Since the contract was not completed, Maida Withers Dance Construction Company completed the work and premiered it at Dance Place in Washington, DC instead of Maison de Francois in New York City.

Still Rush is part of Withers environment period/era.  The original work was titled Passage, but was changed for performance.  The concept makes extensive refrence Maida’s pioneer ancestors who were driven from their homes in Missouri and Illinois (what was called “the plains”) because of their religious beliefs and the high number of people involved (voting power). Faithful members (women, men, children) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) traveled by handcart, wagon, and on foot across the plains during all seasons of the year – a demanding adventure and sacrifice. Many died, some were killed.  Ultimately they arrived at what became known as the Salt Lake Valley – at that time not part of the US Territory.  This is one of the great “migrations of man” for religious freedom. They sought a place of peace where they could establish a “kingdom” representing their values.   The ancestors were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in Scandinavia and England, New England, others, who came to the United States looking to find a safe haven for religious freedom and to build a new  and free civilization.  Hundreds made the trek (in all seasons) and settled in the “Salt Lake Valley” (based on the great body of salt water in the valley).  Eventually the homestead became known as the State of Utah.”

January 12 and 13, 1991 – Dance Place performance – Washington, DC