Still Rush – NYC Dancers Rehearsal
(1990 or 91 December?) Video above is a rehearsal of the NYC cast shot in NYC, NY.
Dancers for Still Rush were auditioned and selected by Maida Withers with Mino Nicholas Dance Company in New York City, for a work to be performed in New York City, NY at the French Embassy Theater. The work never premiered in NYC as planned. Several previous producers of the Mino Nicholas dance company in New York City, forced the cancellation of the Mino Nicholas concert due to previous experience/concerns. This video is the final rehearsal in NYC before performance (January 12 and 13, 1990) in Washington, DC that was sponsored by MWDCCo and Dance Place.
Still Rush performances:
(1991) January 12 and 13: Still Rush premiere performance with the New York City cast at Dance Place as part of Dance Construction Company concert, Spirit Path / Migration / Remains. Still Rush was Part II, Migration.
(1992) February 7 Still Rush – Dance Construction Company dancers, Dance for the Earth Concert.
https://vimeo.com/100908352/ (Still Rush 41:50 to 52:48).
https://https://vimeo.com/101001560/
(1992) May 12 Omame Projecto performance at the National Theatre, Brasilia, Brazil. MWDCCo dancers and Brasilian dancers.
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 seven dancers in NYC. Original commission by Mino Nicholas with a planned presentation at Maison de Francois in New York City. Maida Withers completed the work and premiered Still Rush with the New York cast in the Dance Concert of the Dance Construction Company Concert at Dance Place, January 12 and 13, 1990, in Washington, DC.
Still Rush is part of Withers environment period/era. The original work was titled Passage, but was changed for performance. The concept makes extensive reference to Maida’s pioneer ancestors who were driven from their homes in Missouri and Illinois (across territory that 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.”
Artists and Collaborators
- Choreographer
- Dancers
- Music
- Light Design
- General Production Assistance