(1975) Washington Project for the Arts (WPA)
Maida and the Dance Construction Company have been involved with Washington Project for the Arts since the founding of this new multi-disciplinary organization in 1975 by Alice Denny.  Maida served on the Board of Directors from 1978 to 1985, and as Program Chair from 1981 to 1983.

WPA  purpose:  “To educate the general public in contemporary and avant-garde art forms, both visual and performing.”  MWDCCo performed often at WPA and continues to perform for special events  and occasions (anniversary events, etc.)

Early Works, only

April 15 – May 11 – 1975 White Mansions was created in and for the large WPA space with white fabric using the elevated space and live music:  Our notes indicate that White Mansions was the first performance in the new location 1227 G Street NW. Following this event, WPA formally opened with the WPA Inaugural Exhibition. MWDCCo dancers: Maida Withers, John Bailey, Brook Andrews, JoAnn Sellars, Betty Tittsworth. Music by Steve Perlo (see photo below). This work became White Mansions, Holy Rood Cemetery site performance featured in a full page photo/review, Washington Post.

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John Bailey and Steve Perlo

John Bailey

John Bailey and Brook Andrews

December (Date to be determined) (locate title) Christmas program.
Christmas Tree lights were placed in all the holes in the large brick wall (upstage) to create a holiday, visual environment.  Dancers each brought 3 or 4 costumes, hats, etc. in the colors of red, white, blue. Each time a dancer exited the stage, she/he  went into an anti-room (studio) and changed costumes or added clothes or objects (hats, gloves, etc).  Consequently dancers shared costumes. Some costumes became props.  Beth Burkhardt (dancer and costume designer) performed with the Company.

Maida Withers and Brook Andrews

Maida Withers,  (unknown), John Bailey, Beth Burkhardt

John Bailey and Maida Withers

Maida Withers, Beth Burkhardt, John Bailey

August 15, 1975 BOG WORKS John Driscoll, musician/composer, sculptor, created an environment of homemade loudspeakers that were hung on the end of long ropes from the very high ceiling along with two ropes with battery operated lights – items controlled and manipulated by dancers.  John performs his music sitting on the floor in the center of the room, along with the audience who also were seated on the floor and free to change location.  Dancers were part of the sound phenomena, manipulating the loudspeakers on ropes, as well lighting designers manipulating the battery operated lights.

Technology instruments, 1975