Talks with Extraordinary Artists

On October 24, 2012 the Arts Club of Washington honored member Dana Tai Soon Burgess as he celebrates the twentieth anniversary as artistic director of Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co.

The evening included selections from Dana’s favorite works presented by members of his company.  Before each work Dana talked a bit about origins and meanings. Afterwards Dana and the dancers took questions from the audience.  Thanks to all who attended and participated in this wonderful exchange.

Khaybet performed by Connie Lin Fink

Section of Dariush performed by Katia Chupashko Norri

Section of Charle Chan & the Mystery of Love  

performed by Kelly Moss Southall and Sarah Halzack

Section of Caverns performed by 

Connie Lin Fink, Katia Chupashko Norri and Felipe Oyarzun

Dana introducing the dancers and collaborators

20th Anniversary Celebration

Here's a glimpse of the fun had by DTSBCO dancers, friends and families, board members and supporters at an opening night party presided over by honorary chair Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the USA.  (photos by Dented Lens Photography)

Dana in the news - Washington Post

Pulitzer prize winning journalist Sarah Kaufman wrote an insightful article in the Washington Post about Dana and the 20th anniversary of his company.  Check out Dancing to the heart of the matter.

Caverns: Dana's new work

I am so excited about our Sept 21-23 performances.  This evening of dances is a celebration of 20 years.  There are so few dance companies that reach 20 and I am very thankful to our audiences, dancers, designers, supporters and our board for making sure that we continue to create quality work. 

The works date back to 1999 and continue through today with a new premiere.  I am just putting the finishing touches on my new work Caverns.    This dance is a trio that explores the idea of recurring memories and the images that play, reset and ultimately replay again in our minds. Caverns deals with an individual who studies a past relationship.  She questions her actions, relives them and arrives at a contemplative moment of confronting her own psyche. I have been very interested in how the trauma of past relations affects all future relations in our lives.  They are the lessons learned that propel us forward or stunt our growth. 

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the show in person. I look forward to speaking with each of you in September.  Sincerely, Dana

National Portrait Gallery performance Roundup

Check out photos from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program

Videos from the event

More Photos from the event

 

DTSB&Co in the news!

The Washington Blade features a story on Dana, DTSB&Co's 20th anniversary and other upcoming performances.

Tech fun

Dana's new work Island features beautiful historical images from Angel Island projected from above. To achieve this effect a heavy-duty projector was installed above the stage. Getting the projector in place and then back down at the end of the three night run took some teamwork.