Aspen Dance Connection performs at TACAW, featuring Colorado choreographers 

Aspen Dance Connection’s show, “Emergence,” will feature seven different dances from five well-established Colorado choreographers at 7:30 p.m. July 17 at TACAW. 

“There’s so much talent in Colorado; they’re exceptional,” ADC director Fran Page said. 

The choreographers — Carbondale resident Alexandra Jerkunica, Amy Anderson of Engage Movement Arts in Denver, Maureen Breeze of Maureen Breeze Dance Theater in Denver and Grand Junction-based Rebecca Fleishman and Liz Vrettos — have generated works for the 18 professional freelance dancers who will perform at TACAW. The artists also dance professionally with Colorado Ballet, Ballet Ariel and Wonderbound in Denver, as well as with choreographers in New York City. 

It’s the only time this specific configuration comes together to perform “Emergence,” though Page does take dancers to show up at flash mobs at the Wednesday music at River Park in Basalt — the next one takes place Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.

The dancers will also give free sneak peaks, presenting excerpts from “Emergence,” at the Parachute, New Castle and Glenwood Springs libraries on July 15. From 10-11 a.m. July 16, they perform at the Carbondale library, where Breeze also leads children in combining gestures, rhythms and storytelling.

ADC started in 1978, when eight local choreographers launched it to highlight their original works. Page has been the director since 1986. ADC presented 34 years of Colorado Choreographer Showcases at the Wheeler Opera House before moving to TACAW. The organization also is known for its outreach programs at schools, libraries and outdoor events from Aspen to Parachute, extending to more than 6,450 people. 

Friday’s show begins with Vrettos’ uplifting “Emanate.” 

“It’s a very, light, spiritual, fluid dance that ends up being more energetic,” Page said. 

Then, Gregory Gonzales and Sharon Wehner, the latter of whom was a prima ballerina at Colorado Ballet for 22 years, perform a duet called “Shoes.” It depicts a conflict around a kitchen table, choreographed by Anderson.  

“This one really touches you emotionally but leaves on an upbeat (note),” Page said, adding that the ballet technique within the modern dance is very strong. “Gregory Gonzalez, who’s Amy’s husband, also has been a big part of a Colorado Ballet on a lot of different levels as a dancer and a choreographer. Now he’s a visiting dancer, and I think he’s in the best shape ever.” 

One of the longest pieces, “Shifting Grounds,” by Breeze, portrays modern society’s divisive world as five dancers move around a long table.  

“There’s this parallel of drama on the earth, as well as in our culture with people,” Page said, adding that it also has a light sense of humor. 

Breeze’s other piece, “Remnants of You,” reflects on a past relationship and includes a playful duet with a large metal door serving as a unique trapeze. It features lifts and intricate partnering. 

The name of ADC’s show, “Emergence,” partially took inspiration from Fleishman’s dance about a dragonfly shedding its skin, portraying the kind of strength that’s needed to emerge into one’s best self. She created the piece after her mother’s death. 

“It symbolizes being strong enough to go on with life and making the transformations,” Page said.  

Jerkunica’s piece follows, since shapes within the opening and closing reminded Page of a dragonfly. 

“To me, it’s like another section — it’s very balletic. She calls it ‘Elevation,’ meaning just flying high,” Page said. “It’s really beautiful … (with) very strong technique, and those shapes, yet there’s a softness at times, too.” 

The evening concludes with seven dancers performing Anderson’s “Panama Station,” about people waiting for a bus. It begins with a male drifter and incorporates three tourists, a honeymoon couple and an expatriate. 

“(It includes) all the funny stuff you can do with falling off the bench, and the music is upbeat,” Page said. “Amy and her husband (Gonzales) have done a lot of tango, so those rhythms are in there, but again, lots of humor.”