Dancer and choreographer Molissa Fenley formed her company in 1977, and was fortunate to have early work commissioned by highly credible venues such as Dance Theater Workshop, The Kitchen, and the American Dance Festival. As audiences began to resonate with Fenley’s athletic style and keen eye for natural shapes and patterns, the company began touring nationally and internationally in 1980 and hasn’t stopped since.
Fenley’s early strength was in her solos, many of which she danced herself. She won a Bessie for her 1988 performance of State of Darkness; dancer Peter Boal won the same award in 1999 when he danced it for the company. She has created work for companies such as the Deutche Oper Ballet of Berlin and Ohio Ballet, and her chorography is in the repertoire of Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane and the Young Soon Kim Dance Company, among others. With a propensity towards collaboration, MF&D has worked with artists such as painter Francesco Clemente, writer Eric Bogosian, and composers Laurie Anderson, Phillip Glass, Julius Eastman, John Cage, and Harry Partch.
The company has concentrated on ensemble work for the past several years and as such dances a limited schedule at venues around New York; nevertheless, her dancers continue to reveal their ability to translate Fenley’s intense focus and artistic idiosyncrasies into kinetic poetry.
– (MK)
Molissa Fenley & Dancers Information
- Public Transportation: Varies by venue
- Handicapped Accessibility: Depends on venue, but generally good
- Performances/Programs: 20-30 performances per year
- Ticket Prices: Varies widely depending on event, venue, and seating selection
- Membership: Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
