Discover how the jeweler’s Dance Reflections program is shaping the city’s arts scene and explore the question of whether its impact is becoming overwhelming.
Van Cleef & Arpels made a significant impact on the New York City dance scene with their Dance Reflections festival last fall. The festival, which ran from October to December, showcased contemporary dance performances at various theaters in the city. The event was well-received and heavily promoted, leaving a lasting impression on the dance community.
Jay Wegman, the executive director of NYU Skirball, described Dance Reflections as a groundbreaking event, stating that it was the best thing to happen to the New York dance scene in the last 25 years. The festival had previously made waves in London, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, but its success in New York exceeded expectations.
The influence of Dance Reflections continues to be felt through ongoing sponsorships of performances at prominent venues such as Skirball, New York City Center, and the Joyce Theater until the spring of 2024. Additionally, the festival will support other major events, including L’Alliance New York’s Crossing the Line Festival, a premiere by Kyle Abraham at the Park Avenue Armory, and a revival of Bill T. Jones’s “Still/Here” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Launched in 2020, Dance Reflections is not just a one-time festival but a global initiative that supports contemporary dance on a large scale. The festival is set to travel to Japan in October and return to London next year. Through partnerships with theaters, festivals, and dance companies in 16 countries, Dance Reflections funds residencies, workshops, revivals, new productions, and tours, contributing to the growth of contemporary dance worldwide.
Despite the shrinking funding for dance in Europe and beyond, Dance Reflections stands out as a major supporter of the art form. The program is unique in that it is led by a curator, Serge Laurent, who has a background in contemporary art. Laurent previously worked as a curator for the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and the Pompidou Center in Paris, overseeing live performances for two decades.
In conclusion, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Dance Reflections festival has made a significant impact on the global contemporary dance scene through its innovative approach to supporting the art form. With ongoing sponsorships, partnerships, and a dedicated curator at the helm, Dance Reflections is poised to continue shaping the future of contemporary dance for years to come.
Source: The NY Times
