Founded in 2002, the Daughter of Zion Dance Company of Santa Barbara, California is based upon a concept brewing since 1996. The work is collaborative, not only between dancers and actors but also with apparatus, composer, and lighting. The work began with dancers Nicole Helton and Rina van de Kamp. It has grown to three additional dancers. Depending on the show, the amount of performers varies. For the past several years performances have been in conjunction with Santa Barbara Dance Alliance, the Marjorie Luke Theatre, and Center Stage Theater. Funding has previously been provided by individual donors, the David Bermant foundation, Ticket Maestro, Marjorie Luke Theatre, Los Padres Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.
Artistic Statement . . . Rina van de Kamp artistic director
I prefer to work in story form with an overall objective of having the viewer become aware of the difficulty in relating to things outside their frame of reference. Exploring our own boundaries, whether physical or psychological, gives us insight into how to relate to those things/people around us. Once aware of our place within these arenas we have the choice to free ourselves from their inherent boundries. It is my goal to "push" my dancers to go where they have not been before, both mentally and physically. By "pushing" I mean doing movement and using props that are neither easy nor typical to work with. I prefer dancers that are inexperienced with this kind of work but who are willing to go outside of their comfort zone. Ensuring the safety of the work space allows the performers to enjoy the experience of going outside the box. The objective is to lead dancer and viewer alike to new areas of growth. I try to encourage new levels of creativity where the apparatus becomes a partner in the creation, reaching out to other mediums to inspire and develop the storyline. The varied disciplines involved in this work will advance the artistic development of the company.
"Van de Kamp and the other members of Zion presented themselves with grace and beauty, inviting the audience into their dreams and memories, flying above the stage and into the air, in Between the Ages, a sense of intimacy was created from the moment people walked into the theater, (which) announced that this evening would be far from ordinary."
Felicia Tomasko, dance critic, Santa Barbara Independent.
Available Work- for performances, residencies, and commissions.
Visage-57 minutes (7 sections, any segment may be chosen)
Relationships and environment are the key elements. The dancers are continually manipulated by the levels, ropes, and fabric of the structure. Dancers at times are forced to rely on one another to accomplish tasks. How does this interaction at times build the relationship between dancers and at times hinder that relationship. How the dancers are affected is shown by how they relate to the structure itself.
The sections
I. From There to Here- 3 dancers
II. Snapshot- 3 dancers
III. Jabberwalk- 3 dancers, use of text
IV. Tango- 3 dancers
V. Jock- 1 dancer
VI. Hanging- 2 and 3 dancers
VII. Hallelujah- 1 to 3 dancers
Between the Ages-50 minutes (5 sections, any segment may be chosen)
An evening length work in which the performers are not hiding within a character; instead revealing a place within their own lives; their individual story. No longer inhibited but freed from the ususal confines of gravity with the aerial element alluding time, memories, and moving as if underwater.
The sections
I. Marriage -2 dancers
II. Self- 1 dancer
III. Identity- 2 dancers
IV. Friendship- 2 dancers
V. Health- 1 dancer
In the First Three Minutes (6:00)
There are two dancers each in a costume that has 3 hoops increasing in size from top to bottom; encumbered at times by the costume and at others not aware of it. A segment of the dancer's relationship to one another is seen. They have a destination but not knowing how to get there on their own.
Moments Before Waking (8:00)
A group piece of 7 dancers and one large box. It has a dream-like quality: the time just before waking up when you're not sure if you're dreaming or awake. A sense of breakdown and stifling anything outside of the group is the beginning. The main character is not noticed at first, simply fitting in to what is going on around her. She realized that is not where she is supposed to be and is trying to go her own way.
If you are interested in bringing the Daughter of Zion Dance Company to your area you may contact us at;
Daughter
of Zion Dance Company
P.O Box 733
Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-698-9188
Our tentative plans;
Greece - Summer 2006
Scotland - Summer 2007
If you would like to be informed of future Daughter of Zion performances just send us your email address and we will put you on our mailing list. Simply click on the link below and type "Mailing list" in the subject area.