By Walter Rutledge
Most professional dance companies require their members to have a union card; PARADIGM requires its dancers to produce their membership card to AARP. Formed in 1996 by Gus Solomons jr. the minimum age to work with the company is fifty. The company lives up to the saying “Age ain’t nothing but a number” presenting cleverly crafted and artistically rich performances, which feature dancers who can only be described as legends; including Sarita Allen, Michael Blake, Karen Brown, Hope Clarke, Robert La Fosse, Valda Setterfield, and founding members Carmen Delavallade, Gus Solomons jr. and Dudley Williams.
PARADIGM will present three performances entitled Paradigm Shift: Past, Present and Future at the Danspace Project, St. Mark’s Church, at 131 E. 10th Street (at Second Avenue) in Manhattan, from April 14 – 16, 2011 at 8pm. The program will include: two world premieres by Gus Solomons jr. and Carmen Delavallade, Idyll Choreographed by Kate Weare, a solo by Kyle Abraham and A Thin Frost (Solomon).
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP-T3kx13oc&w=560&h=349]
A Thin Frost was the first work performed by the company. The original cast included Carmen Delavallade, Gus Solomons jr. and Dudley Williams. For the upcoming performances Solomon and Williams will be joined by Michael Blake, this is the first time the work will feature an all male cast.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDmB7Z30LuM&w=560&h=349]
The opening night performance will be followed by a celebration of PARADIGM’S 15th Anniversary and Carmen de Lavallade’s 80th birthday, at Lautrec Bistro on 111 First Avenue. General admission tickets are $18 ($15 for students and seniors with I.D), available at 866-811-4111 or www.danspaceproject.org. Gala tickets are $75 and $100 and are available by phone at 212-477-1321.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LwOPahRj98&w=560&h=349]
In Photo 1) Gus Solomons jr. 2) Carmen de Lavallade and Gus Solomons jr
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