[Editor’s note:
Survival: It’s a Dance is a new contemporary dance work by independent Rosendale-based choreographer Jorelle Pomé, in collaboration with dancers Kyle Ducham, Ruby Bard and Beth Woronoff. It’ll make its debut on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at High Meadow School in Stone Ridge.
As the name of the work suggests, the piece is based on the recovery process of Pomé, who, seven years ago, was in a coma for six weeks after a car accident and not expected to live. Since then, however, even with major disabilities, she has fought her way back through rehabilitation to reclaim her life as a dancer and choreographer, continuing to create dance pieces and to direct others in her work.
The 30-minute Survival: It’s a Dance is a collaboration with three able-bodied female dancers, who have been working on the piece with Jorelle since May, says project manager Sherry Williams. “They’re all very athletic dancers, and each will have a solo in the piece as well as working together,” she says. Jorelle will be in the dance, too – at moments with a wheelchair and at other times moving with the assistance of the other dancers.
While the work is based on Pomé’s accident and her recovery, it’s ultimately inspirational and upbeat, says Williams. “It’s been a challenge for Pomé, but it’s in the studio that she really shows her personal strength and joy in the act of dancing,” says Williams. “She’s very clear and precise and happy. She loves working with the dancers, and they love her.”
Pomé has performed at the Joyce SoHo, the Mulberry Street Theatre, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and recently at Backstage Studio Productions in Kingston and the Mary Anthony Dance Theater in Manhattan. She holds a BFA in Choreography from Concordia University and has traveled widely.
Survival: It’s a Dance is produced by Earthborne Dance Project, a nonprofit organization started by Pomé’s family and friends to allow for the creation of new dance pieces and to raise awareness of those like Jorelle, who have had their artistic visions challenged by disability, but who continue to create.
Survival: It’s a Dance will debut on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at High Meadow School, located at 3643 Main Street in Stone Ridge. The cost is $5 suggested admission at the door.
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