ABOUT US
Photos from Confusion of Anegls by Jeremy Choate
The Images of the Broken Obelisk & Reflecting Pool are used with permission of the Rothko Chapel.
Images: Stills from DESESPERADOS
Dancers Sasha Filipovich and Arneita McKinney in Black Rain
Deanna Green, Vladimir Kotsiouruba, Arneita McKinney, and Greg Harbar in Desesperados
Dancer Michele Brangwen and Musician Thomas Helton in Ghost Tango from Desesperados
Photos by Graf Imhoof
Dancer Deanna Green in the DVD Desesperados
Above: Dancers Deanna Green, Laura Dobbins, and Althea Skinner in Madrid
Photo by Graf Imhoof
Members of MBDE in Louie's, Key West
Photo by Marilyn Brodwick
Welcome to our archive of recent performances and projects!
You'll find current performance informantion on our PERFORMANCE INFO
● March 21, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at Trinity Church, 1015 Holman (@ Main Street)
The
● December 16, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. Lutkin Concert Hall, Northwestern University, Chicago
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble will perform PETRIFIED for the International Society for Improvised Music annual conference at Northwestern University in Chicago on Sunday December 16, 2007.
PETRIFIED, with choreography by Michele Brangwen and music by Thomas Helton, is inspired by the daring of free avant-garde music. The work creates a spontaneous performance environment where anything can happen. Thomas Helton is the solo bassist, who uses the full range and expressive power of the instrument. He is joined on the stage by dancers Brooke Barnes, Elizabeth Lucrezio, Lindsey McGill and Michele Brangwen.
Featured performers at the conference include Oliver Lake and the University of Michigan Creative Arts Orchestra; Jane Ira Bloom and Mark Dresser; Mazen Kerbaj and Michael Zerang
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble performs at Lutkin Hall, Northwestern University, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday December 16, 2007. Tickets for individual events at the conference are $20 General and $10 Students & Seniors, and can be purchased at the Music Administration Building right next to Lutkin Hall. More information on the conference is available on the International Society for Improvised Music's web site
It is not necessary to register for the conference in order to purchase a single ticket, but the registration fee of $100 General and $30 Students & Seniors allows audiences access to all performances and presentations over the course of this exciting three day conference.
● December 9, 2007 at 7:00 p. m: Barnevelder Theater, 2201 Preston, Houston
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble performs PETRIFIED, with choreography by Michele Brangwen and Music by Thomas Helton on Sunday December 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Barnevelder Theater.
The performance will also include a special screening of CONFUSION OF ANGELS, a short film made on location at Houston’s Rothko Chapel. The work features choreography by Michele Brangwen, music by Thomas Helton, and video by Yunuen Perez Vertti. More about the film.
Performers are Brooke Barnes, Elizabeth Lucrezio, Lindsey McGill, and Michele Brangwen, dancers; Thomas Helton, string bass.
This half-hour program will be followed by a Meet-the-Artists reception in the lobby. Admission is Pay What You Like. More info at 713 533-9515.
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble Performs PETRIFIED
Special Guest Artist TIM HAGANS Performs with the DANIELLE REICH TRIO
● October 7, 2007: Barnevelder Theater, 2201 Preston @ Hutchins
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble will perform PETRIFIED, with choreography by
Thomas Helton is the solo bassist, who uses the full range and expressive power of the instrument. He is joined on the stage by dancers Brooke Barnes, Elizabeth Lucrezio, Lindsey McGill and Michele Brangwen.
The program also features special guest artist TIM HAGANS on trumpet performing with the DANIELLE REICH TRIO. Jazz trumpeter and composer Tim Hagans is considered by many to be one of the most unique and influential modern voices on trumpet. His distinct tone was described by the Village Voice as “powerfully expressive.” His discography includes several recordings of his original compositions on the Blue Note label, as well as with many jazz luminaries like Joe Lovano and Marc Copland, with whom he tours extensively.
Danielle Reich is one of Houston’s most in demand vocalists. Her sensual stage presence is equally engaging on a smoky blues, a jazz standard, or one of the band’s sultry and poetic originals. She is joined by Helton on bass and Richard Cholakian on drums.
After the performance the audience is invited to mingle with the artists in the lobby. Complimentary desserts and refreshments will be served.
Sunday October 7, 7 p.m. Barnevelder Theater, located at 2201 Preston @ Hutchins (across Hwy 59 from Minute Maid Park). For additional information call 713-533-9515
Admission: Pay What You Like
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Image of Tim Hagans courtesy of Forrest Photography
● July 6 & 7, 2007: Performing Arts Center, Houston Community College Northwest, Town & Country Campus
A NOTE FROM GUANTÁNAMO, a new work with choreography by Michele Brangwen, music by Brian Nelson, and video by Yunuen Perez Vertti, that explores the capacity of a gift to carry a current of human emotion across impossible boundaries.
The dance is inspired by a photograph from the FOTOFEST exhibition: GUANTÁNAMO. PICTURES FROM HOME. QUESTIONS OF JUSTICE. The image depicts a hand written note and a pair of earrings sent by proxy from a detainee at Guantánamo to his family in Yemen. Performers: Brooke Barnes, Lindsey McGill, & Kimberly Flanagin, dancers; Seth Paynter, electronic wind instrument; Thomas Helton, string bass; Gopal Mohapatra, actor.
PETRIFIED, a new work with choreography by Michele Brangwen and music by Thomas Helton. Inspired by Helton’s style of composition and his use of extended technique for string bass, the dance links sections of improvised movement with sections of set choreography. The performers create a daring stage environment where anything can happen. Performers: Brooke Barnes, Kimberly Flanagin, Lindsey McGill, and Michele Brangwen; dancers; Thomas Helton, string bass.
SENSORY SYSTEM, a set of new jazz from the Thomas Helton Trio. Performers: Richard Cholakian, percussion; Seth Paynter, saxophone; and Thomas Helton, string bass.
Introduction by KUHF Radio Announcer Elaine Kennedy and post performance Meet-the-Artists reception on Saturday July 7.
Tickets are $12 General Admission; $8 Students & Seniors, and may only be purchased at the door.
Friday & Saturday, July 6 & 7 at 8 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center at Houston Community College NW (Town & Country Campus), located at 1060 West Sam Houston Parkway North (NE corner of I-10 & Beltway 8).
Map and Directions to the Performing Arts Center
CONFUSION OF ANGELS
Saturday October 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
BARNEVELDER THEATER
2201 Preston @ Hutchins (Near Minute Maid Park)
ADMISSION IS FREE
Two 25 Minute Shows! Refreshments & Day of the Dead Bread Served!
Confusion of Angels features choreography by Michele Brangwen, music by Thomas Helton, Video by Yunuen Perez Vertti, and Scenic Design by Sandra Tapia
A Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar that comes to life with dance, live music, and two short films shot on location at the Rothko Chapel and in the Labyrinth of the Dominican Sisters.
KUHF Radio Announcer Elaine Kennedy introduces the performances
Performers are Brooke Barnes, Sasha Filipovich, Lindsey McGill, Michele Brangwen, dancers. Carol Morgan, trumpet; Seth Paynter, saxophones, and Thomas Helton, string bass
These performances are presented in association with MECA's (Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts) Dia de Los Muertos Festival 2006.
More information at 713 533-9515 or email info@brangwendance.org
DON'T FORGET OUR PERFORMANCES ARE AT BARNEVELDER THEATER IN THE EVENING AT 7:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
More info on Dia de Los Muertos Festival events at MECA at www.meca-houston.org
SWEET LAND
Saturday July 29, 2006 at 8 p.m. & Sunday July 30 2006 at 7 p.m.
Barnevelder Theater, 2201 Preston at Hutchins (near Minute Maid Park)
Friday August 4, 2006 at 8 p.m.
The Performing Arts Center, Houston Community College Northwest, Town & Country Campus) 1060 West Sam Houston Pkwy, North, (NE Corner of Beltway 8 & I-10)
SWEET LAND, a work for five dancers and four musicians that celebrates the legacy of the uniquely American spirit and speculates where it will lead us. SWEET LAND features choreography by Michele Brangwen, music by Carol Morgan, and video by Yunuen Perez Vertti.
The program also includes VORTEX a work for solo guitar and electronic effects with music by John Edward Ross. The avant-garde jazz composer tributes his hometown of New Orleans in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.
KUHF Radio Announcer Elaine Kennedy introduces the performances on July 29 & August 4.
More information at 713 533-9515
Directions to the Performing Arts Center
DESESPERADOS to be shown in Naples as part of
Il Coreografo Elettronico:
XIV FESTIVAL INTERNAZIONALE DI VIDEODANZA 2006
We are pleased to announce that DESESPERADOS will be shown in Naples in Italy’s 14th annual dance on camera festival.
The Festival runs May 11 through 13, 2006 at the Palazzo delle Arti Napoli.
DESESPERADOS is an intimate view of a performance by MBDE filmed in Barnevelder Theater, a wonderful new space in Houston designed specifically for contemporary dance theater. In this series of five tangos, with choreography and text by Michele Brangwen and live original music by Thomas Helton, a septet of dancers, musicians, and an actress explore the mystique of this evocative dance and its passionate music.
Performers are Deanna Green, Arneita McKinney, and Michele Brangwen, dancers; Vladimir Kotsiouruba, violin; Greg Habar, accordion; Thomas Helton, string bass; and Sandra Tapia, actress.
More information can be found at the festival’s web site: www.naoplidanza.com. We are the first listing in Category A.
The Earth ◊ Artists Responding to Violence: Dance and Music Celebrate FotoFest’s Dual Themed 2006 Biennial
Friday March 24, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble, in association with FotoFest, presents an evening of contemporary dance and music that celebrates the Festival’s 2006 Biennial themes: The Earth ◊ Artists Responding to Violence.
The evening features a performance of Black Rain, a work by choreographer Michele Brangwen and composer Thomas Helton, that explores the dark poetry of rain by looking back to the fallout at two Ground Zeros -- Hiroshima after the bomb, and the destruction of Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks -- with a cautionary look into the future under radioactive world leadership.
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble always performs to live original music and their musicians not only share the stage with the dancers; they are an integral part of the chorography. For this performance dancers Brooke Barnes, Jarina Carvalho, Sasha Filipovich and Michele Brangwen are joined by the avant-garde jazz ensemble the Rosta Jazz Avengers: John Edward Ross, guitar; Seth Paynter, saxophone; Richard Cholakian, percussion; and Thomas Helton, string bass.
"Visually stunning….Brangwen and Helton blended their visions artfully, and they delivered a piece that was rich with dynamic changes and fascinating imagery."
--- Linda Phenix, HOUSTONDANCE.COM
"Finally, a choreographer gives heart, soul, and depth, to a global issue,"
--- Nancy Wozny, DANCEHUNTER.COM
The program also features the acclaimed Joe LoCascio/Woody Witt Quartet performing new jazz compositions, including LoCascio’s Soul Song for a Paralyzed Civilization, a haunting duet for piano and saxophone. Apria Records recording artist Woody Witt on saxophone, and Hart Music recording artists Joe LoCascio on piano, are joined by a rhythm section comprised of Houston¹s finest jazz musicians.
"(LoCascio's) technical facility, harmonic sophistication and fluid melodic lines"
-- Paul Mac Arthur, Downbeat Magazine
Woody Witt continues the tradition of great 'Texas Tenors' with a big fat sound, fresh ideas and a decidedly modern and original approach to improvisation and composition. A perfect combination of building on the past and searching for the future."
-- Randy Brecker, Grammy award winning trumpeter/composer
The performance will also include Voices in My Head, with music by Arthur Gottschalk and video by Yunuen Perez Vert. This mesmerizing work for solo percussionist, video and electro-acoustic sound environment immerses the audience in the lush sounds and images of the rain forest.
KUHF Radio Announcer Elaine Kennedy will introduce the program and moderate a Meet the Artists Q & A Panel following the performance.
The performance is at Zilkha Hall, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 801 Bagby. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $12 Students and Seniors, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at 713 315-2525 or www.thehobbycenter.org
For more information of FotoFest's 2006 Biennial, go to www.fotofest.org
What is Black Rain?
30 Minutes after the A bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, storm clouds appeared in the region and it began to rain. The rain was black and contained radioactive particles from the bomb's explosion. People who were rained on suffered the same radiation sickness as those directly exposed to the blast even though they were quite a distance from the bomb's hypocenter.
Fallout rained down again on September 11, 2001, when ash comprised of toxic compounds from the debris of the Twin Towers -- some of the most lethal compounds known to man, and some still as yet unidentified -- fell like precipitation all over the area, covering the ground like snow, and remaining for months afterwards.
PRINT FRIENDLY VERSION OF PERFORAMCE INFO
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble performs excerpts of DESESPERADOS as part of Quirky Works 3!
Cullen Theatre, Wortham Center, on Saturday November 19, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
"Essence of tango ruled the stage in Michele Brangwen's Desesperados" --
Nancy Galeota Wozny, Dance Source Houston, November 2005
MBDE performed Summer, Ghost Tango, and Tango Rayon Vert from Desesperados on a program with the Houston Met Dance Company, and Austin's Tapestry Dance Company.
Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble performers were Mireya Gamez, Lindsey McGill, and Michele Brangwen, dancers; Vladimir Kotsiouruba, violin; Greg Harbar, accordion; Thomas Helton, string bass; and Sandra Tapia, actress.
The Cullen Theatre, Wortham Center is located downtown at 501 Texas. Parking is available under the theatre complex. Tickets are $15 - $35. Group, Senior & Student discounts available.
Call 713 522-6375 to purchase tickets; tickets will also be available for purchase on line soon at www.houstonmetdance.com
If you have questions, feel free to contact MBDE directly at info@brangwendance.org or call us at (713) 533-9515.
Argentinean Composer Astor Piazzolla boldly broke the boundaries of what was acceptable for the tango in the mid 20th century. Desesperados uses contemporary dance and avant-garde music to journey further into new territory.
Performers are Deanna Green, Arneita McKinney, and Michele Brangwen, dancers; Greg Harbar, accordion; Vladimir Kotsiouruba, violin, (of “The Gypsies,”); Thomas Helton, string bass; and Sandra Tapia, actress.
New music works without dance will include
Complimentary Argentinean refreshments provided by Europa Cafe.
Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 students and seniors, and can be purchased at the door. Advance Purchase tickets available at www.barnevelder.org
Performances are at 8:00 p.m.at
Friday, June 17, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Houston Community College Northwest (Town & Country Campus)
The premiere of DESESPERADOS, a series of tangos that explore the mystique of this evocative dance and its passionate music, with choreography by Michele Brangwen and music by Thomas Helton. A daring septet of dancers, musicians, and actress join together to create an evening of tango like you have never experienced before!
New music works without dance will include James Metcalfe performing
Tickets are $10 general admission, and $5 students and seniors, and can be purchased at the door.
The Performing
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble's video of MADRID was shown at
Il Coreografo Elettronico
XIII FESTIVAL INTERNAZIONALE DI VIDEODANZA 2005
Videodrome at Cinema Modernissimo
in Naples Italy in May
We are pleased to announce you'll find a photo of Deanna Green, Laura Dobbins, and Althea Skinner in Madrid on the Festival's homepage:
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble presents a special concert program in association with FotoFest and FotoFest's 04 Biennial on water.
Saturday February 12, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday February 13 at 4:00 p.m.
BLACK RAIN, a new work by choreographer Michele Brangwen and composer Thomas Helton, explores the dark poetry of rain by looking back to the fallout at two Ground Zeros -- Hiroshima, and Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks -- and with a cautionary look into the future under radioactive world leadership.
WET SET, music by the Carol Morgan Trio. Carol Morgan has formidable technique; her improvisations are passionate and adventurous, but most of all, she is so damn fun to listen to -- Joe LoCascio
Lobby Installation of video and photographic art works on Water provided by FotoFest, including RIVERGLASS by Andrej Zdravic.
Performances are at Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex, 2201 Preston @ Hutchins (click here for directions). Tickets are $15 General Admission and $10 Students and Seniors and can be purchased at the door, or in advance through the Barnevelder web site.
Call (713) 533-9515 for more information.
BLACK RAIN is performed by dancers Deanna Green, Arneita McKinney, Aynsley Stephenson, and Michele Brangwen; and musicians John Edward Ross, guitar; Seth Paynter, saxophone; Richard Cholakian, percussion; and Thomas Helton, string bass. This ensemble of outstanding musicians is also known as the Rosta Jazz Avengers.
What is Black Rain?
30 Minutes after the A bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, storm clouds appeared in the region and it began to rain. The rain was black and contained radioactive particles from the bomb's explosion. People who were rained on suffered the same radiation sickness as those directly exposed to the blast even though they were quite a distance from the bomb's hypocenter.
Fallout rained down again on September 11, 2001, when ash comprised of toxic compounds from the debris of the Twin Towers -- some of the most lethal compounds known to man, and some still as yet unidentified -- fell like precipitation all over the area, covering the ground like snow, and remaining for months afterwards.
______________
September 24 & 25, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.
Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance
Miller Outdoor Theatre, Herman Park, Houston, TX
Performances are Free!
The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble will perform Madrid, a quintet for dancers, string bass, and electronics, with choreography by Michele Brangwen and music by Thomas Helton.
Madrid, the Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble’s tenth commission of new music for dance since their inception, contrasts the city’s ancient beauty with its recent tragedy.
The Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance is an annual showcase of some of the finest contemporary dance companies in Texas. This year's program also includes works by Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre, Chrysalis, Fly, Dance Ad Deum, and Psophonia from Houston; and Forklift Danceworks from Austin. The evening also features new works from independent choreographers Leslie Skates and Becky Valls.
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive, Houston, TX: Click here to link to the map on the theatre's web site.
More about Madrid
Michele Brangwen writes:
Click here for Word! on Madrid
The Commission and production of Madrid were funded in part by the Carlyle Fund.
Support for the Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble is also provided by Houston Endowment Inc., Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, Target Stores, and Harris County through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris Country.
Additional support is provided by individual donors. If you would like to join us, please visit our contribute page.