Laura Pawel Dance Company Inc

Overview

The Laura Pawel Dance Company Inc is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to choreography and dance performance. It is led by dancer and choreographer Laura Pawel, who has been actively creating new dance works annually since 1968.

History and Style

Laura Pawel graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied dance composition with Bessie Schönberg. After completing her education, she formed the Laura Pawel Dance Company. The company is known for its unique approach, incorporating personal movement vocabularies, spoken elements, and original music within improvisational structures.

Performances and Collaborations

The company frequently collaborates with musicians and artists to create innovative performances. It premiered works such as "Sunset Beach" at the Chen Dance Center, showcasing its commitment to using live music in all performances. The ensemble engages with a variety of artists, including those from the music and lighting design sectors, to produce engaging and dynamic performances.

Key Members and Collaborators

• Laura Pawel: Founder, choreographer, and dancer.
• Cecilia Coleman: Pianist, composer, and original member of the LPDC.
• Chris Haney: Lighting designer known for work with prominent dance companies.
• Peter Brainin: Saxophonist and composer who collaborates with the LPDC.

Educational Contributions

Members of the company have contributed to the educational landscape of dance. For example, Pamela Finney, an original member, taught at the Modern Dance Center of Westchester and was involved with the Corner Store Dance Company. Laura Pawel has taught dance at Wesleyan University and in private studios in New York.

Financial Summary

The organization's financial activities are reported through annual tax returns, which are available for public inspection. Recent expenses for creating new dances and maintaining performances highlight the company's ongoing commitment to artistic development.

[1] http://www.laurapaweldance.org/bios.html [2] http://www.laurapaweldance.org [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-2874843 [4] https://www.dance.nyc/for-audiences/community-calendar/view/Laura-Pawel-Dance-Company/2018-03-16 [5] https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/laura-pawel-dance-company-40551/