Word Dance Theater, in collaboration with The National Portrait Gallery and Villa Albertine, proudly presents Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris. Experience an unforgettable evening featuring dance masterpieces choreographed by Isadora Duncan, vibrantly brought to life by award-winning Word Dance Theater and internationally acclaimed Isadora Duncan International Institute. Join us for an evening of spell-binding and timeless Duncan dances accompanied live by masterful pianist Carlos Cesar Rodriquez.

About the dance performance

The early 20th century brought many ambitious, unconventional American women such as Isadora Duncan to Paris. These “Brilliant Exiles” challenged the prevailing conceptions of female identity and redefined the image of modern womanhood. Themes such as autonomy and liberation of the female body; female identity and creative expression; art influenced by Nature; and the metaphysical in Art, were at the heart of their Art. Word Dance Theater provides unique insight into Isadora Duncan’s choreography from this period in an evening of dance, music, and historical commentary. Word Dance Theater is joined by brilliant Duncan dancers, Jeanne Bresciani and Rosemary Cooper from the Isadora Duncan International Institute (idii.org) in bringing to vibrant life the master choreography of Isadora Duncan. Join us for Brilliant Exile: Isadora Duncan in Paris followed by a Question/Answer session between audience and artists!

Carlos César Rodríguez (Music Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of RÓMEZ3arts. Mr. Rodríguez is a musician of great brilliance and versatility; foremost as pianist but also as conductor, collaborative artist, composer, arranger and improviser. He has performed throughout the Americas and Europe. Venues include Carnegie Hall, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the United States and the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. Mr. Rodríguez is a faculty member at Levine Music in Washington, D.C.

Duration: 60 minutes with no intermission

About Word Dance Theater

Founded in 2000 by award winning Artistic Director Cynthia Word, Word Dance Theater has created and performed innovative productions in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond.

Word Dance Theater pays homage to Isadora Duncan’s technique, philosophy and revolutionary spirit, pushing the performing arts to new limits. Word Dance Theater brings together some of the best artistic minds in dance, theater, music, and production to create cross-disciplinary works that test the creative boundaries for artists, tells stories of the human spirit, and creates new experiences for audiences.

The company is dedicated to offering a variety of educational opportunities for children and adults in every age and stage of life. We teach knowledge and respect for the body and guide each person to an authentic experience of the joy of dancing. Like Isadora Duncan before us, our school motto is “the highest intelligence in the freest body.”

Learn more about our commitment to Performances, Education, Community, and the Duncan Legacy.

Credits

This event is organized by the Institut Français USA – Villa Albertine and the Resources USA Foundation. Resources USA Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting collaboration between the US and France to encourage Innovation in Science, Technology, Culture, and Higher Education. Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity for our events at Maison Française, whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, or part of a matching gifts program. Please contact us for contributions exceeding $250.