Seattle Press on Line - Is It Over After Age 40?

Is It Over After Age 40?

By Caroline Dominguez

Dec 13, 2000 -- The myth about professional dancers--that they must retire after the age of 35--has been shattered. Next Stage Dance Theatre, a Fremont-based dance company, is composed entirely of dancers over age 35 who are pursuing their profession. Since its creation, Next Stage has been exploring possibilities in mature dancers, as well as creating performances that communicate the human experience.

Artistic Director Dominique Gabella co-founded the not-for-profit dance company in the fall of 1999. Previously in her career, Gabella danced with the greatest ballet dancers of Europe and North and South America.

Her objective is to provide an opportunity for older men and women to continue performing and studying beyond the traditional age limit. She says, "Mature dance simultaneously has the weight of years of discipline and the lightness of just simply being there as we are, dancing for the joy of it with a peaceful heart which has nothing to prove."

The four professional dancers in the Next Stage company-including Mary Kay Bisignano-Vadino, Janis Zetlen and Carolyn Rosenfield--train three times a week for three hours each, during which they learn movements for their productions. When they are not in the studio, the women also teach classes.

On November 17 and 18 Next Stage Dance Theatre premiered seven new works at On The Boards in a sell-out weekend. Strong, poignant solos were balanced by dramatic and comedic group pieces (featuring guest dancers Bridget Thompson and Steve Casteel).

"The Disappearing Woman," choreographed and performed by Bisignano-Vadino, coupled spoken word with spare, strong athleticism to tell the story of a friend who got quieter and quieter until she dropped out of sight.

Gabella completely captured the audience with her solo, "Attente," in which she was waiting for her husband to return from the sea.

In the closing number, "Snooze Dream," pajama-clad dancers wandered urban streets in an ethereal blend of illusion and reality.

Next Stage Dance Theatre's next scheduled performance is in May 2001, at Washington Contemporary Ballet in Tacoma. Artistic Director Dominique Gabella can be reached at (206) 633-0812, or dgabella@usa.net.

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