VOICE Dance Company Integrates Dance And Chocolate In First Of Their Aphrodite Dances Series

Online, September 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - VOICE Dance Company, headed by award-winning choreographer Gina Patterson and co-founded by Eric Midgley, is presenting Aphrodite Dances: Chocolate. The performance, held at Mercury Hall in Austin on September 28, is the first in their "Aphrodite Dances" series of boutique performances that integrate dance and the culinary arts into a full sensory experience.

"We have assembled an exceptional cast that includes Austin favorites and international guest artists." says Midgley. He will be performing, joined by seven other dancers in choreography by Patterson. Three original works will accompany the Austin premiere of "Tempering" which was first performed in February 2011 at Interlochen School of the Arts.

"We began creating 'Chocolate' during our recent residency at Interlochen School of the Arts by going back to Mayan mythology, finding conceptual inspiration that provided a depth of creative flavors to add to the mix." says Patterson. "In the past year, VOICE has traveled with me through 11 choreographic commissions, 2 VOICE residencies, 9 cities, and 39 flights. New friendships, artistic partnerships, and a greater understanding of my artistry and 'destiny' have blossomed along the way. I am thrilled to once again be home, presenting work for the Austin community."

Midgley describes how the company has joined with community partners to produce this project. American Repertory Ensemble is co-producing the performance, San Angelo Civic Ballet is presenting the new work the weekend following the Austin performance, Lecia Duke of Fredericksburg's 'Chocolat' is providing the chocolate, Compañia de Danza Siglo 21 are sending five dancers from Puerto Rico, and VOICE itself is a sponsored organization under the umbrella of Ballet East Dance Company. "In this economic environment, creativity is paramount both in our art and in our business practices." he says, "Collaboration and pooling resources not only allow us to produce a fuller event, they also creates synergistic bonds within our arts community - which is part of what VOICE is all about."

Patterson's concept for the Aphrodite Dances series involves integration of all five senses into dance performance. Chocolate is the first of this series and involves audiences tastings, chocolate 'painting', and a ceremonial toast of liquid chocolate. "There are many themes that weave together to give this project a rich, full-bodied, and textured start: 'Raw vs Adorned' how we present food in much the same way as we present ourselves, in it's raw form or ornamented and layered covering up what is secretly hidden inside; how smell triggers memory and places you in moments of time or with people from your past. This is a way to bring people together, turn off the cell phones and share time together, in the moment, fully present." she describes. "Chocolate has alternately been a food of the common man, a commodity, a currency, reserved for rulers and gods, and a vehicle of wealth and of poverty. This work incorporates these undertones with the sensuality and delight that we all experience as... Chocolate."

VOICE was founded in December of 2009 by Gina Patterson and Eric Midgley. These two internationally acclaimed dance artists, each with nearly thirty years experience in the dance world, leverage their extensive contacts to assemble world-class performers and collaborators on a per-project basis. VOICE is focused on the creative work of Gina Patterson. Her award-winning choreography drives the company's projects. VOICE also acts as a laboratory for new concepts in movement, staging, collaboration, and arts business practices.

VOICE will perform in Austin on Wednesday September 28 at 7pm at Mercury Hall.

General Admission Tickets are available for $25, starving artist tickets at $15.

Tickets and tour information, as well as artist bios are available on our website: www.voicedancecompany.org.

To arrange interviews, call 512-731-9746.

This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Tour dates:
September 24 at 7pm in Fredericksburg, TX
September 30 and October 1 at 8pm in San Angelo, TX