Repertory

Pigs and Fishes 1982 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Glenn Branca
A powerful, driving piece focusing on the coming together of forces in a communal triumph over society and culture. Pigs and Fishes is one of the most popular works from the repertoire of over forty works created by Elisa Monte. This full company piece was the first major commission for Elisa Monte – commissioned by Alvin Ailey for his legendary troupe.

Audentity 1984-5 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Klaus Schultz
Audentity is a composite word describing identity through sound. A unity of body, soul, and mind, Audentity visually interprets the music’s rhythm and flow, weaving the unexpected.

Slope of Enlightenment 2007 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Richard Bennett
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A collaboration between Elisa Monte and acclaimed jazz musician, Richard Bennett, Slope of Enlightenment is a tribute to long-standing company member, Fabrice Lamego. The piece follows the transformation of one’s self through unpredictable situations and captures the emotional agility that is required to survive. Slope of Enlightenment was commissioned by The Joyce Theater’s Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work.

Volkmann Suite 1996 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Michael Nyman
Volkmann Suite was inspired by the photos of the renowned photographer Roy Volkmann who portrays the company’s dancers in beautiful, sensual images. The creative process of the dance was inspired by the still lives of Volkmann, and his images were given life through the movement. A “Rodinesque” ode to dance.

Treading 1979 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Steve Reich
Treading is the Elisa Monte’s signature work. Martha Graham commissioned this landmark duet, which includes music by Steve Reich. The work was first performed in 1979 to critical and audience acclaim while Monte was still a principal dancer with Graham’s company. In 1980, Alvin Ailey invited Monte to set Treading on his company. Described as “hypnotic” and “mesmerizing”, Treading has since been a mainstay for the Ailey Company, as well as for Elisa Monte Dance.

Arrow’s Path 2008 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Kevin Keller
Arrow’s Path, one of this year’s premieres, is an intimate duet featuring music by renowned modern composer Kevin Keller. Arrow’s Path is an intertwining and juxtaposition of emotional and physical relationships, a romantic tour of the interior.

Zydeco Zaré 2008 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Jonno Frishberg
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This eclectic piece features music by a six-piece Zydeco band, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, and was inspired by the style of folk music originating from African American and Creole descendants of slaves in Southern Louisiana in the late 1800s. This innovative new work incorporates the syncopated sound and movements that are found in Zydeco, along with Monte’s authentic choreography. A journey through the Louisiana landscape and its rich culture.

Shattered 2000 Choreography by Elisa Monte, Music by Michael Gordon’s Weather
Shattered captures the spirit and rhythm of Michael Gordon’s music. In its premiere at the Joyce Theater, Shattered was described as, “so potent you almost sense the ashy aftertaste of a thunderbolt” by Dance Insider. The full company forcefully captures the essence and energy of the piece – an engaging, complex tour-de-force performed with lightning speed and intensity. “Life throws its blows, we are stunned—thrown back and, sometimes, shattered. Life holds the unexpected. Embrace it and be strengthened.” - Elisa Monte