Indulge in a playful smorgasbord of dance film, with fifteen bite-sized pieces showcasing an eclectic mix of artistic disciplines and styles. From animated battling ballerinas to Broadway tappers, classical Indian dancers to a hilarious look at beauty rituals, this program is an easy way to sample the diversity of this expressive and ever-evolving genre.

From stage to screen, director James Kinney's celebrated artistic vision has established him as a respected voice in the world of dance entertainment. The short dance film, “The Game” entertains with edgy characters who take their talent to the streets.

The Game

Characters take to the streets in this short dance film with flair.

Firebrand Sway is a dance film conceived by choreographer and Artistic Director Achinta S. McDaniel. Born of her collaboration with director Saam Gabbay, the short film is an abstract exploration of longing and loss, and the connection of beings across the multiverse. String theory and sonder are brought to life through contemporary western movement with classical Indian Bharatanatyam and Kathak in an other-worldly landscape.

Firebrand Sway

String theory and sonder are brought to life through contemporary western movement with classical Indian Bharatanatyam and Kathak in an other-worldly landscape.

Going Down is a whimsical dance film set in the 80’s. A lonely office clerk has a chance encounter in an elevator, launching her thoughts into a wild fantasy.

Going Down

A whimsical dance film about a wild fantasy.

STAVROPOL is a short dance film using the ‘battle’ format - familiar to hip-hop, freestylers and breakers, where two teams compete against each other on the dance floor – as a template on top of which a tightly choreographed contemporary performance is delivered. Two teams of female dancers - marked by their neon-colored wardrobe – dance against each other in thrilling synchronicity, culminating in a moment where the two lead dancers go (literally) head to head. And then, in a surprising twist, the leaders switch teams before, in an extraordinary mxi of fluidity and spikiness, the teams merge for a final expansive group dance.

Stavropol

A short dance film featuring a choreographed 'battle' between two teams of female dancers.

Tajabone is a transcendental parade of Black French queer empowerment. The performers use their bodies to explore the fragility, strength and conviction at the heart of a community bonded by radical self-expression. Poet Mykki Blanco wrote and narrated a poem that echos like a trance; uplifting, inspiring and uncompromising.

Tajabone

Uplifting, inspiring and uncompromising - Tajabone is a transcendental parade of Black French queer empowerment.

While witnessing the economic and social changes ushered in by the pandemic, eight Early Era dancers inspect the systems that we abide by, and the sameness required of average people to operate within those systems. Featuring Austin-based hip-hop duet Magna Carda, our artists must decide whether to stay within the boxes that confine them or break free. Milez is truly a pandemic creation. We rehearsed and choreographed online and shot each dancer separately, creating limitations that allowed us to design a truly unique visual experience.

Milez

Eight Early Era artists must decide whether to stay within the boxes that confine them or break free.

Based upon the legend of Sisyphus and using the voice of the late-philosopher Alan Watts, Yurodivy explores contemporary humankind's relentless pursuit for wealth and happiness.

Yurodivy

A contemporary exploration of humankind's relentless pursuit for wealth and happiness.

Children are studying in a classroom under the supervision of a violent teacher. When a boy witnesses one of his classmates being threatened by the man he takes a stand, defying the teacher’s authority and leading the whole group to rebel against tyranny.

Barbarians : Origins

Femininity, beauty, and sweetness interpreted with a little irony. Dancers perform their beauty rituals by waxing to the rhythm of tango. The tango that accompanies this action is an element of rigorous sensuality that is constantly played down by the tearing of the waxing strips.

Music for Waxing

Femininity, beauty, and sweetness interpreted with a little irony.

This short film from Ana Contreras and Keely Song fuses contemporary dance with animation, all set to a beautiful cover of “Pure Imagination” by Flannel Graph.

Twine

A purely imagined world of movement and animation.

An action-packed, animated short film with a sense of humor. Two rival ballerinas let their moves do the talking.

Barre Fight!

Rival ballerinas cross paths at a recital.

“Cuckoo Song” is a joyous, hypnotic dance experience that celebrates Mother Nature’s natural cycle and seasonal routine. Within a quiet, quintessentially English pasture, under great cumulus white clouds, young dancers take the audience on a truly emotive trance like flight. The contemporary choreography is at once mesmerizingly sculptural and free flowing. The performers are seen physically fusing with the landscape and then flocking through it like a colorful, pagan garland caught on the wind. Cosmo Sheldrake’s memorable, folkish melody is like a hymn, enabling the choreography and organic camera work to truly soar like a magical murmuration.

Cuckoo Song

A joyous, hypnotic dance experience that celebrates Mother Nature’s seasonal cycle.

SAY WE shares an artistic perspective on the transformative time we are all experiencing due to coronavirus. Music and dance are full of emotional sensations. The atmosphere, style, and visual territory of this short film aim to translate those emotions without the limitations of a linear narrative. The film centers on moments when one could find themself isolated and confined, where the only connection with the outer world happens through screens. Rooms become the theater of unusual scenes on the internet, the space where everything is lived, the good and the bad. Some might find a new way of life, unravel passions, reignite love, or take the time to enjoy simple pleasures. I hope this project becomes an expression of mutual and shared passion for creation, a moment when we find greater meaning and feel closer together.

Say We

A pandemic perspective on emotions without the limitations of a linear narrative.

The letters “X” and “Y” can represent two dimensions in space, two axes in management control, or two chromosomes that determine gender. Here, in this work, they refer to two, twin dancers -- Zhu Xing and Zhu Yue. They are uniquely marvelous, both competing with each other and depending on one another. They share the same life experience while maintaining distinctive personalities in their self-consciousness - just like the X-axis and Y-axis which start off from the same point. They advance towards different directions of life, but still remain inextricably connected. This film captures the dancers’ movements and meditation. Falling into an illusory land and galloping over the wilderness, one dancer meets an individual who is identical to herself. As their mental spaces overlap, the physical dominance is transferred. This performance not only showcases the life experience of Zhu Xing and Zhu Yue, but also signify the spiritual wilderness of you and me.

X.Y.

Featuring the talents of two, twin dancers, this film offers a unique perspective on spiritual wilderness.

A diverse cast of New York City dancers reimagines tap in the city with this updated take on "Moses Supposes" from Singin' in the Rain. Music used by permission

Moses Supposes

A fresh, new take on “Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain

Screendance I: Short N' Sweet | 2022 San Francisco Dance Film Festival

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