Tenderized

In an illusory environment shadowed with sub-conscious sensuality, three women tackle the question: If fear simultaneously hinders intimacy and protects against pain, what risks are we willing to take to re-discover trust? The dancers secrets, partially revealed, sneak through the music, leaving listeners unable to decide what is and isnt real. Using rough displays of force, voracious technical articulations, and probing gestures, dancers drag each other into one anothers nightmares. Within, desperation for trust leads into a raw power struggle and platonic intimacy opens into an tender exploration of sensuality. As promises destabilize in a world of double-alliances and shifting sexual identity, the women must re-claim their own ability to find tenderness.

Choreography and Poetry by Alisa Fendley

Performed at Dixon Place in 2012 by Alisa Fendley, Masumi Kishimoto, and Christina Chelette and at Space on White by Alisa Fendley, Masumi Kishimoto, Christina Chelette, Amelia Munro, and Melissa Ramos

Outdoor photography by Adam Baer

Music by CocoRosie, Temper Trap, Helios, and Balmorhea

With Masumi Kishimoto, Photography by Adam Baer, NYC

With Masumi Kishimoto, Photography by Adam Baer, NYC

Performing with Racoco Productions, Choreography by Rachel Cohen, Photography by Anna Friemoth

Performing front left. Racoco Productions, “i would”, choreogrpahy by Rachel Cohen, photo by David Gonsieri

With Masumi Kishimoto, Photography by Adam Baer, NYC

Performing “Turbulence”, Choreogrpahy by Jody Sperling, Photo credit: Julieta Cervantes for The New York Times

Performing “Construct” with Racoco Productions, Choreography by Rachel Cohen, Photo by Paula Court

With Masumi Kishimoto, Photography by Adam Baer, NYC

With Masumi Kishimoto, Photography by Adam Baer, NYC

Watch it!