ABOUT THE SERIES

Groundswell Series is a curated program of pop-up, site-specific professional dance performances happening in outdoor spaces of Brooklyn, New York. We aim to encourage presence and engagement in public parks; to give choreographers an opportunity to present their work in a non-traditional setting; and, by bringing dance into shared spaces, to promote widespread dance literacy, appreciation, and enjoyment.

Groundswell Series encourages artists to develop work in and in response to the site they are assigned by our team. With an awareness and respect of the history of the land on which they are dancing, our associated artists will illuminate, question, explore, and honor their given site. The culmination of this research will be shown to an audience at a free (donation-based) performance series during the summer.

Choreographers and directors must submit an application in order to be considered for Groundswell Series. Preference is given to artists who demonstrate an enthusiasm for site-specific art. Once selected, artists will be assigned a “stage,” and will be required to have at least one in-person meeting with one of our team members in their chosen space. They will also receive a stipend, promotional support, professional photo and video documentation of their performances, and inclusion in the broader Groundswell Series network.

We think it is vital to empower artists to create work for public spaces as an alternative to traditional venues. We hope that after this experience, choreographers continue to engage with site-specific dance in their own communities. Similarly, we hope that audience members who view the series are inspired to imagine possibilities of what can happen in public space. We want to minimize the distance between people, community, and the land we walk upon.

For more pictures, see our Past Seasons.