The “I’ll Have What She’s Having” dance project is a showcase presented by the dance department at the YWCA Princeton highlighting professional dancers who are living and working as artists in Mercer County and across New Jersey. The performances are at the YWCA Princeton’s black box theater on Thursday to Saturday, April 18 to 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
The Dance Project is a unique showing of new works choreographed and performed by dancers who are all over the typical age associated with being a dancer. This evening of dance is unique to Mercer County because the dance project only accepts new, innovative, and risk taking works of dance. The audience can expect to experience a variety of themes and ideas relating to women’s rights and the empowerment of women, which is the YWCA’s mission, along with global, political, and other issues on gender and sexuality.
The phrase “I’ll have what she’s having” is from “When Harry Met Sally,” a film written by Nora Ephron and produced in 1989. The original script called for Harry and Sally to talk about women faking an orgasm — but Meg Ryan suggested that Sally actually fake an orgasm at the table. The famous line, in the 33rd slot of American Film Institute’s famous quotes, was delivered by Estelle Reiner, director Rob Reiner’s mother.
Featured choreographers at the Princeton Y include Marie Alonzo and Linda Mannheim of West Windsor. Internationally acclaimed guest choreographer Claire Porter will premiere a new piece, “Frame.” The performance examines experiences women encounter throughout life. It features perspectives of trendy and dated, new and old, and up and coming.
“50 Shades of 50 — Dancing with Poetry” is Alonzo’s 10th anniversary celebration of “I’ll Have What She’s Having” Dance Project. Four poems from Liz Madden-Zibman’s collection and other poems by Anne Cheng and Tatyana Petrocheva will accompany excerpts of Alonzo’s latest work, “50 shades of 50” with choreography combining 50 dance phrases from various fellow dancers, all in celebration of 50 years of Alonzo’s life and commitment to dance and choreography.
Thursday, April 18: Poetry by Anne Cheng with dance contributions by Stephanie Beauchamp, Loren Bucek, Megan Crowley, Carrie Diamond, Dyane Harvey-Salaam, Meiying Hyuang, Debra Keller, Antonio Laginha, Kim Leary, Kim Rottier, Maura Ryan, and Liz Skalski.
Friday, April 19: Poetry by Tatyana Petrovicheva with dance contributions by Deborah Bradshaw, Paul Cerna, Christine Colosimo, Jamuna Dasi, Loretta Di Bianca Fois, Kristin Jackson, Risa Kaplowitz, Fara Lindsay, Daniel Sanchez, Shirin Stave-Matias, Yung Yung Tsuai, and Megan Woods.
Saturday, April 20: Poetry by Liz Madden-Zibman with dance contributions by Rina Corpus, Lees Hummel, Hisako Izutsu, Glenda Makie, Linda Mannheim, Eri Millrod, Nancy Musco, Claudia Palestini, Anne Schwantes, Leland Schwantes, Paulette Sears, and Henri Velandia.
The complete performance of “50 Shades of 50” premieres Saturday, June 22, at the West Windsor Arts Council on Alexander Road.
New artists are continually welcome to be part of the supportive and non-competitive dance environment. Participation can occur either as a dancer or choreographer. The criteria by which applicants are considered are: be a woman over age 40, have had professional dance experience, and be a New Jersey resident. Choreographers make their submissions each fall for participation in the spring exhibition. Works are reviewed on a first come-first serve basis and must show documentation of previous work. The Dance Project is also a cooperative with each participating artist agreeing to contribute her skills and talents to some technical or administrative aspect of the whole production.
I’ll Have What She’s Having Dance Project, YWCA Princeton, Black Box Theater, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton. Thursday to Saturday, April 18 to 20, 7:30 p.m. The dance project includes professional dancers over age 40 presenting their work -Poets and musicians will be joining them in the 10th anniversary celebration. $25. Material may not be suitable for young children. Note new location. 609-497-2100. www.ywcaprinceton.org.
