Those who love the fusion of dance, song, and art will be thoroughly enchanted by Transcending Form a new dance work by choreographer John Byrne featuring the artwork of edgy photographer David LaChapelle.

Transcending Form’s eight dancers gracefully navigate the emotional journey of its story of life, afterlife, and the transcending soul to the eclectic, yet superbly appropriate, mix of music from Schubert to Shirley Brown, Michael Jackson, and, yes, even Elvis. Sprinkled throughout the theatrical journey are soulful live vocal performances by Gina Figueroa and the James Solomon Choir. The dance fable, which blends old form with new, is both energized and sensual. Its cast is as diverse as its East Village audience at Theatre 80 lending to its sincerity and appeal.

John Byrne’s Transcending Form produced by David LaChapelle, Cast Photo by David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle’s fairytale-like masks, toy birds, and life-scale photography of the transcended human soul complete the experience of Transcending Form. The theatrical dance work, some 20 years in the making, is also produced by David LaChapelle in collaboration with Fred Torres and is the artist’s gift to New York. It’s fitting that the dance fable makes its debut at Theatre 80, the home of his first studio in the 80’s. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Education in Dance and The Related Arts.

‘Transcending Form’ at Theatre 8 – behind the scenes video
Tickets to Transcending Form are available for $15 online at www.theatre80.net or at the box office for suggested donation (Performance contains Nudity). The 70-minute dance fable, which opened this summer on June 2nd, will continue its run at the historic Theatre 80 located at 80 St. Marks Place every Wednesday evening at 8 PM until its closing performance on August 24th.