Farewell Athenaeum

Experience the real, personal journeys of the people and ecosystems in our midst in Barrier (2017) excerpts by Jane Franklin.  Stories by a fisherman hobbyist, a bird watcher, a Park Naturalist, and a home gardener are layered with movement and sound that translate across familiar observation and memory.  

Ryan Carlough’s Together is a new work for 4 dancers to The Wilhelm Scream by English musician James Blake.

Forty+ Project, an ongoing program of Jane Franklin Dance, celebrates the collective creativity of people over 40. For this performance, JFD is happy to present movement choreographed by Emily Crews, Dance and Events Program Director at Glen Echo Park.

Silkworm is a premier work that highlights the artistic process and materials of the exhibiting artists, Elsabe Dixon and Sharon Fishel.  The artist’s statements flow with music and sound to guide a design by Jane Franklin with movement choreographed by Michala Conroy, Kelsey Rohr and Kevin White.
“So I often think of my painting process like a haiku in that there are certain symbolic elements that are spiraling or falling or coming towards or away in space. “ Sharon Fishel
“That is the challenge for the artist always, to take materials and push them beyond their boundaries___make them do things to reveal their qualities,” Elsabe Dixon    

Reunion recognizes the generous and collaborative spirit of former dancers and composers. The piece acknowledges past connections while presenting a positive message about impermanence and the delicate and ethereal art that is dance. Performed to a premier movement design by Jane Franklin, ten former JFD company members respond to music created by composers Steven Rogers, Peter Fraize, Mark Sylvester, Heather Figi, John Kamman, and Washington Saxophone Quartet.  Jane Franklin weaves the 10 dancers in unison, through duets in response, and in trios to abstract time and mood.