Parsons Dance Features Three MMC Alumnae Discount Tickets Available to College Community

Under the artistic direction of dancer/choreographer David Parsons, Parsons Dance is premiering three new dance works, entitled, “Portinari,” featuring music by Samuel Barber; “Love, Oh Love,” choreographed by guest choreographer Monica Bill Barnes with music by Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers and Diana Ross; and “Run To You,” featuring music by Steely Dan. 

Members of the Marymount Manhattan community, including faculty, staff, students and alumni, have an opportunity to purchase excellent seats at a deep discount, to watch Parsons Dance at the Joyce Theater from now through February 6. Seats usually priced at $59 are available to the Marymount community for $29. In order to take advantage of this exclusive offer, mention the promotional code, “MMC” when ordering tickets via telephone, or enter the code when purchasing online. To order, call (212) 242-0800 or visit www.joyce.org. The discount price is available for all performances except Friday and Saturday evenings. 

The repertoires of most dance companies today require that a dancer be capable of mastering more than one style. Under the direction of Katie Langan, chair of Marymount Manhattan’s dance department, dance students study ballet, modern, jazz and tap within an interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages personal growth on and off stage. Braverman, Ilisije and Silva are three graduates of the dance program who have found success on the professional dance stage. 

Sarah Braverman, born in Chicago and raised in California, trained extensively in the Royal Academy of Dance, under the direction of JoAnna Jarvis and Bernadette Hill, completing all examinations up to advanced II with distinction. In 2006, she became a founding member of New York City-based modern company AM Dance Project. Braverman graduated cum laude from Marymount Manhattan College in 2008 under the direction of Katie Langan and had the honor of performing works by David Marquez, Robert Battle, Graham Lustig, Stephen Petronio, and Joao Carvallo. She joined Parsons Dance in 2008. 

Christina Ilisije graduated summa cum laude from Marymount Manhattan in 2007 with a B.F.A. in dance. Her choreographic work, Naked Branches, was bestowed the Alpha Chi award. Upon graduation she became a company member with Buglisi Dance Theatre where she performed and instructed company outreach. Ilisije also danced with Maxine Steinman & Dancers and as a guest artist with Take Dance and Shen Wei Dance Arts. Her choreographic work has been presented at St. Mark’s Church and The Hatch. Illisije joined Parsons Dance in 2010. 

Abby Silva of New Orleans, La., studied with Rhonda Edmundson, Charleen Locasio, and Gayle Tabary. After graduating from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in 1998, Silva moved to New York to attend Marymount Manhattan College, under the direction of Katie Langan, Merle Holloman and Anthony Ferro. Silva earned her B.F.A. in 2002 and joined Parsons Dance the same year.

Published: January 28, 2011