Who we are: SPDC is a performing modern/contemporary dance company based in Hartford, CT with the mission: to enrich and educate the community through innovative modern dance. Legally recognized as a non-profit 501(c)(3) since 1991.
Vivid Choreography, Compelling Stories.
Driven by creative collaborations with artists and actors, musicians, composers, professors, poets and puppeteers.
"Mystical, electrifying, sensuous and an aesthetic adventure" The Hartford Courant
"A perfect example of passion meets purpose." Fox 61 News
Bold Moves
As we head into the final phase of a pandemic lockdown, it is a time to stretch our wings, face our fears and move boldly into the future. Summer calls with joy, sunshine and outdoor performances. We are ready. We call YOU to action and invite you in.
TOUCH
"Touch" - the first dance choreographer and Artistic Director Sonia Plumb created for the digital world, is available for streaming until April 11. She is joined by British dance artist Richard Pye in a duet crossing borders, time and digital space.
Penelope's Odyssey - Inspired by the Women in Homer's: The Odyssey
The Executive team has made the decision to postpone the in-person event and filming of Penelope's Odyssey. While we had no reservations about the safety of the audience and crew, we are extremely concerned about the risk for the unmasked performers, due to the new COVID 19 variant. Says Artistic Director Plumb, "The point of this event was to bring the beauty and high caliber, inspirational dancing of Penelope's Odyssey to the public. This dance relies on human emotions and characters whose faces cannot be hidden behind masks. I personally, do not want to risk my health or the health of my dancers to possible exposure to COVID. We are going to wait until we are all vaccinated." We will announce new dates for the Spring soon.
ABOUT PENELOPE'S ODYSSEY
During this historic moment of women’s voices and growth, Penelope’s Odyssey tells the story of Penelope and the women in the classic epic poem “Homer’s The Odyssey.” In this contemporary version, choreographer Sonia Plumb focuses on gender roles and societal norms as seen through the lens of time by weaving in topics of romance, betrayal, single motherhood, arranged marriage, war and its impact on the mental health of veterans. Often seen as boring, this fresh take on The Odyssey tells a story of survival in today’s world.
Penelope’s Odyssey has been made possible by grants from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Edward T. and Ann C. Roberts Foundation, Connecticut Humanities, and the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation.
Sonia Plumb School of Dance
Due to the rising COVID cases, classes will not resume until Summer 2021