By Merle Exit
The Physical Plant, a Queens-based dance and production company, is presenting its fifth annual Queensboro Dance Festival.
Company performances have already begun and will be touring theatres, parks, plazas and streets throughout Queens County through Oct. 14, 2018.
“Our 26 diverse-Queens based companies represent 11 different neighborhoods all across our borough,” said Executive Director Karesa Batan. “We are going to be in about 18 neighborhoods, 22 shows, with a different lineup of these wonderfully talented dance companies at every venue including here at Queens Theatre. We are honored to be a partner with them.”
During the May 10 preview at Queens Theatre, four of the groups offered a sneak-peek consisting of multiple performances, most of which were being debuted at the festival. Astoria based Tango for All presented “Blind-Strength In,” in which two pairs of dancers — Diego Bianco and Ana Padron, along with Michelle Lamb and Andres Bravo — were masked. The group was accompanied by Tango Quartet, whereas the other groups performed to pre-recorded music.
“Once to Pass, Never to Return,” was the piece from NSquared Dance, another Astoria based group.
“This piece actually has nine solos,” said founder and choreographer Nick Neagle.
Cole Collective from Astoria presented “Birds Flying High,” with dancer Ann Marie Dragich. Nicole Ohr is the Artistic Director and Choreographer.
Choreographer and Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench was on hand to present part of his tribute to Aretha Franklin through the Jamaica based Vissi Dance Company. The performance featured dancers Tonika Custalow-Stuart, Ariel Polanco, Aly Giampolo, Yukari Ikegaya, Alicia Hutchinson, Ambere Rogers, Justin Hunte, Jessica Burns, and Marissa Graham.
The festival has several upcoming performances, including one at Ridgewood Queens Library (June 2, 3 p.m.); one at the Queens Pride Parade (June 3, 1 p.m.); one at the Peninsula Queens Library (June 9, 3 p.m.); two at Bliss Street Plaza (June 12 and July 24 at 5 p.m.); one at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (June 16, 1 p.m.); one at Far Rockaway Beach (June 30, 6 p.m.); one at the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park (July 14 , 2 p.m.); one at Juniper Valley Park (July 21, 2 p.m.); one at Worldwide Woodside (July 28, 12 p.m.); one at Lost Battalion Hall (Aug. 4, 12:30 p.m.;); one at Fort Totten (Aug. 11, 2 p.m.); One at Flushing Town Hall (Sept. 7, 8 p.m.); two at Hunters Point Park (Sept. 13 and Sept. 14, 5 p.m.); one at Forest Park (Sept. 29, 2 p.m.); and two at Queens Theatre (Oct. 13, 8 9.m.; Oct. 14, 4 p.m.).
