Stephen Vandervelden (Vandy Photography)
Members of Carolyn Dorfman Dance.
As part of its 2020-21 season, Union-based Carolyn Dorfman Dance will present the world premiere of a new dance inspired by Louis “King of Swing” Prima’s music, titled “Pure Prima.” The debut will help celebrate the opening of the new Gia Maione Prima Studio Theatre at Ocean County College in Toms River.
“Pure Prima,” featuring songs such as “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Jump Jive an’ Wail,” is tentatively scheduled to premiere on Feb. 20. A press release describes it as “joyous” and “uplifting.”
Gia Maione Prima, who died in 2013, was a singer who was married to Louis Prima from 1963 until his death in 1978. Born in Roebling and a graduate of Toms River High School, she established the charitable Gia Maione Prima Foundation in 2011.
Carolyn Dorfman Dance, which recently returned to in-person rehearsals, plans a variety of other presentations for its 2020-21 season, as well.
“We have taken every precaution possible as the Company prepares for a season of schooltime residencies, classes, lectures and performances,” said Dorfman in the press release. “With the extreme turmoil in the performing arts world, we feel so fortunate to have some significant work, although a shortened season.”
The Carolyn Dorfman Dance season began with contributions to the Voices International Theatre Fest in Jersey City last week, and will include lectures and demonstrations for Rutgers University in New Brunswick through Dec. 3. Also on the schedule is:
Jan. 27: The Legacy Project Lecture/Performance, Houston.
Feb 20: “Pure Prima,” world premiere at the Gia Maione Prima Studio Theatre, Ocean County College, Toms River.
March 1-7: Residency/Performance at Towson State University in Towson, Md., and The Community College of Baltimore County in Baltimore.
April 19-25: Fourth annual Dance Union Festival.
The Dance Union Festival has previously been held at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway but may be all-online or mostly online, because of the pandemic.
For information, visit carolyndorfman.dance.
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