PORTSMOUTH– 3S Artspace is thrilled to announce the return of Boston Dance Theater (BDT) for a limited performance run of Red is a feeling, at 319 Vaughan S.t in Portsmouth. Two evenings of the contemporary dance program will be held on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the event at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

Boston Dance Theater is a trailblazing contemporary dance company celebrated for its diverse and boundary-pushing artistry. Recognized in Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2021, BDT is hailed as “a fresh and powerful voice in contemporary dance.”

“We absolutely love sharing these performances with the community. In our opinion, witnessing  Boston Dance Theater perform is a true highlight each year here on the Seacoast. Even if you don't think of yourself as someone who loves dance, do yourself a favor and come see this show. You will leave inspired," said Beth Falconer, executive director of 3S Artspace.

A journey through the complexities of human emotion and movement, the program of short dance works in Red is a feeling shares multi-faced expressions of love, longing, and the fight to live, woven together by the color red.

The program title is from a new commission by Iranian-Hispanic choreographer Roya Carreras Fereshtehnejad, one of four choreographers comprising the program. Fereshtehnejad, who was diagnosed with two forms of cancer in her early thirties, created the piece that opens the show as an exploration of the profound sensations of fighting for life, clinging to each moment, and surrendering to the present.

Next, German choreographer Marco Goecke’s “Firebird Pas de Deux” reimagines the classic story of The Firebird set to Stravinsky’s iconic 1910 score. Known for its signature “staccato body thrusts, unpredictable flicks and shrugs of the head and shoulders, and quicksilver footwork” (Paula Citron & Ecotopia Productions), this gripping duet takes audiences on a visceral journey of companionship. Audiences may recall this piece from the 2024 Pinnacle Works program at 3S Artspace.

The program continues with “Memories,” a stunning reflection by BDT Co-Artistic Director Itzik Galili as he revisits his illustrious choreographic career, weaving together past movement phrases with text written over a decade ago. Originally created for the women artists of BDT, “Memories” serves as both a tribute to Galili’s creative evolution and a testament to the dancers’ expressive depth.

The penultimate piece, “If as If,” a duet also choreographed by Itzik Galili, is set to music by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis. This powerful work explores themes of longing, tenderness, and doubt, as the dancers traverse the emotional spectrum between seeking comfort and resisting connection. It challenges viewers to question: “Is one the dark side that the other refuses to see?” (Elisabeth Gibiat).

Closing the evening is ‘“Fifties,” a vibrant, rhythm-infused celebration choreographed by BDT Co-Artistic Director and Founder Jessie Jeanne Stinnett. Set to an uplifting collection of 1950s hits, this joyous piece reflects Stinnett’s musical background and the deep-rooted influence of growing up in a family of electric bassists. With movement as a vehicle for healing and connection, “Fifties” radiates energy and invites audiences to clap along in celebration of life and vitality.

“In 2017, we had the unique opportunity to host Jessie Jeanne Stinnett and dancers for a two week residency at 3S Artspace before she co-founded Boston Dance Theater. Through the residency, we had the opportunity to witness process, not just the performance, and we’ve followed their incredible progress and success ever since,” said Beth Falconer.

Red is a feeling premieres at Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston just prior to the performances at 3S Artspace. This marks Boston Dance Theater’s third time on the 3S stage, following The Carol Kaye Project (October 2023) and Pinnacle Works (May 2024) which were enthusiastically received by Seacoast audiences.

Ticket prices for Red is a feeling are $25 for General Admission, with seating available for all ages. Don't miss this opportunity to witness groundbreaking contemporary dance in Portsmouth, NH. Secure your tickets now at 3sarts.org.

• Red is a feeling performance dates: 

  • March 28 / 7:30pm - More info / Tickets

  • March 29 / 7:30pm - More info / Tickets
     

3S thanks its Lead Sponsors: AC Hotel Portsmouth, The Brook, The Kane Company/Tidemark, Katzman Contemporary Projects, MadEdge, Raka, and Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel.

3S Artspace is supported in part by grants from The Horizon Foundation, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About 3S Artspace:

Curiosity.  Creativity.  Community.

Through the unique lens of contemporary arts experiences, 3S Artspace invites divergent perspectives and encourages lively discourse centered around issues of today.

3S Artspace, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is grounded in an unwavering appreciation for the vital role that contemporary arts play in the health of a community, both locally and globally. We believe that art has the power to transform individual lives, bridge divergent perspectives, and establish meaningful connections between and across communities. 3sarts.org
 

About Boston Dance Theater:
We are bold, creative, ambitious, hardworking and courageous. We are all of those things without hubris. Boston Dance Theater (BDT) welcomes new ideas, engagement and critical insight into its art and company.

Named on Dance Magazine’s prestigious “25 to Watch” list, BDT aspires to be Boston’s first nationally and internationally-known contemporary dance company. We are committed to our art, community and a culture of innovation, accountability, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). All of our artworks are socio-politically relevant and match the talents of diverse and powerful dancers with our acclaimed choreographic partners.

BDT is the brainchild of Founder and Co-Artistic Director Jessie Jeanne Stinnett. Stinnett co-directs the company with her mentor, Dutch-Israeli choreographer Itzik Galili. Inspired by her work with multiple companies and choreographers in Europe, the UK, the US, and Canada, Jessie envisioned a company with a diverse artistic base collaborating with cutting-edge choreographers in a setting of equity and acceptance.