Continuing to expand their regular offerings of performance events, the Workhouse Arts Center now has an official dance company-in-residence, Next Reflex Dance Collective.
Stepping out to find new and unique “ways to enhance the Workhouse Arts Center’s role as a key driver of economic and cultural momentum” in Northern Virginia is a major goal, said Ava Specie, Workhouse CEO/President in a recent interview.
“Next Reflex Dance Collective (NRDC) has been performing on the Workhouse stage for several years. Through these performances, we were introduced to NRDC. After a few solo projects and few conversations, a residency program took shape,” said Joseph Wallen, Workhouse performing arts director. “It’s a great fit for Workhouse and our mission to provide excellent arts experiences.”
Next Reflex performs dance that “include abstract and unusual themes and techniques including video projection, spoken word, and live musicians,” added Wallen. “Next Reflex will provide Workhouse patrons with experiences that are the type you might discover in a quirky venue in NYC.”
Roxann Morgan Rowley is Next Reflex’s artistic director. For over a decade she has been making and producing dance work across the DC Metro area. Rowley teaches at George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Northern Virginia Community College and the University of Mary Washington. She also is associated with INOVA Hospital’s “Life with Cancer” program, contributing movement programs to their constituents.
“We are excited to be in residence at the Workhouse to further develop and add to the local dance culture,” said Rowley. “Part of this development is presenting a full season of dance performances as well as offering opportunities for audience members and Workhouse patrons to connect with NRDC through classes, workshops and special events.”
Next Reflex will create and rehearse at the Workhouse. “Next Reflex Dance Collective’s mission is to create art collaboratively with artists of all disciplines and support the creation of experimental dance work,” added Rowley. “Our collective artists bring their own voices to our dance companies work so each performance for NRDC will have a variety of dances within one performance.”
Next Reflex’s season of performances at the Workhouse will include many dance genres. Starting with Fall Into Dance, a family-friendly performance that opened the new arts season at the Workhouse, over the next months the dance troupe will have a diverse lineup of dance events, including those with adult themes.
Currently planned fall performances at the Workhouse include one with live music and a 1920s speakeasy theme, as well as a Cultural Dance Festival celebrating the diverse ethnic communities in Fairfax County and the DC area community. This festival will showcase dance styles that include traditional classical dance, sacred dance genres, vernacular dance forms, social dance and folk dance presentations.
For Workhouse patrons not yet familiar with Next Reflex Dance Company, “you are sure to find something that you can relate to and capture your interest,” added Rowley.
Next Reflex Dance Collective is in residence for the 2018-19 season at the Workhouse Arts Center, W-3 Theater, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079. For details about upcoming performances of Next Reflex Dance Company at the Workhouse, call 703-584-2900 or go online.
