
Choreographer's
Note
Part-human, part-animal creatures
such as the Mereminne (MEH-ray-MIH-nay; an ancient word for mermaid) symbolize
a deep truth: that we are animal as well as human, and that humans are intrinsically
part of nature. Many of my dances explore this connection with nature and
its relationship to spirituality. The genesis of my choreography is the desire
to reconnect the dancer, and thereby the audience, with life and spirit.
Mission
Statement
Mereminne Dancers is a contemporary modern
dance group based in New York City and performing the work of choreographer
and composer Lacy James. The company's concerts have been described by audience
members as "deep, moving and elegant" and as bringing a sense of
"healing and community" and a feeling of celebration. The company's
long-term goal is to share its work with diverse communities in and beyond
the New York metropolitan area through performances, classes and workshops,
reaching out not only to dancegoers and the dance community but also to children
and others who may not customarily attend modern dance events.
Company
History
Mereminne Dancers was formed in 2000 with a core group of several dancers
who had been working with Lacy over the previous few years. The troupe has
been presented at many New York City venues including the International Dance
Festival-NYC 2002, the 92nd Street Y, the White Room Dance Series, and The
Remember Project at St. Mark's Church. The
company's debut New York season took place in September of 2003 at the Theater
of the Riverside Church. Most recently, Mereminne Dancers have been guests
of the Swarthmore
Project, a summer residency at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and
have performed as guest artists at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC.