Thomas/Ortiz Dance

2020 GPAF Artists’ Award in Dance

Dimensional Dance
Christopher Duggan photo

“Together”

Together is a group dance with duets and solos that highlight the joys and difficulties within relationships and the solitary loneliness of being in an isolated environment. While Together was conceptualized before the onset of the pandemic, its themes of connection and isolation, and the effects that those states can have on individuals and communities have particular resonance today. The piece will be set to the music of jazz saxophonist Christian Scott.

About Thomas/Ortiz Dance

Thomas/Ortiz Dance
Christopher Duggan photo

Thomas/Ortiz Dance, based in New Canaan, is a 12-person dance company that present the choreographic works of artistic directors Ted Thomas and Frances Ortiz. Their work, melding Thomas’ urban athleticism with Ortiz’s Latin sensuality, explores a multitude of thought-provoking and socially relevant themes such as cultural tolerance, care for self and others, and embracing the beauty in difference. Thomas has danced with Ballet Hispanico, Elisa Monte, the Murray Louis and Nikolais Company, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. He’s been an artist-in-residence at Barnard College. Ortiz, a native of Puerto Rico, has performed with Kevin Wynn, Tim Martin and Carl Paris. She’s taught dance and been a guest choreographer at Yale and is co-artistic director of the New England Dance Theater. Ortiz and her twin sister Ginna Ortiz own the New England Academy of Dance in New Canaan, with which Thoma/Ortiz Dance is affiliated.