On September 6 and 7, Forza Dance proudly presented our second annual Shindig: a social gathering with dance. We are immensely grateful to our talented artists and collaborators for making this event truly extraordinary. If you felt the energy on stage and off at Brooklyn Art Haus, then you know! We celebrated the world premiere of La Tarantella, an evening-length work by Michaella Barron, accompanied by an original composition from Quinton Nennig. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Shindig; your presence and enthusiasm mean the world to us.
We would like to share a special shoutout to the Brooklyn Art Haus staff, our incredible dancers, Garrett Parker for the amazing videos and photos, DJ Scenick Roots, Sofia Riley, John Carroll, Téa Pérez, and Amanda Knight—Thank you all for everything!
Celebrating Shindig 2024 🎉
Donate $15+ and receive the full video of La Tarantella. Upon receipt of your donation, we will reach out with the video link. Your support is crucial to the future of Forza Dance, and we can’t wait to share more with you.
Missed Shindig, but interested in supporting Forza Dance?
Glimpse into Shindig.
Choreographer and Director Michaella Barron
Performers Gabrielle DiNizo, Maddy Hall, Abby Nguyen, Micah McKee, Araya Morris
Composer Quinton Nennig
About the Work Discover the captivating world of La Tarantella, an evening-length dance work by Michaella Barron that reinterprets the ancient myth and ritual of tarantism through contemporary dance. This evocative performance explores the historical and emotional depth of the tarantella, an Italian folk dance that emerged from the belief that dancing could cure the effects of a spider bite.
In La Tarantella, five dancers embody a poignant narrative about female empowerment and self-expression against the backdrop of a repressive patriarchal society. The work delves into the myth of tarantism, where the dance became a symbolic act of liberation for women who were silenced and oppressed.
La Tarantella invites audiences to explore the historical origins of the tarantella dance and its evolution from a ritualistic cure to a symbol of communal strength and empowerment. This performance offers a rich, alluring experience that highlights the emotional journey from oppression to liberation and celebrates the power of women coming together to support and uplift each other.
Photos by Garrett Parker