Press Release

View our press release at PRLOG.com:

Culture group to visit National Portrait Gallery's "Eye Pop" exhibition to see Dana Tai Soon Burgess

The Diplomats of Dance Society will visit the museum's new exhibition to see the DC-based choreographer's portrait alongside 53 famous faces

For a PDF click HERE

See Dana's portrait at the National Portrait Gallery with us on July 11th!

Dear Diplomats and friends,

Mark your calendar! As we mentioned in an email to our members, we are so excited about the National Portrait Gallery's upcoming exhibition "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze" that will feature a portrait of Dana Tai Soon Burgess alongside the recognizable faces of Katy Perry, Marc Jacobs and Oprah Winfrey! Dana stopped by NPG ahead of the exhibition's launch - check out images from that on DTSBDC's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Diplomats of Dance Society will be doing a group visit to the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday, July 11th at 2pm. We will receive a private, docent-led tour of the new "Eye Pop" exhibition, see Dana's photograph by artist CYJO on display, followed by libations and conversation with Dana outside the Courtyard Cafe in the museum's beautiful Kogod Courtyard!

From the National Portrait Gallery:

In a world consumed by personal and celebrity image making, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery considers how personalities are constructed with “Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze.” The exhibition features 53 portraits and will be open at the Portrait Gallery May 22 through July 10, 2016.

See the NPG's press release here.

Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC) has performed at the National Portrait Gallery before, including as part of their 2013-2014 "Dancing the Dream" exhibition, where Dana and his dancers choreographed and premiered two new dance works as a 'living exhibit' component to the exhibition ("Homage" and "Confluence" were also performed at the Kennedy Center in 2014). See the Washington Post's article about it here:
Dana Tai Soon Burgess and company bring National Portrait Gallery exhibit to life

This innovative exhibition gives a wonderful opportunity to visit the magnificent National Portrait Gallery with friends, support the preeminent modern dance company of the nation's capital and its choreographer, who is "not only a Washington prize, but a national dance treasure" (Pulitzer Prize-winner Sarah Kaufman, The Washington Post).

So, have brunch - or sleep late - and then join us at 2pm* in the F Street entrance lobby of the National Portrait Gallery! Please feel free to forward this and invite friends!

Spaces for the tour are very limited, so please RSVP ASAP!

*Please arrive before 2pm to assemble prior to the tour.

RSVP HERE

Dana Tai Soon Burgess portrait featured in new "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze" exhibition at National Portrait Gallery!

A portrait of choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess will be among 54 others in the upcoming "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze" exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. His portrait, a photograph by the artist CYJO, will hang alongside other familiar faces from May 22, 2015 through July 10, 2016.

From the Smithsonian:

In a world consumed by personal and celebrity image making, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery considers how personalities are constructed with “Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze."

Go and read more at the official Smithsonian Newsdesk site, or read their press release!

This is exciting! Stay tuned for details of a Diplomats of Dance Society event around this fascinating new exhibition that features the namesake behind the incredible dance company that we support!

"From canvas to stage"

Click here to read The Washingon Post review of Picasso Dances:

Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company performing the modern dance work, “Picasso Dances.” (Peter Thornton)

Pictures: an afternoon of dance, Picassos and marvelous people!

Yesterday's visit to the Kreeger Museum to see Dana Tai Soon Burgess and dancers create their newest work "Picasso Dances" alongside the museum's Picasso collection was full of beautiful movement, amazing art, awesome people...and SNOW! Considering the treacherous weather, the turn-out was amazing! Diplomats were treated to a private museum tour, champagne reception and spent time with Dana and the dancers following their rehearsal. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy a really special time!

Check out the great photos below by Laura McDonald and also click here to take a look at our Facebook album of photos that Host Committee member Cécile Remington 'livegram-ed' on the @DTSBDC Instagram account during the morning and afternoon!

DTSBDC dancers Felipe Oyarzun and Katia Noori

Dana choreographing with dancers Ben Sanders, Sarah Halzack and Kelly Southall

Sarah Halzack and Kelly Southall

Felipe Oyarzun and Katia Noori

Sarah Halzack

Diplomats of Dance Society members and guests watch the rehearsal

Dana talks to the crowd during the private champagne toast

We were 'livegram-ing' during the gathering! See those pictures and join our Facebook Group here!

Itinerary for our afternoon at Kreeger Museum for "Picasso Dances"

Kreeger Museum on February 18, 2015

11:00am - Diplomats of Dance ticket holders arrive for a private tour of the museum.

12:00-1:00pm - Watch as Dana Tai Soon Burgess and DTSBDC dancers create their newest modern dance piece "Picasso Dances" with the Picasso collection in the Kreeger's Great Hall.

1:00pm - Diplomats of Dance ticket holders move downstairs to the Kreeger's contemporary gallery for brief remarks and champagne (provided by Bijoot), where we'll be joined by Dana and DTSBDC dancers.

Cécile Remington (of the Diplomats host committee) will be 'livegram-ing' the event from the DTSBDC Instagram account - so dress to be photographed!

Please connect on social media during this artful afternoon! Tweet and Instagram using the handle @DTSBDC and hashtags #DiplomatsOfDance and #PicassoDances.

See you Saturday!

Press Release

View our press release at PRLOG.com:

Dana Tai Soon Burgess creating "Picasso Dances" at the Kreeger Museum 

The new Diplomats of Dance Society is hosting a group visit to observe the work-in-progress February 21st

For a PDF click HERE

Come see "Picasso Dances" being created!

 An Afternoon of Art and Dance:

"PICASSO DANCES" OPEN REHEARSAL AT KREEGER MUSEUM

Join the Diplomats of Dance Society for a special group visit to the Kreeger Museum with a champagne toast on Saturday, February 21st from 11am to 2pm to watch the choreography-in-process of the renowned Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC)'s new piece "Picasso Dances" inspired by the amazing Picasso collection in the museum's great hall!  *Tickets ($15 members; $20 non-members) can be purchased through http://picassodances.eventbrite.com

*Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries do not need to purchase a ticket and are invited as guests. Please simply RSVP via email. (To see the membership list go to our about page. Or to join the society, go here.)

Please note: this is an open rehearsal and part of DTSBDC's residency at the Kreeger Museum that runs from 10am to 1pm.  We will be gathering in the Kreeger's great hall from 11am to 1pm to watch the choreography, so we encourage you to arrive before noon.  Following the rehearsal we will have a champagne toast in a private gallery room around 1:15pm, where Dana and the dancers will join us.  This promises to be a visually sumptuous afternoon filled with movement and amazing art in a truly unique architectural space (and a beautiful sculpture garden)!

The museum admission cost is included in your ticket (see link above), and the champagne is being provided in part by new, local cultural fashion and home goods brand Bijoot (www.bijoot.com)

Space is very limited, so please reserve your ticket ASAP. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Kreeger Museum is located at:
2401 Foxhall Road, NW
Washington D.C. 20007

Email dancediplomats@gmail.com with any questions or call 202-642-2705.

DTSBDC in residence at the Kreeger Museum!

From the Kreeger Museum: 

The Kreeger Museum is pleased to announce Picasso Dances, a collaborative program with the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company and the Embassy of Spain. Open rehearsals, in the Great Hall January 24, February 21, and March 14, 10 am to 1 pm, are included with Museum admission. The premier performance on March 26 at 7:30 in the Museum's Great Hall will be followed by a reception at the Residence of the Spanish Ambassador.

"We are delighted to host this residency and premier performance which together provide a new dimension to the interpretation of elements in Picasso's Art." – (Director of the Kreeger Museum) Judy A. Greenberg

(Kreeger Museum)

While the premier performance on March 26th has already sold out (very quickly!), you can still call to be on the wait list: 202-337-3050 x 10 

However! Diplomats of Dance Society will be organizing a group visit to the Kreeger Museum for the February 21st open rehearsal, followed by a champagne toast! More details very soon!

Here are some pictures of Dana choreographing and working with the dancers taken during yesterday's first open rehearsal:

Photo by Laura McDonald

Photo by Laura McDonald

Photo by Janice Kaplan

Photo by Janice Kaplan

Photo by Jameson Freeman

Opening reception for "Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography"

Thank you to everyone who joined for this wonderful evening! Join our Facebook group, see the rest of the photos, and tag your friends!

LINK: Click here to see the rest of the pictures on Facebook!

(Photo credit: by Dented Lens Photography. Location: Korean Cultural Center, Washington, D.C.)

"Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography" exhibit about DTSB Dance Company at the Korean Cultural Center

From the Korean Cultural Center:

"The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. proudly presents “Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography,” a new exhibition that tells the story of the rise of Korean-American choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess to international prominence by tracing his cultural heritage and how it has influenced his acclaimed work, through historic memorabilia and photography of his company's 22-year history.

The exhibit explores the history of Burgess’ family through such artifacts as his grandfather’s 1903 passport, photos representing four generations of family members, pastel paintings by his father and watercolor and ink works by his mother. Also on view are 25 large photos of DTSB Dance Company taken during its 22-year history, costumes and props used in performance, and video of Burgess’ work, “Tracings,” which tells the story of his great-grandmother’s decision to leave Korea and begin a new life."

The exhibit is on display through the end of November, 2014. The opening reception on November 7th featured DTSBDC dancers moving throughout the exhibit, performing an excerpt of Dana's 2003 work "Tracings". Thank you to all the Diplomats of Dance who attended!

Visit the Korean Cultural Center at:
2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Check out some photos from the exhibit before its opening:

Pictures from inaugural cocktail party!

LINK: Click here to see the photos, tag your friends (and join the DODS Group) on Facebook!

The first-ever cocktail hour for the new Diplomats of Dance Society was held at the Sofitel Lafayette Square on August 21, 2014! In support of Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company's upcoming tour to Suriname, arts-interested Washingtonians, artists, dancers and dance supporters mingled with members of DC's premiere contemporary dance company, its acclaimed choreographer and dancers, and H.E. Ambassador Subhas of Mungra of Suriname!

(Photo credit: Dented Lens Photography. Location: Sofitel Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.)

1st Diplomats of Dance event in K Street Magazine!

LINK: Click here for Diplomats of Dance Society in K Street Magazine!

WOW!

Last night's first Diplomats of Dance Society event at Sofitel Washington DC was an enormous success! It was amazing seeing so many chic and interesting people gather together to support DC's premiere modern dance group, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. To all those who attended yesterday's inaugural cocktail hour: thank you. Thank you for being interested in dance and its intercultural impact. And thank you because at last night's event we very nearly DOUBLED our initial fundraising goal! DTSB Dance Company will be traveling to Suriname September 22, 2014!

Sold out!

Tomorrow's first annual Diplomats of Dance Society cocktail hour is COMPLETELY SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and we are excited to toast with you tomorrow, and to DTSB Dance Company's upcoming tour to Suriname!

Ambassador of Suriname to attend first DODS cocktail hour

Monday August 18, 2014:

We are honored to announce that His Excellency Subhas Ch. Mungra, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname, will be in attendance at The Diplomats of Dance Society's inaugural cocktail hour Thursday, August 21st at the Sofitel Hotel, Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.!

Press Release

For immediate release                      

Aug. 12, 2014                                     

Contact: Janice L. Kaplan, 202-277-5461

JaniceLKaplan@JaniceLKaplan.com

DANA TAI SOON BURGESS DANCE COMPANY

DIPLOMATS OF DANCE SOCIETY INAUGURAL COCKTAIL PARTY AUG. 21

Young professionals who enjoy contemporary dance and networking are invited to participate in the newly formed Diplomats of Dance Society, which will sponsor an annual fundraising event in support of Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, Washington’s premier contemporary dance company. The Diplomats of Dance Society’s inaugural cocktail party will be held Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sofitel Hotel, 806 15th St. N.W., and will feature French hors d'oeuvres.

Dana Tai Soon Burgess was the Smithsonian’s first ever choreographer-in- residence in 2013-2014. He has been described by Washington Post dance critic Sarah Kaufman as “not only a Washington prize, but a national dance treasure” and “poet laureate of Washington dance.”

Diplomats of Dance Society was founded in the summer of 2014 by Nikki Hollander, Christelle Gorman, Cecile Remington and Jameson Freeman. In a city that is not only the nation’s capital but an international hub, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company brings a much needed cross-cultural perspective to the arts scene. Diplomats of Dance Society members are those who celebrate the role of contemporary dance and support those who bring it to life. By being part of this annual event, diplomats share their appreciation, curiosity and generosity while connecting with a critically acclaimed choreographer, dancers, other artists, fans and friends.

Members may participate as Envoys ($50), Emissaries ($100), Ambassadors ($250), or Plenipotentiaries ($500). Tax-deductible donations will be matched by a generous grant from The Cafritz Foundation. Funds from the Aug. 21 event will cover expenses relating to the company’s Sept. 14-22 trip to Suriname on behalf of the U.S. State Department and other expenses relating to the 2014-2015 season (see below). In Suriname, the company will represent the United States at the Moengo Festival of Theatre and Dance and teach master classes in American modern dance.

2014-2015 Season

In addition to its upcoming trip to Suriname, the company announced three other highlights of the year ahead:

Photo Exhibition and Dance Performance

An exhibition, “Ancestry, Artistry, Choreography: Tracing a Korean American Journey,” will be on view from Nov. 7 to Dec. 19 at the Korean Cultural Center, 2370 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed from noon to 1:30 p.m. each day.) An opening reception on Nov. 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. will feature a performance by DTSB Dance Company. Sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the exhibition features photographs and video of the dance company over its 22-year history.

The Kreeger Museum Residency

Beginning in January, DTSB Dance Company will be artists-in-residence at The Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Rd., N.W., Washington, DC. The company will hold public rehearsals on Saturdays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21 and March 14 in the Kreeger Museum’s Great Hall. Using several paintings by Pablo Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection as inspiration, the choreographer will create a new dance, which will debut at the museum on Thursday, March 26.

NASA Collaboration

In the coming year, Burgess will create a major new work about the connection between human beings and the cosmos. The dance will incorporate video and images supplied by NASA and a sound score that includes interviews with astronauts, scientists and historians. Tapping into NASA’s discoveries and cutting-edge research, the choreographer will examine such topics as space exploration, our understanding of the stars, the role of creativity in science and art, and the importance of the stars to different cultures throughout history. Burgess’s research will take him to the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. A world premiere of the new work will take place in the fall of 2015 at the John. F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; the new dance also will be performed at NASA sites around the country and at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2016.

For information about Diplomats of Dance Society contact http://dancediplomats.blogspot.com/ or 202-957-2745.

# # #

Diplomats of Dance Society Inaugural Soiree

Help send DC's premiere modern dance company to Suriname!
 
Our first annual fundraising event will be held at the 

Sofitel Hotel 

806 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

on Thursday, August 21, 2014

from 6:30 to 8:00pm

Buy tickets here

Complimentary French hors d'hoeuvres will be served. Cash bar.

First annual Diplomats of Dance Society soiree event

Save the date!

Our inaugural art-mixing/networking/fundraising cocktail party is set to take place on:

Thursday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm

Help send our city's premiere modern dance troupe to Suriname.

Location and more details to be announced soon!

DTSBDC at the National Portrait Gallery

DTSBDC performing the new work "Homage" at The National Portrait Gallery's Kogod Courtyard as part of a special evening event celebrating their historic artist-residency at the museum.
Photo by Mary Noble Ours