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Dancers in brightly colored bodysuits (green, purple, blue, red) performing on stage, forming a wave-like pattern with their arms. The background is dark, making their vibrant outfits stand out. The dancers' movements are synchronized, creating a visually captivating and fluid scene.

Repertory

From Before

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

COMPANY PREMIERE

New York City Center, 2012

WORLD PREMIERE

Garth Fagan Dance, 1978

RESTAGING

Natalie Rogers-Cropper

MUSIC

“The Path” composed and performed by Ralph MacDonald. Publisher and copyright owner BMG Chrysalis.

COSTUMES

Garth Fagan

ORIGINAL LIGHTING

C.T. Oakes

LIGHTING

Al Crawford

RUN TIME

17 Minutes

Jamaican-born choreographer Garth Fagan—a Tony Award-winner for The Lion King—expertly distills the dance traditions of his heritage to display movement in its purest form. In this ensemble work, undulating torsos move independently of gyrating hips, and arms and legs cut through space with an arresting display of strength. Tableau-like moments of stillness are juxtaposed against fiery solos. The music further echoes the West Indian tradition with a rhythmic, uplifting score composed by Trinidadian Grammy-winner Ralph McDonald. 

Fagan said of his work, “From Before was looking back at my origins in the West Indies and seeing how I could take away all the trimmings and the costumes of African or Caribbean dance and strip it right down to the bare bones.” He attributed its popularity with audiences across the world to “the fluidity of Caribbean dance, the polyrhythms of African dance, the precision of ballet, and the strength and weight of modern dance.” 
 
Fagan also noted that “it’s most important that you know the traditions of your art form. Then you can go ahead and break it and alter it and do it in retrograde, but it’s most important that you’ve got a foundation. Then you can build all kinds of miraculous temples on it.” 

Garth Fagan's FROM BEFORE

Two dancers on a dark stage, one in a purple bodysuit and the other in a red bodysuit, strike dynamic poses facing opposite directions. The dancer in purple crouches with intense focus, while the dancer in red mirrors the pose with equal intensity.

Jamar Roberts and Michael Francis McBride in From Before Paul Kolnik

A dancer in a purple bodysuit performs a low, back-arched pose on a dark stage. The dancer's left hand reaches out while the right arm supports their balance. The stage lighting accentuates the dancer's form and expression.

Jamar Roberts in From Before Paul Kolnik

A dancer in a purple bodysuit leaps gracefully in the air, with legs extended in a split position. The dancer's focused expression and the dark stage background highlight the power and elegance of the jump.

Jamar Roberts in From Before Paul Kolnik

A dancer in a form-fitting bodysuit performs a deep backbend on a dark stage. The dancer balances on one foot with their arms reaching behind, creating a dramatic and graceful pose. The lighting highlights the dancer's muscles and the intensity of the performance.

Vernard J. Gilmore in From Before Paul Kolnik

Six dancers in colorful bodysuits perform on a dark stage. The dancer in front wears a purple bodysuit and strikes a dynamic pose. Behind, two dancers in blue bodysuits, one in red, one in green, and one in purple, pose in various positions, creating a visually striking scene.

Members of the Company in From Before Paul Kolnik

Leadership support for this Company premiere was provided by American Express. This production has also been made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.