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WEDDING DRESSES: A Storydance tracing the marital paths of six generations of New England women from 1838 to the present. Created & performed by Tracy Penfield with music
performed by In the words of Rebecca Denton in The Valley News, Wedding Dresses reflects "the changing roles of women in our society and the changing role of marriage in women's lives." "My name is Matilda Frederica Ellen Mary Alice Abbie Elizabeth Abbie Elizabeth Tracy Elizabeth...yes, it is a long name, six generations long..."
Thus begins the narrative of this story, which traces the marital paths of six generations of New England women, forming a matriarchal line from Prussian-born Matilda to her great-great-great-granddaughter, Wedding Dresses creator Tracy Penfield. The spark for this project was provided by the bequest of Tracy's predecessors' five wedding dresses, preserved over the years and passed from mother to daughter. When she became their current guardian, the dresses suggested a storydance, which brings these artifacts of women's history together with explorations of cultural traditions, social change and personal psychology over a period of unprecedented societal flux, from 1838 to the present. Wedding Dresses, which premiered in May 2000, integrates dance, song, spoken text, live music and historical costuming in a lively 75-minute production, with no intermission. By turns humorous and poignant, Dresses has been hailed for presenting a personal story with universal appeal. Historically accurate and often familiar music provides accompaniment for Penfield's "spirited, exacting and courageous" dancing and singing. Acoustic bass player Ellen Powell brings a deep, yet tangy soul to her virtuoso style, while Phil Thorne's mood ranges from mellow to manic. Their unusual arrangements of Schumann, Brahms, Foster, Tchaikovsky, Joplin and more are unforgettable, as is the original Dresses theme, which weaves throughout the entire piece. Wedding Dresses has an educational component, in the form of workshops, which may be held in conjunction with the performance. These sessions explore family history and personal evolution via movement, writing and voice. Related topics include women's history, textile and fashion studies, and psychology. Penfield is experienced in leading workshops for all levels of ability and experience, including middle/high school, college and community. She has trained extensively with Liz Lerman and the Dance Exchange, well known for their integration of community members and professional dancers. Wedding Dresses is available for touring and block-booking, as well as individual performances. Alternative venues, such as churches and town halls, will be considered. Wedding Dresses is eligible for Vermont Arts Council and NEFA funding. For fees and to discuss a booking of Wedding Dresses,
please contact:
Words in Support of Wedding Dresses "Part of our focus in 'Women's Work' is to honor women of all generations, celebrating women of all ages and from all walks of life. The presenters of 'Women's Work' were honored to host the first complete performances of Tracy Penfield's 'Wedding Dresses.' We see the dedication and spirit in Tracy that is key to the creative efforts of so many women throughout Vermont. She is an inspiration for our project."
Wanda Miller & Catherine Jay,
"I admire Tracy's conception of the project, a perfect one for linking community workshops and formal performance. Tracy is a strong solo performer and a great resource for art in Vermont." Liz Lerman, Artistic Director,
"After many opportunities to marvel at Tracy's work as a dance facilitator and educator, I was thrilled to see her performing her own work. From the moment Tracy appeared in her red slip, the audience was mesmerized. Before our eyes Tracy became her foremothers, as she put on their wedding dresses. 'Dresses' is much more than a personal journey into family history for it explores the changing cultural traditions of marriage over the past 150 years…a powerful vehicle for examining male-female relationships, and the institution of marriage." Irina Markova,
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