Memory serves

Twenty years ago in an abandoned theme park in Houston, Texas, dancer-choreographer Sue Schroeder, together with her sister and a handful of dedicated artists, held the first rehearsals of Several Dancers Core. In an egalitarian spirit of creative collaboration, Schroeder and her inchoate company agreed to share in the profit — or losses — of a debut performance. That first production was, in fact, profitable. While Several Dancers Core netted a paltry $2, its small success engendered in the fledgling dance company a sense of resiliency and a passionate commitment to artistic innovation, which has translated as much into Schroeder’s choreography as it has into Several Dancers Core’s tenacity and will to survive.
Now based in both Houston and Atlanta, Several Dancers Core has distinguished itself as a contemporary dance organization committed to innovation and intently focused on the creative process. “Our approach to the work is intuitive, passionate, and spiritual,” says Schroeder.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the company’s professional dance troupe, CORE Performance Company, launches its first full season of performances in Atlanta with the premiere of remembering Oct. 12-15 at the 14th Street Playhouse. Choreographed by Schroeder, the piece is set to an original score by Todd Hammes, which will be performed by Thamyris, an Atlanta ensemble featuring percussionist, bass, cello and marimba.
The rest of the season will include the company’s interpretation of Handel’s Messiah in November and a retrospective of the company’s repertoire in April.
CORE Performance Company presents remembering at 14th Street Playhouse Oct. 12-14 at 5 p.m. and Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12-$10. 404-733-5000.