Championing women's creativity through choreography, music, and curated family and educational programming - Ariel Rivka Dance
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ARIEL
RIVKA
DANCE
Championing women’s creativity through choreography,
music, and curated family and educational programming.
Media & Press kit
A RIE L RIV KA DA N C E M e dia & Pre ss kit
A Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) is an all-women
company based in New Jersey/New York
led by Artistic and Executive Director, Ariel
Grossman. ARD’s mission is to champion
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Ariel Rebecca (Rivka) Grossman founded Ariel Rivka Dance in 2008. As a
native New Yorker, she trained at the Joffrey Ballet School under the direction of
Gerald Arpino with Eleanor D’antouno (American Ballet Theater), John Magnus,
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and Dorothy Lister. During this time she also attended LaGuardia High School
female creativity through original
of Music and Art and the Performing Arts as a dance major and studied with
choreography, music, and curated family
Elisa King (Zvi Gotheiner Dance), Brunhilda Ruiz (The Joffrey Ballet), Michelle
and educational programming. Drawing
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Benash (American Ballet Theater) and Penny Frank (Martha Graham Dance
from Ariel’s personal experiences as a Jewish Company). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance and a Minor in Women’s
woman and mother, the company shares Studies from Skidmore College. At Skidmore she began choreographing
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stories that resonate with a broad audience. and upon graduation was commissioned to set a work on Skidmore dancers.
Collaboration is at the heart of ARD and Additionally, Ariel holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street
through movement, ARD creates a community College of Education. She has a passion for introducing dance to young learners
of vulnerability and acceptance, providing and developed an arts curriculum incorporating dance, visual art and music.
opportunities for hope and connection.
Ariel draws inspiration from the frustrations and joys of our human experience,
particularly through her story as a Jewish woman and mother. Through
collaboration, Ariel encourages her dancers to bring themselves to the
work—molding piecest hat are striking, evocative, and multi-layered.
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P
R
OG
R
A
M
M
NI
WOMEN & MOTH ERS
G &W Exploring the many faces of womanhood,
ARD’s Women & Mothers program delves
OR into the juxtaposition of who we are with
ourselves, and who we chose to let the
world see.
With a total runtime of 45 minutes, this
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K program takes the audience through
the emotional waves of motherhood; a
SHE
14 minutes
UNORTHODOX
9 minutes
S
rebirth, inspired by a woman leaving a 5 dancers; 1 tech 4 dancers; 1 tech
strict Hasidic sect; an intimate look at the
deep layers and entangled cycles of love
H and hate within a marriage; and examines
how familial love evokes positive and
PO negative impulses where frustration and
desire compete with the need for space
and independence.
S
This program strives to inspire conversation IF I FORGET YOU MOSSY
5 minutes 6 minutes
across generations and genders. 2 dancers; 1 tech 2 dancers; 1 tech
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HERITAGE &TRADITION FAMILY FRIENDLY
This program investigates the traditions See dance and music come to life in an
and stories that make a community. The educational, family-friendly performance
Book of Esther, which is often performed utilizing a selection of ARD repertory or
in excerpts, tells the story of the biblical an excerpt of our evening length Jewish
Queen Vashti and Queen Esther through program, “The Book of Esther”. Audiences
emotionally driven movement, epitomizing enjoy a workshop with Artistic Director
the Jewish traditions of collaboration and Ariel Grossman and Resident Composer
AR IE L RIV K A DA NCE Me di a & Pr e ss kit
support. Inspired by the novel and Netflix David Homan, who will discuss the art of
BOOK OF ESTHER UNORTHODOX RHAPSODY IN K BOOK OF ESTHER
series of the same name, Unorthodox 50 minutes 9 minutes collaboration and how they use music and 20 minutes 50 minutes
questions the bonds that rule the structure 7 dancers; 1 tech 4 dancers; 1 tech movement to tell a story. 7 dancers; 1 tech 7 dancers; 1 tech
of our lives, when a woman choses to leave
a Hasidic sect. This condensed, interactive program
showcases the creation process, invites
Perfectly complimenting these two, Ori is the audience to explore movement for
a contemporary exploration of light and themselves, and is sure to delight people
athleticism accompanied by 4 amplified of all ages.
cellos.
This program aims to help forge stronger ORI VARIATIONS ON A BOX
17 minutes 12 minutes
bonds through meaningful conversation. 7 dancers; 1 tech 8 dancers; 1 tech
A RIE L RIV KA DA N C E M e dia & Pre ss kit
COMPOSER'S NOTEBOOK COMPOSER'S NOTEBOOK
David Homan Stephania de Kenessey
This program highlights ARD’s composer-in-residence, This program celebrates the collaboration between
David Homan. Homan’s work aims to be approachable, composer, Stephania de Kenessey and Artistic Director,
to better inspire vulnerability within the audience and RUST Ariel Grossman and their ongoing exploration of SHE
12 minutes 14 minutes
act as a guide through the hypnotic choreography. 4 dancers; 1 tech womanhood. Program highlights include She, a work 5 dancers; 1 tech
that delves into the waves of motherhood and features
Homan’s music has been performed in the US, Europe, a unique soundscape of layering breast pump sounds by
Israel, and in New York at Carnegie Hall/Weill Hall, de Kenessey. De Kenessey excels at creating dynamic
Merkin Hall, CAMI Hall, the Thalia at Symphony Space as electronic and melodic scores to compliment ARD’s
well as major dance venues such as NYLA, Joyce Soho, emotive choreography.
the Di Capo Opera Theatre, MMAC, and the Joyce. He
has also composed the music for the award winning FOR HER Her instrumental and vocal music has been performed
2001 Fringe Festival Production Einstein’s Dreams, and 4 minutes extensively in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and
1 dancer; 1 tech
written theatrical scores for As You Like It, Hamlet, King Lincoln Center to Joe’s Pub, LaMama, and New York
RHAPSODY IN K
Lear, and Great Expectations, among others. Major Live Arts. Trained at Yale and Princeton, de Kenessey is 20 minutes
groups such as the American Symphony Orchestra have steadfastly committed to honoring women composers 7 dancers; 1 tech
performed his works, as well as dance commissions and and is the founding president of the International Alliance
choreographers around the US. for Women in Music.
UNDERTOW
13 minutes
8 dancers; 1 tech
ADDITIONAL WORKS
IF I FORGET YOU
5 minutes, 2 dancers, 1 tech
MOSSY
6 minutes
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RHAPSODY IN K 2 dancers; 1 tech
20 minutes, 7 dancers, 1 tech
NO WORDS
17 minutes, 8 dancers, 1 tech
VARIATIONS ON A BOX
12 minutes, 8 dancers, 1 tech
ORI
17 minutes, 7 dancers, 1 tech
BOOK OF ESTHER
50 minutes, 7 dancers, 1 tech
UNORTHODOX
FOUR CONCERNED 9 minutes
10 minutes, 4 dancers, 1 tech 4 dancers; 1 tech
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REPERTORY
CONCERT
ARD offers a flexible and diverse section of
repertory to fit all needs and preferences. The
work explores emotionally driven movement with
underlying currents of technique and structure. UNORTHODOX IF I FORGET YOU
Grossman’s choreography incorporates various 9 minutes | 4 dancers | 1 tech 5 minutes | 2 dancers | 1 tech
styles of dance and music, exposing audiences Music by Stefania De Kenessey Music by David Homan
Costumes by Marianna Tsartolia
to an accessible artistic experience for all ages.
Costumes by Mariana Tsartolia
Live music is always available, as are pre or post
performance discussions with the choreographer,
composer, and/or dancers. We are able to tailor
our repertoire and expertise to the needs of your
venue and programming whether in-person or virtual.
RUST MOSSY
12 minutes | 4 dancers | 1 tech 6 minutes | 2 dancers | 1 tech
Music by David Homan Music by Stefania de Kenessey; costumes by Marianna Tsartolia
Costumes by Marianna Tsartolia Past touring: Memphis, Tennessee 2019; Atlanta, Georgia 2019
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SHE FOR HER
14 minutes | 5 dancers | 1 tech 4 minutes | 1 dancer | 1 tech
Music by Stefania de Kenessey; costumes by Marianna Tsartolia Music by David Homan; costumes by Mariana Tsartolia
Past touring: Memphis, Tennessee 2019; Atlanta, Georgia 2019 Collaborating with visual artist Richard Kadin
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PAST PAST PAST
WORKSHOPS PRESENTERS COLLABORATORS
Choreographic & BAM Fisher Rioult Dance NY
Teaching Residencies
at Howard NJPAC Taylor 2
Community College
Rutgers University Heidi Latsky
ORI VARIATIONS ON A BOX Choreographic &
17 minutes | 7 dancers | 1 tech 12 minutes | 8 dancers | 1 tech
Music by David Homan; Costumes by Mondo Morales Music by David Homan; Costumes by Mondo Morales Teaching Residencies Gershman Y Sean Curran
Past touring: Baltimore, Maryland 2018; Past touring: Memphis, Tennesse 2019, Atlanta, Georgia 2019
Vero Beach, Florida 2018 Boston, Massachusetts 2018, Vero Beach, Florida 2018
at Ballet Vero Beach
Saratoga Dance Mu- Carolyn Dorfman
Week-long workshop seum Dance Company
at Peridance
Baruch Performing
Capezio Center
Arts Center
Master Classes in
Dixon Place
Memphis, Tennessee
White Wave’s Wave DOWNLOAD
Family Matinee at Rising Series ARD ASSETS
Baruch Performing Dropbox link contains high-resolution
Arts Center photos, clips, and fact sheets for full
repertory, as well as company facts.
FOUR CONCERNED HOLLY
10 minutes | 4 dancers | 1 tech 4 minutes | 1 dancer | 1 tech Outreach
Music by David Homan; costumes by Mariana Tsartolia Music by Stephanie Chun
Past touring: Baltimore, Maryland 2017; Past touring: Memphis, Tennessee 2019; Atlanta, Georgia performances
Houston, Texas 2017 2019; Baltimore, Maryland 2018; Houston, Texas 2017 & interactive
workshops in
Atlanta, Georgia
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Choreographic
residency for Fiorello
LaGuardia High
School’s Senior
Spring Concert
Continued teaching
and choreographic
NO WORDS UNDERTOW
17 minutes | 8 dancers | 1 tech 13 minutes | 8 dancers | 1 tech residency at Moving
Music by David Homan, Costumes by Mondo Morales Music by David Homan; costumes by Keiko Voltaire Youth Ballet in
Past touring: Memphis, Tennessee 2019; Atlanta, Georgia Past touring: Houston, Texas 2017
2019; Vero Beach, Florida 2018 Canford, New Jersey
D CASSANDRA BOWSER
A RIE L RIV KA DA N C E M e dia & Pre ss kit
A Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, trained under Rachel
Butler and Philip Otto at the Huntsville Ballet Company. She
N graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program in 2014,
where she performed works by Dusan Tynek, Carolyn Dorfman,
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Adam Barruch, Jennifer Archibald, Ronald K. Brown, Karol
Armitage, Darell Grand Moultrie, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd.
After graduating, Cassandra danced with The Sean Mcleod Dance
E Experience at Kaleidoscope Dance Theater, and Kaley Pruitt Dance.
R CAITLYN CASSON
S A Philadelphia native, Casson graduated Summa Cum Laude from
the University of South Florida, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in
dance. She has performed repertoire by Bill T. Jones, Doug Varone
and Talley Beatty. Casson’s desire for internationally diverse, artistic
endeavors has taken her across the globe to perform and teach.
Since 2013, she has been working as an international dance trainer
with MindLeaps to Eastern Europe and Africa. Most recently she
performed at the Ubumuntu Arts Festival in Kigali, Rwanda. In New
York City, Caitlyn spends her time teaching yoga and dancing with
Matthew Westerby Company, Dance Entropy and Ariel Rivka Dance.
KRISTIN LICATA
From the Ailey/Fordham BFA program, Licata has performed classics
by Alvin Ailey and Joyce Trisler and worked with Robert Battle, Sean
Curran, William Forsyth, and Elisa Monte. She’s danced with Dayton
Contemporary Dance Company II, Felice Lesser Dance Theater, Regina
Nejman and Company, Tamara Saari, Dance, Yuka Kawazu/Danse En
L’air, Vabang! and Vox Luminere. Recently, she worked in the creative
process with Chanel DaSilva, Maria Naidu and Michael Spencer
Phillips. Touring internationally in Brazil, Greece, and Poland, Kristin
currently dances with Covenant Ballet Theater, Matthew Westerby
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Company, and Valerie Green Dance Entropy, as well as being an ABT®
certified teacher, teaching ballet and modern dance throughout NYC.
AMY ASHLEY CASIE MARIE O'KANE
Ashley is a Southern Oregon native, and a graduate of the Originally from Northern Virginia, attended the Alonzo King LINES
LINES Ballet Training Program, and has taught and trained Ballet Training Program in San Francisco, California from 2010-
under the mentor-ship of master teacher Tracey Durbin since 2012. While in the training program, Casie worked closely with
2011. Amy has performed and freelanced professionally in Alonzo King, David Harvey, Maurya Kerr, Christian Burns, and
Seattle, Portland OR, San Francisco, and New York. She has Karah Abiog. Since moving to New York in 2012 she has worked with
taught outreach for the LINES Outreach Program, Dancewave, Sidra Bell, Erin Carlisle Norton, Maruya Kerr, Jennifer Archibald,
and Notes In Motion/Amanda Selwyn Dance Theater, and Yoshito Sakuraba and Karol Armitage. She has a B.S. in Public
currently teaches dance in New York City. Amy is a certified Affairs from Baruch College and completed her 200 Hour Yoga
Barre Vida instructor and joined Ariel Rivka Dance in 2018. Teacher Training in 2018. Casie joined Ariel Rivka Dance in 2014.
DANITA SHAHEEN
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Shaheen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan
College’s BFA program, and trained with Capital Ballet, Boston Ballet,
River North Dance Company, Burklyn Ballet, Bates Dance Festival, David
Parsons, and Max Stone. She performs with Dance Cat-alyst, Double
Take Dance, Salma Allam and Dancers, Daniel Wurtzel, Grace Rising
Dance, Tamara Saari Dance, Kaleidoscope Dance Theater, Gehring
Dance Theatre, Banana Peel Dance, dancesbyremi, MAD About Dance,
H.T. Chen and Dancers, Beth Soll & Company, Andrea Gise and more. In
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addition to these collaborations, Danita is the founder and the President
of the Alternative Arts Association, a multimedia arts organization.
HANA GINSBURG TIROSH
E
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Ginsburg Tirosh holds a BA in Education Policy from Princeton,
and an MFA in Dance Performance and Teaching from Purchase
College, SUNY. She’s currently a member of Ariel Rivka Dance,
Matthew Westerby Company, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and
Kaleidoscope Dance Theater. She has preformed with Mark Dendy
Dance Theater, Kazuko Hirabayashi Dance Theater, Riedel Dance
Theater, Yuka Kawazu/Danse en L’air, and others. She is a founding
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member of 360° Dance Company, and is currently the New York City
Director for the New York Institute of Dance and Education, and her
most perfect creation is her three-year-old son, Orin Isaac Tirosh.
KYLEIGH SACKANDY
Sackandy holds a BFA from SUNY Purchase College and an MS
in Dance/Movement Therapy from Sarah Lawrence College. She
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has performed professionally in New York with SYREN Modern
Dance, NuDance Theater, Beth Liebowitz & Artists, Indah Walsh
Dance Company, and Catherine Galasso among others. She has
also choreographed and performed internationally in Taiwan,
Japan, Spain, and Canada. Kyleigh currently teaches dance in
New York and is a dance/movement therapist for children with
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developmental disabilities and who have experienced trauma.
KAYLEIGH PENDER (APPRENTICE)
Pender has participated in the Rockettes Summer Intensive
from 2013-2016 and worked with French Academie of Ballet.
In 2015, she joined Moving Youth Dance Company under the
direction of Lisa Rumbauskas and Debbie Coury and performed
works by Jessica Lee Goldyn, Chip Abbott, Ariel Shepley and Ariel
Grossman. Kayleigh attended The University of the Arts in 2017.
She performed in a Broadway themed performance directed by
Jeff Coon and choreographed by Gina Duci and has choreographed
a work on her peers for the UArts . Currently she teaches dance.
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“Variations on a Box is incredibly athletic,
energetic and lyrical all at once. These seemingly
“Their fluid movements drew the audience
into a magical world creating an undertow
of beauty viewers could not escape.” C For all bookings, please contact:
O
disparate juxtapositions in Grossman’s work are
what makes it so satisfying to watch, along with - Spotlight Central
DEBORAH CORR ALES
her use of kaleidoscopic groupings and staging.” ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
- Critical Dance
N deborah@arielrivkadance.com
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“One of the most well crafted and layered, yet
accessible contemporary dance work I have
arielrivkadance.com
A
“Each piece was unlike the others, and your encountered in years. The depth and nuance
in the choreography is staggering and yet it
dancers performed with energy, spirit, and ARD YouTube
total commitment. I also appreciated your perfectly pairs with David Homan’s score...
C @arielrivkadance
respectful yet productive rapport with the The company is a wonderful example to us
dancers. They seem truly inspired.” all of what we all can accomplish despite
- Sascha Radetsky, Artistic Director of our gender, sex, religion, body type, or facebook/ArielRivkaDance
ABT Studio Company
“Sometimes it is a deeper experience to
background. The artists are some of the finest
examples of both dancers and human beings
I have ever had the privilege of presenting.”
- Adam Schnell, Ballet Vero Beach
Artistic Director/CEO
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view dance as pure expressive movement,
beyond story, detailed construction, and
self-consciousness; these dances achieved
that feeling for me.”
- Carlos Stafford, The Model Critic
“Ariel Grossman’s choreography is deeply
rooted in her idiosyncratic world-view and
unapologetic humanity. She is an artist who is
in full command of her craft.”
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- Josh Prince, Founder/Artistic Director
Dance Lab New York
DOWNLOAD
ARD ASSETS
Dropbox link contains high-resolution
photos, clips, and fact sheets for full
repertory, as well as company assets.
Photos by David Gonsier and Whitney BrowneYou can also read
