Doug Varone, a leader in the world of modern dance, comes to Spruce Peak Arts with his dance troupe, Doug Varone and Dancers, this Saturday, June 1st at 7 PM. Before the group comes to Stowe, get to know about the award-winning dancer and choreographer.
Born in December 1956, Doug Varone was raised in Syosset, New York. His passion for dance emerged at an early age, and he began his formal training in high school. Varone pursued his higher education in dance at Purchase College, where he graduated with a BFA in Dance in 1978. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for his distinctive style and approach to dance.
After completing his studies, Varone moved to New York City. He performed with various companies, including the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, which significantly influenced his artistic development. During this period, Varone began to hone his craft, focusing on the interplay between movement, emotion, and storytelling.
In 1986, Varone founded his own company, Doug Varone and Dancers. The company quickly gained recognition for its dynamic and expressive performances. Varone’s choreography is known for its fluidity, intricate patterns, and emotional depth, often drawing inspiration from everyday human experiences and interactions. His work seamlessly blends elements of modern dance, ballet, and theater, creating a unique and compelling dance vocabulary.
Doug Varone and Dancers first garnered wider attention with the 1993 piece “Rise,” which Varone said was meant to convey complex emotions through its sweeping, lyrical movements. “Rise” was critically and commercially acclaimed, and the extra attention led to Varone winning a Gugenheim Fellowship in 1995. The troupe continued to grow, and by the 2000s, they were established as one of the most prestigious dance troupes in New York City.
Doug Varone and Dancers have performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and American Dance Festival. The company has also been commissioned to create works for leading dance companies and institutions, such as the Limón Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the Martha Graham Dance Company.
In addition to his company’s performances, Varone has choreographed for numerous prestigious organizations, including the Limón Dance Company, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and the Martha Graham Dance Company. His versatility extends beyond dance; he has also choreographed for opera, including productions at the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. Varone is also a committed educator, most notably as a Professor of Dance at Julliard. When not traveling with his troupe, he now works as a Professor at his alma mater, Purchase College.
Want to know more about Doug Varone and Dancers? You can visit the troupe’s website, https://www.dovadance.com, for more information!
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