Monthly news + happenings from Mark Morris Dance Group: June 2025
- Mark Morris: Music I Want You To Hear
- Get to Know Sloan Pearson
- On the Membership Dashboard: Virtual Rehearsal
- At the Mark Morris Dance Center: 2025 Dance Center Showcase
“Some people only work to recorded music because it’s so reliable and exactly the same every time, which is exactly why I don’t.”
– Mark Morris
Mark Morris: Music I Want You To Hear
Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble return to The Joyce, July 15-26 with two distinctive programs, featuring beloved repertory works and two world premieres.
The performances will feature a rich musical palette – from Harlem stride piano legend James P. Johnson, to Romantic master Robert Schumann and traditional Scottish and English folk songs, performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble.
Mark Morris has curated a special playlist featuring composers from both programs.
Happy listening.
Listen on Spotify
Join us at The Joyce
Partner Plus and Grand Duo Circle members receive concierge ticketing. Contact Lauren Grant at lauren.grant@mmdg.org to arrange your order.
Get to know Sloan Pearson
5 questions with new company apprentice Sloan Pearson
Mark Morris Dance Group: When did you start dancing?
Sloan Pearson: I began dancing when I was 2 years old. At the time, my oldest sister was enrolled in dance, so as soon as I was ready to begin, my amazing mother put me in dance classes.
MMDG: When did you know that you wanted to pursue dance professionally?
Sloan: During my early years of training, I was promoted to the pre-professional division and awarded a full scholarship Charlotte Ballet. From age 7-13 I began to focus in on my training and found my passion. My teachers often separated me in classes at my own barre in ballet, and from there I imagined a camera that I was performing for and I truly developed my own rhythm and self determination. In high school I officially made the decision to dance professionally. Initially I wanted to go into Neuroscience, but after meeting Alum from Point Park University I auditioned and began the stepping stones to making the career I envisioned in my early years.
MMDG: Who has been the greatest influence on your development as a dancer?
Sloan: My mentors and teachers have influenced me tremendously over the years. Kesha Beckford, Sabrina Sandvi, Jesse Buchanan, Jason McDole, Dana Arey, Catherine Moriarty, Jerri Kumery, Alonzo King, and Debbie Allen. Each have imprinted discipline, vision, artistry, a profound sense of humanity, and love for the work that goes into what we do from rehearsal to the stage.
MMDG: When did you first learn about Mark Morris?
Sloan: I first learned about Mark Morris while studying dance at Charlotte Ballet, previously under the direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patrica McBride. We had exams on terminology and were constantly challenged to stay versed in Dance History as well as what was currently happening throughout the dance world. Among the dance luminaries I researched was Mark Morris. Years later I was able to see, “Grand Duo,” when it was performed at Point Park University my Sophomore year – I was blown away.
MMDG: What is most exciting to you about dancing with the Mark Morris Dance Group?
Sloan: The most exciting thing about dancing with the Mark Morris Dance Group is being able to be a part of his new works and get insight into how he creates. We work closely with Colin Fowler, our Music Director in rehearsals. We break down the musical scores and dissect the bars, rhythms, and melodies to pair with Mark’s imagery and choreography to bring a full story to life. I feel beautifully challenged in rehearsals and class to strive for excellence, through distinct and full body unison, and holding space for one another in the process to be an active participant and voice in the room.
On the Membership Dashboard
Behind the scenes with the Mark Morris Dance Group
On April 9, 2025, we hosted our Spring Virtual Rehearsal and live Q&A with the Mark Morris Dance Group. Dancer Dallas McMurray and Music Director Colin Fowler rehearsed sections from Ten Suggestions (1981) and then answered viewers’ questions. Guests enjoyed an insightful glimpse into this Mark Morris solo by going behind-the-scenes with the choreography, the music, and the artists.
Our next Virtual Rehearsal will be June 24th. There’s still time to upgrade, renew or join at the Partner level ($300+) to attend.
Log into your membership dashboard to see more. If you’re not yet a member, contact Lauren Grant at lauren.grant@mmdg.org or join below.
Not a Member? Sign up for free!
At the Dance Center:
2025 Dance Center Showcase
This past weekend our Student Company I and II students and Arts Immersion Fellows united for a memorable run of performances in our 4th annual Dance Center Showcase! The performances included excerpts from Mark Morris’ The Look of Love, staged by MMDG company members Karlie Budge, Dallas McMurray and Noah Vinson, along original works by Aria Roach, Winston Dynamite, MMDG company member Billy Smith, and Arts Immersion Fellowship students.
Photo: Zui Gomez
