Dorfman: Dance as Inspiration & Cultural Bridge

Dancer/choreographer Carolyn Dorfman, founder and leader of the dance company that bears her name, will explore with us the way she and her performers use movement and music to externalize the inner complexities of mind and memory, and the dynamics of communities that often share more than their histories would suggest. Known as a creator of evocative dances that reflect her concerns about the human condition, Dorfman is interested in creating “worlds” into which the audience can enter. She has created stunning pieces that reflect a spirit and passion for life, people and truth, survival and renewal. Hailed as the consummate storyteller, Dorfman, a child of Holocaust survivors, has also created a celebrated body of work that honors her Jewish legacy; its trials and triumphs, its treasured uniqueness and, most importantly, its universal connections. A former Assistant Professor of Dance at Centenary College in NJ, Dorfman is a master teacher, mentor and a guest artist/choreographer/lecturer at major universities, pre-professional and professional training programs across the U.S. A former artist and member of the board of the Yard and ArtPride NJ, she is currently on the Artist Committee of the All Stars Project NY/NJ and a member of their NJ Board of Trustees. She is a mentor for Dance USA’s mentoring program and is an Honorary Co-Chair of NJPAC’s Celebrate Dance Advisory Committee. Ms. Dorfman and the company lead the Dance Division for NJPAC’s Arts Education Program and have been the Company-in-Residence at the Academy of Performing Arts/Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains, NJ since 2008. Dorfman also serves on the advisory boards of the Salem County and Morris County Vocational Technical Schools’ dance programs. Honored with many artistic and civic awards, Dorfman this year is honored to be chosen to receive the 2015 Humanitarian Award from Seton Hall University and The Sister Rose Thering Fund.