EDGEWORKS Dance Theater

Led by founder and award-winning choreographer Helanius J. Wilkins, EDGEWORKS Dance Theater (EDT), DC's premier all-male contemporary company of predominantly Black men, celebrates its 9th anniversary season with a return to Dance Place on Saturday, March 13 at 8pm and Sunday, March 14 at 7pm. The company performs an evening of new and signature works including Snapshots and a sneak peek from Trigger (premiere fall 2010) – EDT's newest work that raises questions about choice, class, and how economic conditions affect individual choices.

Trigger is a cross-disciplinary work that will unfold as a choreographed play where ordinary people have extraordinary lives. Human stories of strength, honor, family and triumph will be revealed against a backdrop of some of our nation's darkest moments. Trigger provides a look into the history of black gangsters: how they were unschooled yet successful; governed by principle rather than established rule; and how their actions mirror some of the very activity that America and our society were built upon. This project addresses issues of class and economic conditions, exposing the double standards of the differential treatment received by minorities.

Snapshots, another work to be performed, grew out of the initial research process for Trigger and showcases the extreme physicality and athleticism of EDT dancers.

Advisory: There will be a strobe light used in this performance.