Collaborative work is at the heart of BARKIN/SELISSEN PROJECT arising from the diverse backgrounds of Co-Artistic Directors Kyla Barkin and Aaron Selissen. They first connected as dancers performing together in several companies, including Janis Brenner and Dancers, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, and Isabel Gotzkowsky and Friends. In addition to their joint performance work, Selissen has performed with the Limón Dance Company since 2010 and Barkin has been working as a certified Yoga instructor for 14 years. The dance lineages of these two artists coupled with their individual physical practices and performance careers creates multifaceted work that Kelly Apter of the Scotsman describes as “Some groups … give strong performances, others offer new and intriguing choreography, astute musical choices or a deep emotional connection. Barkin/Selissen, however, has the lot.” In addition to sounding ideas off of each other, they are conscious of creating a space that takes into account their dancer’s unique styles.

This season, join BARKIN/SELISSEN PROJECT April 8th and 9th in Cambridge, MA in Pentacle Presents: The Gallery and Guests or in St. Louis, MO on May 27 for Dance St. Louis’ Spring to Dance Festival at the Lee Theater at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri.

Read more about The Gallery HERE.
Read more about Pentacle Presents: The Gallery and Guests HERE.

 Photo © Yi Chun Wu