Contemporary Dance: Dancing for the Wild

WHAT : Contemporary ballet, commisioned pieces, enviromental stories FREE : No tickets needed, just show up on the lawn! Contemporary Dance is curated by Tiffany Rea-Fisher. vildwerk. is a New York City–based nonprofit that brings together world-class dance and environmental action. Since its founding in 2022, the organization has quickly established a strong presence—launching with public programs, presenting a sold-out debut season in 2024, and expanding to a full performance week with talks, school partnerships, and community engagement in 2025. Working in collaboration with conservation leaders, vildwerk. translates real environmental realities into powerful, human stories on stage—brought to life by artists from leading companies across the world. Each work is drawn from those closest to environmental challenges that become the starting point for new dance creations that make complex global issues visible, emotional, and immediate. The next season will be announced this summer and will take place on January 21, 2027, at New York City Center—marking a major step in the organization’s continued growth. "When The Water Breaks" explores the profound connection between the ever-shifting temperament of the ocean and the emotional landscapes of humanity. Through sweeping movement and musical fluidity, the ballet reflects the oceans dual nature - its serenity and its storms - as a mirror of our own inner tides. Choreography by Bradley Shelver Performed by artists of Joffrey Concert Group Original score by David K. Israel Costumes by Erica Johnston Created with inspiration from World Wildlife Fund (WWF®) for vildwerk. in 2025 "When The Water Breaks" was created for vildwerk. in 2025 and had its world premiere at New York Live Arts at vildwerk.s season Dancing For Our Wonderful World. "Fists and Feathers" is a contemporary ballet inspired by the power, elegance, and mystique of the black panther. Set to music by Bryce Dessner, Teho Teardo, and Gabriel Prokofiev, the work explores themes of vigilance, solitude, and strength. The choreography shifts between stealth and explosive physicality, capturing both the ferocity and grace of the animal spirit it evokes. Choreography by Bradley Shelver Performed by artists of Joffrey Concert Group “A long bus ride in Mexico took me to a butterfly sanctuary in the state of Michoacán. It was mesmerizing to see the sky become filled with butterflies. I was there for at least three hours quietly taking in this extraordinary beauty. I love that there are no borders for butterflies. Being based in NYC I’m a snowbird and I too ‘migrate’ to warmer climates in Mexico, Central and South America each winter. I feel a kinship with these butterflies, - their need for sunshine and warmth.” - Henning Rübsam Choreography by Henning Rübsam Performed by artists of Joffrey Concert Group, Solenn Etienne, Maximilian Tenenbaum, Julia Grady, and Valentina Rudkhevich Music by Johann Sebastian Bach - "Prelude No. 1 in C Major" (from BWV 846), "Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C Sharp Major" (BWV 848) Costumes by David Quinn "Monarcas" was created for vildwerk. in 2024 and had its world premiere at the Museo del Barrio Theatre at vildwerk. opening season Time To Protect Our Planet. Inspired by the groundbreaking conservation work of Rewilding Argentina and Tompkins Conservation in protecting the Patagonian wilderness, this work draws on the story of Minniem—a wild female jaguar carefully reintroduced to meet a solitary male in South America, amid fears they might be among the last of their kind. Choreography by Andrea Franceschi "Rock", "Ritual", "Earth", "Tree", "Ritual 2", "Gaia" The Moss project is an awakening that seeks to bring awareness through dance, the universal language of the body, to the current global environmental crises that threatens the existence of all life. Buglisi is greatly inspired by Potawatomi author and botanist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer whose Gathering Moss draws on the wisdom of indigenous ways of knowing and scientific knowledge for the sustainability of humanity through the practice of reciprocity. For Variation #5 of the Moss Anthology, Buglisi collaborates with composer Jeff Beal and original projection designer Wendall Harrington, who invited BDT to be in residence at the Yale School of Drama. The work has been performed on the East and West coasts, and commissioned by the UCSB Dance Company touring Scandinavia and Europe. Choreography by Jacqulyn Buglisi Performed by artists of the Buglisi Dance Theatre Commisioned score by Jeff Beal Costumes by A. Christina Giannini "Moss Variation #5" was created for vildwerk. in 2024. Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first come, first served basis, or bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs. Take a seat in one of the pre-set chairs on the lawn or grab a chair from the gravel. You can use a chair anywhere on the lawn except for the center lawn blanket zone. Purchase food and drinks from tents on the east side of the lawn or bring your own picnic. Look for Stout NYC and Heaster Street Fair vendors, and be sure to visit the Bryant Park Shop, too! Visit the Bryant Park Shop tent for exclusive Picnic Performances merchandise and more. Find a parachute, hula hoops, and more fun on the east side of the lawn at select events. Dogs are welcome on the gravel and bluestone, but not on the lawn. Performances are cancelled when it is unsafe to be outdoors. In some cases, the lawn may be too wet to open but the performance may continue. Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates. You can also check the lawn status on the bryantpark.org homepage . Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. The series provides a platform for extraordinary artists and serves as a vital outdoor venue for a wide array of New York’s cultural institutions.