Hamptons Dance Project Returns — Outdoors This Time

The Hamptons Dance Project (HDP), which made its debut at Guild Hall in August 2019, is back this year for its second season of innovative dance programming in East Hampton on August 29 and 30. This year’s performances will take place on Guild Hall’s new outdoor stage for a safely-distanced audience of less than 50.

“I felt it was essential to not only keep HDP alive this year but to keep the arts alive as well,” said the project’s artistic director, Jose Sebastian. “The goal was to build on last year’s inaugural performance and continue to push the boundaries of classical dance.”

Hamptons Dance Project 2020 will present an exciting mix of new and classic work from a diverse blend of choreographers, featuring top-flight artists from American Ballet Theatre and beyond. The performance will follow a strict COVID-19 distancing protocol.

“We had the added task of designing a program that would keep the dancers and audience safe without compromising creative vision or artist integrity,” said Sebastian.

The program includes solos performed by James Whiteside and Isabella Boylston accompanied on vocals by Rozzi; Christopher Wheeldon’s “Continuum” danced by Catherine Hurlin and Aran Bell; Dying Swan with Skylar Brandt; a contemporary duet choreographed by Gregory Dolbashian featuring Blaine Hoven and Jose Sebastian; and a new piece created by Gemma Bond, along with other innovative works.

“We knew we would face challenges in producing a live dance event during these difficult times,” Sebastian noted. “We couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of our many friends and supporters. We are looking forward to a truly unique event.

Hamptons Dance Project performances are Saturday and Sunday, August 29-30, at 8 p.m. Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street, East Hampton. For tickets or more information, visit HamptonsDanceProject.org.