World premiere of Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company’s ‘FRICTION’ set for Ailey Citigroup Theater
Our take
Okay, here's an editorial piece responding to the provided article, written in the requested persona and adhering to all instructions.
---
The dance world is buzzing, and rightfully so! The Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company’s return to New York City with *FRICTION*, their first full-length work since 2019, is a significant event. It's wonderful to see companies like DGDC thriving and bringing new, compelling narratives to the stage. As someone who understands the power of physical expression – whether it’s through the controlled movements of pole artistry or the rigorous training required for any dance form – I appreciate the dedication and artistry that goes into a project of this scale. Planning for these kinds of events can be a monumental undertaking, which is why articles like Why fall is the best time to start planning your studio’s dance tour are so incredibly valuable to those in the industry. Knowing how to structure and manage logistics is essential for success, and seeing DGDC bring *FRICTION* to life demonstrates that they’ve mastered that aspect of performance. It's inspiring to witness the resilience of the arts, especially after the challenges of recent years. And, let's be honest, sometimes you need a little escapism, a little magic – and a reminder of the beauty and power of human movement. I recently saw *Schmigadoon!* ‘Schmigadoon!’: Finding love – and laughter – and where everything’s a song and the joy it brought was palpable; dance, in all its forms, has that same potential.
The Ailey Citigroup Theater is a truly iconic venue, steeped in history and known for showcasing incredible talent. Presenting *FRICTION* there speaks volumes about the quality and ambition of DGDC's work. For me, dance isn’t just about technical skill, though that’s undeniably important; it's about storytelling, emotional connection, and pushing boundaries. When I’m training, whether it's perfecting a new pole routine or simply focusing on maintaining my strength and flexibility, I’m thinking about how to communicate something meaningful, how to embody a character, how to evoke a feeling. It's about more than just looking good (though, let’s be real, feeling confident and strong in your body *is* a huge part of it!). This commitment to meaningful expression is what separates great performances from merely good ones, and I'm eager to see how Gwirtzman’s choreography explores the theme of "friction." I find that the best art often delves into complex and sometimes uncomfortable topics, forcing us to confront our own perspectives and biases.
The accessibility of tickets – with student and children’s pricing – is also a welcome detail. Making the arts accessible to everyone is a responsibility we all share. It’s about fostering a love of creativity and encouraging the next generation of dancers, artists, and audiences. Organizations like Dance the Magic, which Dance the Magic’s global reach: Sharing cultures and building connections focuses on creating performance opportunities across borders, embodies that spirit of inclusivity and connection. When we support these initiatives, we’re not just supporting individual artists; we’re investing in a richer, more vibrant cultural landscape for everyone. As a woman who juggles the demands of family, career, and personal wellness, I believe in the power of art to nourish the soul and remind us of our shared humanity.
Ultimately, *FRICTION* promises to be more than just a dance performance; it’s an opportunity to witness artistic innovation, celebrate the power of movement, and connect with a community of passionate individuals. I’m genuinely excited to see what Daniel Gwirtzman and his company have created. It makes me wonder: In a world increasingly dominated by digital experiences, how can live performance continue to evolve and captivate audiences in meaningful ways? What new forms of storytelling will emerge, and how will dance continue to reflect and shape our understanding of the human condition? I, for one, will be there to witness it.
This October, Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company (DGDC) will present the world premiere of FRICTION, the company’s first full evening-length work in New York City since 2019. Performances will take place at Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W. 55th Street, New York, NY, on October 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and October 31 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $38 general admission and $26 for students and children under 12, and are available at eventbrite.com.
FRICTION explores the volatile space where artificial intelligence, humanity, technology and human relationships collide. Through movement, sound and imagery, choreographer Daniel Gwirtzman examines the question: What is the divide between artificial intelligence and real intelligence?
The work continues Gwirtzman’s longstanding exploration of technology, identity and consciousness, following DGDC’s 1999 evening-length work Plasma Field and 2023’s e-Motion, a collaboration with playwright Saviana Stanescu that investigated AI sentience. With FRICTION, Gwirtzman pushes this inquiry further, examining the tensions and transformations that emerge as technology increasingly shapes human experience.
In the group section “LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL,” which was previewed during New York City Center’s IN THE STUDIO program in June, dancers become data in motion – executing dense, intricate movement phrases at relentless speeds while exploring the relationship between agency and automation. The choreography incorporates fragments from the Company’s existing repertory, with movements dismantled, recontextualized and transformed through a process inspired by machine learning.
The score for FRICTION was generated in collaboration with the large language model Claude, with additional programs used to create a range of voices reflecting the complex layers of information and data within the work.
For Gwirtzman, FRICTION is also deeply personal. As he continues his own career as a dancer, the work considers the forces that shape perseverance and change: overcoming inertia, confronting aging, navigating expectations and continuing to strive despite uncertainty. At its core, FRICTION explores the tension, both external and internal, that ignite transformation.
The performance features dancers Derek Crescenti, Daniel Gwirtzman, Sarah Hillmon, Vanessa Martínez de Baños, Johnny Mathews, and additional artists to be announced.
Prior to the premiere, DGDC will present FRICTION in two free IN THE STUDIO preview performances at New York City Center Studios on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2 p.m. Presented in an intimate rehearsal setting, the programs offer audiences an early look at the developing work.
Founded in 1998, Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company is known for its optimistic ethos, accessible programming and commitment to the belief that everyone can join the dance. The Company’s repertory has been recognized for its humor, musicality, stylistic diversity and storytelling. Its acclaimed educational resource Dance With Us, supported by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, aims to demystify choreography and expand audiences’ comfort engaging with dance.
In 2023, Lincoln Center and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts presented DGDC’s 25th Anniversary program Everybody Can Dance. The Company was also in residence at the American Dance Festival in 2024, where it developed its evening-length work Flashpoint. In 2025, DGDC’s AI-themed theater/dance work e-Motion premiered in New York at La MaMa’s La MaMa Moves! Festival, receiving praise from Culturebot as “profoundly chilling,” with Gwirtzman’s performance described as “masterful.”
For more information, visit https://gwirtzmandance.org/
The post World premiere of Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company’s ‘FRICTION’ set for Ailey Citigroup Theater appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience