Featured Member: Mariana Bekerman

Name: Mariana Bekerman
Websites: www.mbdancecompany.com
Fractured Atlas Member Since: March 2005
Fractured Atlas Services Used: Fiscal Sponsorship, Calendar of Events, Job Listings

The Mariana Bekerman Dance Company is an eight-year-old modern dance company that fuses the classics with underground dance styles, in particular, “vogue” dance.  The New York-based company has performed throughout the tri-state region and is currently in the process of expanding its audiences by performing its repertoire both nationally and internationally.  Additionally, the MBDC is delving into arts education programs, teaching and performing for youth in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Artistic director Mariana Bekerman focuses on making work that touches the human spirit, avoiding what she calls “the gloom, doom and angst of concert dance.”  Recently, she took the time to answer a few questions from Fractured Atlas…

Mariana, who and/or what are your biggest influences?

Boris Eifman, Baryshnikov, Nijinsky, Erte, Madonna and Bjork.  In terms of the work itself, I am influenced by my personal life philosophy, experiences and human interactions.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Self-producing five dance concerts, including one at the Joyce SoHo; co-producing with LaGuardia Community College; and most recently, signing an eighteen-month contract with Global Talent, who sponsored us when we performed at City Center Studio as part of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference this past January.

How did you find out about Fractured Atlas and what motivated you to become a member?

I knew of Fractured Atlas through the Field, I believe.  I was a member of another non-profit…but was soon informed that it is best to be a member of an organization that funders are familiar with.  This is why I joined, along with other great perks such as funding opportunities for members from Fractured Atlas itself!

How do you use your Fractured Atlas membership?

I use Fractured Atlas as my fiscal sponsor when soliciting for grants and individual sponsors…and for general advice.  I frequently use the Fractured Atlas website to scroll through job listings and other happenings around town, to remain connected with the art community.

Finish this sentence: A world without art is ______. “…colorless.”

Is there any advice that you would give to a dancer at the start of their career?

A dancer who is at the start of his/her career needs to dance for everyone and be available for everyone at all times…which is unrealistic, so they had better know what they can/not handle and be truthful about it.  If they are working with someone, they must have faith and full trust in that artist — otherwise, why even dance for them?  And they must research the company or artist they will commit to, since it is a commitment.  Thanks to today’s technology, this is not a problem at all.

How can we see, experience and learn more about your company’s work?

The Mariana Bekerman Dance Company website is www.mbdancecompany.com.  We will be performing on Saturday, November 1st at 11:30 PM at China Club, 264 W. 47 Street (bet. Broadway & 8th Avenue). Contact us through our website for performance details or to be put on our guest list.

Photos by: Tetteh Tawiah