dragON aka PONY presents an atmosphere filled with references to past and present dances from both Eastern and Western Europe. It is a space of continuous transition, a display of intimacy, and a way of coexisting. Within the framework of contemporary POP, this work revisits geometric choreography through the prism of classicism and the use of folklore as a ritual entity. dragON aka PONY is tinged with Isadora and immersed in MTV and VH1.
Dance, choreography, performance: Aleksandar Georgiev, Zhana Pencheva, and Darío Barreto Damas, aka STEAM ROOM.
Music: Tsvetan Momchilov.
Costume and stage design: Ralitza Toneva.
Graphics: Gjorgji Despodov.
Co-production: Garage Collective, Brain Store Project, and Nomad Dance Academy Slovenia.
This work is co-produced by Brain Store Project through the Creative Crossroads program as part of the Life Long Burning project, supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe program. It is also supported by the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria.
dragON aka PONY has been nominated for the IKAR 2020 Award by the Union of Artists in Bulgaria in the category of «Best Contemporary Dance and Performance Piece.»
dragON aka PHOENIX is a picturesque show where holding back is not an option. Abusing literalness and borrowing musical theatre logics, this work problematises the potential absurdities of choreography and dance.
There are no secrets in heaven, flames don’t lie. This is the excess of three burning dancing souls. This is the rise of the superstars. You want them higher, stronger, deeper, clever, naughty, bold and kiss forever? They will do what it takes.
Choreography and dance: Aleksandar Georgiev, Zhana Pencheva and Darío Barreto Damas aka STEAM ROOM.
Music: Tsvetan Momchilov.
Lyrics and vocals: Dragana Zarevska.
Stage and costume design: Mihaela Dobreva.
Graphic design: Gjorgji Despodov.
Special thanks to Anna Szigó for dramaturgical support.
Produced by STEAM ROOM and Garage Collective.
Coproduced with Workshop Foundation under the programme line Creative Crossroads in the framework of Life Long Burning project supported by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
This project is realised with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria and the National Cultural Fund of Bulgaria. dragON forever is not only a performance, it is a never ending party as well as the final part of the trilogy «dragON». At the centre sits the question: What can lip-synced choreography be? dragON forever is the third part of the choreographic trilogy «dragON», which borrows its practice principles from the drag scene. After «dragON aka PONY», and «dragON aka PHOENIX», the trio Aleksandar Georgiev, Zhana Pencheva and Darío Barreto Damas (who together form the artistic team STEAM ROOM) are now turning their attention to the practice of lip syncing in relation to choreography and dance. dragON forever is an evening of eternity. A catwalk of masterpieces, failures, virtuosities and vulnerabilities. A motor with great kinetic impact. A party with no end. A glorious celebration of the potentials our aspirations hold. Riding along with what at first could be experienced as dull and superficial, STEAM ROOM puts an end to a journey of pleasure and joy which echo will last forever.
Choreography and performance: STEAM ROOM (Darío Barreto Damas, Aleksandar Georgiev, Zhana Pencheva).
Music: Tsvetan Momchilov.
Costume, stage: Mihaela Dobreva.
Light Design: Grace Morales.
Video work: Nataliya Sidorenko.
Graphic design: Gjorgji Despodov.
Production: STEAM ROOM, Garage Collective.
Co-production: Köttinspektionen Dans, MDT Moderna Dansteatern.
Support: Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria, Municipality of Sofia, National Cultural Fund of Bulgaria, Station Service for contemporary dance, Nomad Dance Academy, Dance On, Pass On, Dream On project and the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
