LANOTTE+VERSO
LANOTTE is an assertively absurdist dance romp about being a woman. VERSO is the B side of LANOTTE; a reaction to ourselves and the change in our own creative process. LANOTTE +VERSO are inextricably linked: LANOTTE, a dark journey of the female mind, and VERSO, a fast paced succession of dancescapes. Each dance relies on the other, as a coin with two distinct sides.
Abounding with darkness, LANOTTE explores different aspects of the female mind. Successive scenes that are at times theatrical and confrontational portray the performers’ innermost emotions to bring the audience on an emotional journey of the whole person. This work seeks to peel off layers off the self, exposing the internal female, vulnerable but strong. Ultimately, this dance is an ode to the complexities of womanhood. At VERSO, three dancers explore the human body’s coordination, creating extreme movement and violent conversations in space inspired by the electronic creations of Denmark musician Trentemøller. At moments an interactive performance, VERSO stretches the boundaries of performance space, with a visceral dialogue with the audience.
Carol Mendes is a choreographer, dance filmmaker and dance educator. A native of Brazil, she received her BFA in Dance and her Teaching Certificate from State University of Campinas (Brazil). She also holds a Master’s in Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from NYU, Tisch School of the Arts. Her work has been presented at Judson Church, Triskelion Arts, at the Wild Project, at Martha Graham Studio Theater, at Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, at Dixon Place, and at The Green Building. As a dance filmmaker, Carol has worked with the New York City Ballet Media Department as Production Assistant and Media Fellow. She co-directs and edits her own dance films screened in Brazil, Finland, US, Argentina and France. She is currently the Production Manager of WestFest2015 and the artistic director of Carol Mendes & Artists.
Carol Mendes & Artists is a band of empowered female artists who strive to unveil the unexpected and challenge the familiar in the medium of dance. We dialogue with society through movement of highly trained bodies that defies all forms of classification. We are inspired by human diversity and we work in live dance performance and film to demolish comfort zones, creating a common ground amongst people of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe in partnership with organizations and initiatives that foster cultural outreach through the arts. CM&A is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas – a registered 501c3 nonprofit.