The Perks

The Perks Dance Music Theatre was founded in 1994 by Rebecca Stenn and Nico Abondolo after both graduated from The Juilliard School. The company comes from the Pilobolus, Momix, Iso tradition, yet carries on the lineage with fresh transformations. The Perks have an eclectic philosophy, creating works with humor and beauty, visual imagery and wild kinesthetics, with music ranging from funk/rock to classical. Their work is an absolute collaboration between the musicians and dancers, from concept to performance, sparking an explosive connection between the visual and aural. The discipline inherent in The Perks' classical music and dance background gives them the freedom to cut-loose and enjoy light, witty and imaginative textures.

Stenn's choreography varies from illusionary pieces with inventive props, mysterious stage lighting and machinery, to pieces that are entirely pure, kinetic dance. Abondolo's music too embodies a wide range of styles. Live music is an integral part of a Perks show, the musicians share the stage space with the dancers emphasizing a tight and powerful connection during the performance. The shows are lively, multi-dimensional and fluid, the music acting as a thread, binding the dances into a seamless evening of theatre. The company creates energetic and visually stunning work that is accessible to all audiences, including children and first time dance viewers.

The Perks can perform solo concerts and works with up to five dancers and seven musicians. Eclectic as the work itself are the company members' backgrounds. The dancers and musicians that make up the Perks have performed with Momix, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Mark Morris Company, Stomp, The Limon Dance Company, Meredith Monk Ensemble, Men Dancers, The New Century Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pucci Plus, and a vast assortment of other groups. The versatility of the performers allows for the extremely varied repetoire. The Perks have performed to high critical acclaim and sold out houses in New York City, San Francisco's Summerfest, Santa Barbara's Lobero Theatre, The Interlochen Festival of Arts in Michigan, Dallas, Texas, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Grinnell College, Iowa, and Canada and have done residencies at The University of California at Santa Barbara and Irvine, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, The University of Western Ontario, and Stockton College in New Jersey. Upcoming performances include a New York season at La Mama Annex Theatre in June 1996, and the Spoleto Festival in Italy.

James Sherman of WBAI radio in New York City says "ThePerksDanceMusicTheatre captures your attention with astonishing technique, imagination, wit and charm. Its a terrific evening of theatre."

Contact a Perk.
Go back to Jaron's home page.