Architecture-Inspired Dance Comes To Bell Works In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — Bauhaus, ballet and Bell Works will come together in dance performances this month.

Artistic Director Gabriel Chajnik of Monmouth County's Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater will be presenting a Dance(in)Haus program at its studio on Nov. 11, 12 and 13.

Dance(in)Haus will showcase the power of "human imagination, creativity, and the intersection of architecture and dance," Chajnik says.

The performance series is created by Chajnik in collaboration with Paola Zamudio, lead designer and creative director of Bell Works.

Dance(in)Haus is inspired by the Bauhaus movement, connecting the architecture of Bell Works, the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky, the music of Bauhaus composers - and the talents of the Axelrod artists.

Apart from ticketed performances, a series of free pop-up performances will be held at Bell Works leading up to the paid performances beginning Wednesday, Nov. 2.

“I am excited to share AXCBT's studio/performance space at Bell Works with Dance(in)Haus. I have been deeply moved by Bell Works’ Bauhaus-inspired architecture. And these performances will allow audiences to experience a story up close that’s been created and curated just for them,” said Chajnik.

Here is a rundown on the dates for performances:

Dance(in)Haus I performances from Nov. 11 to 13:

General admission:

• Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.

VIP performances:

• Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.

General admission tickets are $35 and are available online axelrodartscenter.org, by calling 732.531.9106, ext 14, or can be purchased at the door. There is a $3.50 convenience fee for credit card purchases. Student tickets are available at $15 for standing room only.

VIP tickets are available at $75 and include prime seating; an exclusive Bell Works tour by Bell Works creative director Paola Zamudio, Axelrod Ballet President Elise Feldman, and director Gabriel Chajnik; a pre-show reception; a meet-and-greet with artists; and a Bell Works gift bag.

Proceeds from VIP tickets help fund dancer contracts.

Dance(in)Haus pop-up performances are free and will run over five weeks, ending on Friday, Nov. 18. Here are the dates:

Dance(in)Haus free pop-up performances:

• Wed., Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 18 at 12:30 p.m.

The Dance(in)Haus series draws inspiration from Bauhaus, a German art school dated from 1919 to 1933.

The school became famous for its approach to design, with the Bauhaus style often featuring simple geometric shapes like rectangles and spheres, without elaborate decorations.

Performed on the grounds of the Holmdel landmark, Dance(in)Haus is inspired by Bell Works' Bauhaus architecture.

“The new commission connects the visual arts with the performing arts, which the Bauhaus school called ‘total artwork,’”Chajnik said.

Additional choreography is provided by Lindsay Jorgensen, an emerging choreographer and Axelrod dancer.

The evening’s performances will also feature international guest artists, and special guests, vocalist David Smolokoff and pianist Joe Moffit. Smolokoff is a Basie Award-winning New Jersey native and Juilliard School graduate.

The second installment of Dance(in)Haus will be presented in April 2023.