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the company pascal rioult  :: joyce herring  :: the dancers PASCAL RIOULT DANCE THEATRE builds on tradition, expanding the definition of contemporary dance. Known for his daring and imaginative explorations of classical scores, Pascal Rioult creates new work that brings fresh perspective to timeless themes, flawlessly blending his European sensibilities with a strong background in American modern dance. The company offers diverse audiences an experience that speaks to both the mind and heart. Rioult's career as a choreographer began in 1984 when, as a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, he held an informal showing of his first works at New York's 92nd Street Y. In 1992, The New York Times dance critic Jennifer Dunning wrote "If Pascal Rioult keeps on creating the kinds of dances he has been choreographing with such authority for a mere three years, he may have to leave his job as a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company and become a full-time choreographer." He founded Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre later that same year with his wife and fellow Graham dancer Joyce Herring, an esteemed performer in her own right. Over the past decade Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre has become an established name in modern dance. With a repertoire of over twenty dances, the company presents an annual season at The Joyce Theater in Manhattan and tours internationally. Company performances throughout North America and Europe have received praise from audiences and critics alike. The company was honored to be the Théâtre de Saint Quentin en Yvelines resident company for the Temps de Danse Festival, where it premiered The Ravel Project. Recent tour highlights include the premiere of Firebird at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC, and appearances at the Annenberg Center in Philadelphia, PA and Cal Performances in Berkeley, CA. Rioult's signature piece, Bolero, has been seen at the New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival and on a 12-city European tour of France, Belgium and Switzerland. During the 2006-07 season, the group will travel to the mid-west and offer both fall and spring European tours. Next to the Rioult's vibrant choreography, the company's ten dancers are considered its greatest artistic resource. They reach beyond their polished technique to shine in solo roles and perform as one body in the group choreography. Education and community outreach have been integral to Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre since its inception. DanceREACH, the company's educational component, offers an interactive approach to introducing students to the world of modern dance. It has had an impact on thousands of students and community members in New York City and around the world. Ongoing relationships with schools in New York City and the metropolitan area allow DanceREACH to inspire new generations of dancers and audiences. Supporters Major supporters of Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre's 2007-2008 season include Con Edison, Crédit Industriel et Commercial, The Grand Marnier Foundation, Harkness Foundation for Dance, Harriet & Gordon Greenfield Foundation, Donald L. Holley, The Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation, Kenneth French Fund for New Works, The Lehman Brothers Foundation, The Lepercq Foundation, The Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund of the New York Community Trust, National Endowment for the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, New York State Council on the Arts, The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, The Shubert Foundation. Mission Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre is committed to supporting the creation of new works by founder and choreographer Pascal Rioult; to communicating the essence and intensity of his artistic vision; to sustaining its company of dancers; and to educating and expanding audiences for modern dance at home and, through touring, nationally and internationally.