Choreographed falls are part of performing—whether it’s Odette jumping to her death in Swan Lake, a contemporary dancer melting into the floor or a breaker dramatically exiting a headstand. A convincing, safe onstage fall takes both bravery and control—and can be as much a psychological challenge as a physical one.

Watching Jackie Carlson perform daredevil stunts with Streb Extreme Action, few would guess she used to be a professional ballet dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem. “My appetite for the pursuit of perfection that ballet requires was my drive,” says Carlson, who grew up studying many forms of dance, plus gymnastics. When DTH went on […]

There’s a lot to take in over the 11 days of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, from Ann Carlson’s Doggie Hamlet (five dancers, three dogs, lots of sheep) to Elizabeth Streb’s SEA (Singular Extreme Actions), both local premieres. One that will be tough to miss: a nightly performance by French troupe Compagnie Transe […]

When you’re performing with a whirling cinderblock or giant hamster wheel as your partner, there is no time for second-guessing your physical fitness. Fortunately, STREB EXTREME ACTION member Cassandre Joseph knows exactly what her body needs to stay safe, even when flying off 30-foot platforms. What are the five habits that prepare her to tackle […]

A STREB Extreme Action show is nothing like a typical dance performance. Instead, it’s a full-on battle between gravity and humans. There will be risk-taking, you will probably gasp (multiple times) and you might even clench your jaw. That’s because artistic director Elizabeth Streb likes to push her dancers action heros to the max. What […]