Elizabeth Streb

Elizabeth Streb is a renowned American choreographer and dancer known for her innovative and physically demanding style, which has been compared to the works of Merce Cunningham and Trisha Brown. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including composer Philip Glass and visual artist Chuck Close. Streb's work has been influenced by her studies with Merce Cunningham and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as her interest in action movies and stunt performances. Her unique approach to dance has been showcased at various venues, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

● Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Streb grew up in New York City and began her dance training at the Juilliard School, where she studied with Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey. She also attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she earned a degree in dance. During her time at NYU, Streb was exposed to the works of Pina Bausch and Twyla Tharp, which had a significant impact on her development as a choreographer. She also drew inspiration from circus arts and acrobatics, which she studied with Cirque du Soleil performers.

● Career

Streb's career as a choreographer began in the 1970s, when she started creating works for her own company, STREB Extreme Action Company. Her early pieces, such as "Ride the Dragon" and "Wild Blue Yonder", showcased her unique blend of dance, acrobatics, and stunt work. She has since created numerous works, including "Forces" and "One Extraordinary Day", which have been performed at venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Walker Art Center. Streb has also collaborated with other artists, including composer Steve Reich and visual artist Kiki Smith. Her work has been influenced by her interest in physics and mathematics, as well as her studies with Buckminster Fuller and Isaac Newton.

● Choreographic Style

Streb's choreographic style is characterized by its emphasis on physicality and risk-taking. Her dancers are trained in a range of disciplines, including gymnastics, trampolining, and rock climbing. Streb's pieces often feature complex set designs and special effects, which are designed to create an immersive experience for the audience. Her work has been compared to that of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, as well as the action movies of Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. Streb has also been influenced by the works of Marcel Duchamp and John Cage, which have inspired her to experiment with new forms and techniques.

● Awards and Recognition

Streb has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation grant. She has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. Streb's company, STREB Extreme Action Company, has been awarded grants from the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. Her work has been praised by critics, including The New York Times and The Village Voice, which have compared her to choreographers such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.

● STREB Extreme Action Company

STREB Extreme Action Company is a dance company founded by Streb in 1985. The company is known for its physically demanding and visually stunning performances, which combine elements of dance, acrobatics, and stunt work. The company has performed at venues around the world, including the Sydney Opera House and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. Streb's company has also collaborated with other artists, including composer John Adams and visual artist Bill T. Jones. The company's work has been influenced by a range of sources, including action movies, circus arts, and extreme sports, as well as the works of choreographers such as Merce Cunningham and Trisha Brown. Category:American choreographers