On May 4, four of our students from The Hartt School Dance Division participated in a commemorative gathering in NYC honoring Limón Company luminary, Sarah Stackhouse, who passed away this year. Ashton Rivera (junior), Kristina Shaw (senior), Grace Smith (senior), and Alli Tomsik (senior), danced alongside current and former members of the Limón Company in a collective version of Chaconne, a Limón piece they had learned and performed in last fall’s Hartt Dances concert. They had been directed in the piece by Hartt Dance faculty and former Limón Company member, Nina Watt, who had learned and performed Chaconne under the direction of Sarah herself. As the “next generation” of an important modern dance legacy, the four Hartt School dancers were stirred, inspired, and grateful to be part of this very moving event.
Sarah Stackhouse was an acclaimed interpreter of the works of José Limón, one of the 20th century’s most influential choreographers. She became a sought-after teacher and stager of Limón’s choreography around the world known for her virtuosic dance technique, compelling artistry, and her unique ability to communicate the essence of Limon’s principles to generations of dancers.