Anna Kisselgoff, former lead dance critic for The New York Times, will lead a discussion with choreographer Pascal Rioult preceding RIOULT Dance NY’s performance at The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue at 19^th Street, NYC) on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 6:30pm. This unique pre-performance talk will take place in the lower lobby of The Joyce Theater and is open to all with a ticket to the company's performance.

The discussion will focus on the influence of choreographers Martha Graham and May O’Donnell on the field of modern dance and the generations of choreographers who followed, including Mr. Rioult. Ms. Kisselgoff will put in historical perspective the career of these two pioneers within the emergence and development of the art form and their impact on its evolution throughout the US and around the world. Together, Ms. Kisselgoff and Mr. Rioult will shed light on an important page of dance history and prepare the audience to recognize the evolutionary aspect of dance and the connection between past and present at the evening’s performance.

Following the discussion, RIOULT Dance NY will present Program A as part of its New York Season. Beginning at 8pm, the Friday evening program includes RIOULT dancers performing May O'Donnell's Suspension and Martha Graham's El Penitente, along with Pascal Rioult's Black Diamond and Views of the Fleeting World.