The Center Will Not Hold
A Dorrance Dance Production
Created by Ephrat Asherie and Michelle Dorrance
Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 7:30PM
Matthews Theatre
In Partnership with the Princeton University Art Museum
MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Michelle Dorrance, a trailblazer in tap, joins forces with Bessie Award-winning breakdancer Ephrat "Bounce" Asherie to create The Center Will Not Hold—a groundbreaking collaboration exploring rhythm, movement, and social commentary.
Set to original music by Donovan Dorrance, with live percussion by world-class drummer John Angeles, the work features 11 extraordinary performers blending street, club, and vernacular dance forms, including house, breaking, hip-hop, tap, Chicago footwork, Detroit jit, litefeet, and Memphis jookin.
Through rhythm, movement, and dialogue, The Center Will Not Hold is a must-see for anyone captivated by the future of modern dance.
Co-commissioning support for The Center Will Not Hold was provided by McCarter and the Princeton University Art Museum.
“The work explores themes of isolation, community and solidarity. At one point, the whole cast lined up and performed a sequence of rhythmic pedestrian gestures. It seemed they were just humans, like us. But then they broke off into solos and dance-offs and we were reminded of their otherworldly talents. There was pain there, yes, but also so much joy. ”
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