Preserving Dance Culture Through Movement
Over the past few years, I’ve had the incredible honor of working on Ephrat Asherie’s “UNDERSCORED” — a vibrant, multi-generational celebration of NYC’s underground club dance scene. This evening-length work isn’t just a performance — it’s a living archive. It preserves the lineage, love, and legacy of five generations of dancers whose histories are deeply rooted in clubs like The Loft and Paradise Garage.
From the moment I joined the project, I knew I was a part of something rare — something that bridges generations with rhythm, memory, and soul.
What Is UNDERSCORED?
UNDERSCORED is a collaboration between Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD) and legendary NYC club dancers including:
• 🕺 Archie Burnett
• 💃 Brahms “Bravo” LaFortune
• 👠 Michele Saunders
Together with EAD ensemble members and performers aged 28 to 80, this piece weaves together personal history, archival footage, music, and dance styles such as:
• House
• Hip-Hop
• Breaking
• Vogue
• Waacking
• Hustle
As a project born from club culture — which was temporarily taken from us during the COVID-19 pandemic — UNDERSCORED is a life-affirming reminder of what it means to gather, dance, and connect.
Performance Timeline (2022–2025)
2022
• 🏝️ Aug 16–29: Residency at The Yard
• 🏛️ Nov 13: Official Premiere at the Guggenheim Museum (Peter B. Lewis Theater)
2023
• 🏙️ Jul 26: Works & Process @ Manhattan West
• 🌀 Sep 29 – Oct 1: Performance at The Momentary
• 🎓 Oct 19: University of Southern California
• 🎭 Nov 17: Sharon Springs Dance Festival
2024
• 🕺 Jan 12: Underground Uptown Dance Festival
• 🏫 Jan 31: Williams Center for the Arts
• 🏛️ Feb 7: Penn State Center for the Performing Arts
• 🎉 May 18: NYC Dance Parade
Coming Fall 2025:
New performances are on the horizon — more dates and cities to be announced soon!
Why This Work Matters
Working on UNDERSCORED has been nothing short of transformative. Watching club elders dance through decades of history, resilience, and joy is a powerful experience — one that resonates across generations and backgrounds. These aren’t just performances; they’re transmissions of culture and resistance, of survival and celebration.
From crack epidemics to the AIDS crisis, and now through a global pandemic, these bodies hold stories that demand to be told.
Thank You to the Performers & Creative Team
None of this would be possible without the vision of Ephrat Asherie, the energy of the ensemble, and the living legends who trusted us with their stories.
🙏 To everyone who danced, documented, supported, and shared this work — thank you. Your movement echoes far beyond the dance floor.
Stay Connected with UNDERSCORED
Follow the journey and see upcoming shows:
📸 Instagram: @ephratasheriedance
🌐 Website: ephratasheriedance.com
🎥 Watch: Check for performance clips and behind-the-scenes moments
Photos & Videos Coming Soon!
Meta Title: Ephrat Asherie’s UNDERSCORED: A Living Archive of NYC Club Dance
Meta Description: From The Loft to the Guggenheim, UNDERSCORED is a multi-generational tribute to NYC club dance culture. Read about the tour, the performers, and our journey with Ephrat Asherie Dance.
Keywords: Ephrat Asherie UNDERSCORED, NYC club dance history, Archie Burnett dancer, Brahms LaFortune, Michele Saunders, live dance performance, club culture archive, multi-generational dance, house dance, hip-hop dance history, Guggenheim NYC dance
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