INTERVIEW: Amanda Selwyn On Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre’s Hamptons “Green Afternoon VII”

Green Afternoon, the Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre’s annual Hamptons Garden Dance Performance and Cocktail Reception, will return to the Hamptons on Saturday, July 13.

We caught up with Amanda Selwyn to learn more about this year’s iteration.

Green Afternoon VII will take place at the home and gardens of Architects Marcia Previti and Peter Gumpel. How has the site played into the performance’s concept?

AS: The first half of the performance involves a series of structured improvisations that I call Movement Installations, inspired by the various outdoor sitting rooms throughout the property’s gardens. Dancers move around sculptures, against fountains, around the swimming pool, in the pergola, and in the tree house. These installations are a direct play off of the landscaping as well as all of the art elements throughout the property.

How will the movement installations be curated?

AS: With this being our 7th Green Afternoon, we develop unique variations on the inspiration from the surroundings each year. We work on the property all day the day before to refine the timing, expression, and mood of each installation. They are structured in a sequence that includes solos, duets and group flocking throughout the grounds.

Will there be set times for performances, or will be they be happening contentiously?

AS: The Performance begins at 5 p.m. sharp with continuous movement installations. Each audience member will experience something different based on where they are in the property at any given moment. Many of the installations loop so there are more than one opportunity to catch a dancer in a specific location. We encourage guests to arrive at 5 and to wander the grounds while enjoying a delightful cocktail. At 5:40 p.m., we usher the audience to the Great Lawn where we have chairs set up for a 25 minute seated performance. This year’s sharing will be an excerpt of our recent World Premiere, Crossroads.

The evening will feature an excerpt of Crossroads, which recently made its World Premiere. Tell us a bit about the evening-length work and what Green Afternoon VII attendees will enjoy?

AS: The full work is 95 minutes long and includes several scenic elements and theatrical lighting. With the outdoor performance, I will select sections that resonate best in the sunshine and on the grass. These sections will include some solos, duets, and group work. Crossroads explores being in a state of transition. As we move along each pathway, steering the course of our lives, we linger in these moments in between and practice being vulnerable and present. With natures light all around us, the theme of the piece will no doubt resonate in new ways than it was able to at New York Live Arts.

How many performers will Green Afternoon VII include?

AS: Seven company dancers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

AS: Green Afternoon is a unique opportunity to experience dance in such a beautiful environment — it is not to be missed!

Green Afternoon will take place at 230 Old Stone Highway in East Hampton Tickets are start at $125.

For more information, visit amandaselwyndance.org.