Smithsonian choreographer-in-residence to speak on role of modern dance, May 19

Dana Tai Soon Burgess, the Smithsonian’s first choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery, will appear at a National Press Club virtual event Wednesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the role of modern dance in the current social justice conversation and his two decades as a cultural ambassador for the  State Department.

Burgess, poet laureate of Washington dance, will speak about his background as founder of the DTSB Dance Company, now in its 29th season, as well as the choreographic creative process and his current projects with the National Portrait Gallery. He will reflect upon how dance can be used as a tool of cultural diplomacy and soft power.

Register for the event online to receive a link to access the session.

The event, hosted by the Club's International Correspondents Committee, will be moderated by  Club President, Lisa Matthews.

Burgess is one of only a handful of Asian-American performing arts leaders in America. May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

The one-hour event will include a video demonstration and a question-and-answer session. This event is free of charge, and open to the public.

Viewers can send their questions for Burgess in advance or during the live program to [email protected].