Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance (TLD), a 501(c)3 non-profit dance company, was founded by dancer-choreographer Jody Sperling in 2000. The company presents visually alluring kinetic theater that fuses dance, music, lighting and costume design. Following Sperling’s trailblazing journey to the Arctic in 2014, as the first-ever choreographer-in-residence aboard a US Coast Guard ice-breaker, the company’s focus is producing programs that merge choreography and climate science. (see Melting Ice/Changing Winds)
Sperling has developed a signature style which draws inspiration from early dance technologist Loie Fuller (1892-1928). Internationally acclaimed as the leading Fuller exponent–and choreographer of the major motion picture “The Dancer” inspired by Fuller’s life–Sperling has pushed Fuller’s genre into new directions. In doing so, she has forged a unique and captivating technique for herself as soloist and for the company’s six women dancers.
Since inception, TLD has presented annual seasons in its homebase of New York City. Along with performances, the company offers programs such as community engagement on arts and climate, lecture presentations, school and family shows, workshops, and masterclasses. TLD has been in residence at many colleges and universities including, among others, The Ailey School, Brenau University, Hunter College’s Mellon-funded Arts Across the Curriculum Initiative, Wesleyan University, Vassar College, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Hofstra University, DeSales University, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Bloomfield College, University of Nebraska, University of Wyoming and Marlboro College.
TLD has received commissions from Vermont Performance Lab (VPL), University of Wyoming/NEA American Masterpieces and the Streb Lab for Action Mechanics. The company has received grants from New York City’s Department of Cultural Awards, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the American Music Center and the Harkness Dance Foundation. The work has been presented in the US, Bahrain, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia and the UK. Combining visual delight and kinetic spectacle, Time Lapse Dance engages audiences across generations and the globe.
