Full Force Dance Theatre has presented modern
dance to audiences of all ages, coast to coast since 1992. Originally formed in San Diego, California, it’s
mission has been to promote the creative vision of its director and primary
choreographer, Katie Stevinson-Nollet; to present high quality, creative and
innovative work by both professionally distinguished choreographers as well as up
and coming young artists to the
community in accessible and affordable programs; to explore the creative process of dance making; to develop
the collaborative process between dancers, choreographer, and musicians; and to
provide professional experience, training,
and performance opportunities to local Hartford dancers.
Works created for FFDT programs have been
created by such guest choreographers
as Peter Sparling,
formerly with the Graham company, Mary Cochran, formerly of the Paul Taylor
Dance Company, Monica Bill Barnes, director of Tour Bill, Jean Isaacs, director
of San Diego Dance Theatre, Patrick Nollet of California Ballet and former director of Three's
Company in San Diego, and
several emerging choreographers from around the country. The company
has provided professional experiences to
over thirty young dancers. Some of which have gone on to dance with major companies such as the Paul
Taylor Dance Company, Neta Pulvermacker
and Dancers, San Diego Dance Theatre, Janis Brenner, and Malashock and Dancers. Stevinson-Nollet,
has provided the company with
over twenty premiers, presented in five states and three countries.
She has used the company as a vehicle to
present new and innovative work combined
with traditional foundations.
FFDT has relied on grants, individual
donations, fund raising and ticket sales to cover expanding costs of production and allocation of stipends
for dancers and choreographers. Past
funding has come from the
FFDT has presented ten full evening
programs in twelve venues with multiple performances at various festivals, such as the International Arts
Festival in New Haven, the Los Angeles Kaleidoscope Festival, Florida Dance Festival, and venues, such as
Sushi Performance Gallery,
Trinity College, University Settlement, 92nd Street Y, the
Cunningham Studios, Broome Corner Studios, Bridge for Dance, and Charter Oak
Cultural Center.
FFDT is a registered non-profit organization.