Throughout history, dance has always reflected – and influenced – historic events. On Sunday, June 19, three remarkable documentaries show why dance is central to who we are.  “Claude Bessy: Lignes d’une vie (Traces of a Life)” provides an intimate look at the legendary rising star of the Paris Opera Ballet during World War II who went on to become a dance partner of Gene Kelly. In “Never Stand Still,” Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris and others share the remarkable story of how an abandoned Massachusetts farm evolved after the Great Depression into the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and an internationally renowned nexus for dance. In “Sutra,” celebrated choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents a profoundly imagined show inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of the Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province, established 495 AD in China.

A unique Q&A with Director Fabrice Herrault will follow “Claude Bessy: Lignes d’une vie (Traces of a Life)”; Director Ron Honsa and Producer Nan Penman will introduce Never Stand Still in person. Both of these showings are West Coast Premieres.

The screenings will be held at Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theatre from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m on Sunday, June 19. All festival events are FREE and open to the public. Guaranteed seating through a special DCW Membership Pass is highly recommended.

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