Ephrat Asherie: Dancing with a collective consciousness

Published: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Ephrat Asherie Dance and Arturo O'Farrill Unite in "Shadow Cities"

New York-based choreographer Ephrat Asherie and Grammy Award-winning composer Arturo O'Farrill are collaborating on "Shadow Cities," a performance that blends dance and music with a focus on improvisation and shared experience. Asherie, known for her work in street and club dance styles, founded Ephrat Asherie Dance in 2012. Her company often collaborates with diverse artists, including her brother, jazz pianist Ehud Asherie, and tap dancer Michelle Dorrance.

"Shadow Cities" features Asherie's dancers alongside O'Farrill and members of his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. The performance incorporates elements of breaking, waacking, partnering, floor sweeps, and salsa, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of early New York club scenes. The artists emphasize improvisation, allowing for spontaneous moments within the structured choreography.

The collaboration between Asherie and O'Farrill began in 2019 and evolved into "Shadow Cities" in 2024. O'Farrill, a classically trained musician, has won eight Grammy Awards and has a history of composing for dance organizations. He emphasizes the transformative impact of working with dancers, stating that it has allowed him to compose and play with greater purpose.

The performance also incorporates a unique pre-show ritual where dancers and musicians sing a random note to create a chord. This practice, initiated by O'Farrill, aims to break tension and foster a sense of unity. The artists aim to create a shared experience that transcends the boundaries of individual roles.

Recent research suggests that watching live contemporary dance can synchronize brainwaves, fostering a sense of community and shared emotion. "Shadow Cities" aims to capture this collective consciousness, celebrating individual expression within a unified artistic vision.

BNN's Perspective: The collaboration between Asherie and O'Farrill offers a compelling example of how diverse artistic disciplines can converge to create a powerful and engaging experience. The emphasis on improvisation and shared experience highlights the potential of art to foster connection and community. This performance is a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the ability of art to transcend boundaries.

Keywords: Ephrat Asherie, Arturo O'Farrill, Shadow Cities, dance, music, improvisation, collaboration, contemporary dance, Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, breaking, waacking, club scene, brainwaves, community, performance, La Jolla, The Conrad

Full Story