Amelia Heintzelman: How Dogs Play (Night 1)
Roulette509 Atlantic Ave, New York 11217
Amelia Heintzelman brings How Dogs Play to Roulette for Night 1, a dance work performed by Heintzelman with Brendan Elefante and Jack Dexter; Tommy Martinez provides sound. The piece examines “the complex presence of aggression in intimacy” through childlike play, rivalrous antics and feats of maniacal athleticism. Roulette describes the trio’s movement as an “athletic maze of child’s play and menacing acts,” making this a performance built from physical encounter, tension and shifting power rather than a conventional concert set.
Originally from the Midwest and now based in Brooklyn, Heintzelman is a dancer, choreographer and teacher. She has recently performed in work by Kim Brandt, Jesi Cook, Ayano Elson, Deborah Hay, Melinda Ring and Alexa West. Gia Kourlas of The New York Times wrote that Heintzelman “charged the space with a burst of energy wavering formidably between violence and vulnerability.” An account of an earlier presentation of How Dogs Play noted Elefante in a bunny mask, using wrestling-style gestures with another dancer, a glimpse of the work’s collision of playfulness, ritual and confrontation.
Roulette occupies a beautifully restored 1928 Art Deco theater in Downtown Brooklyn, offering a spacious concert hall with a dramatic proscenium and a balcony that seats up to 400. The venue is known for its exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making every note clear from front to back. Shows here focus on adventurous and experimental music, often featuring world premieres and collaborations across disciplines. The audience is typically attentive, drawn by the venue's commitment to innovative performances rather than casual socializing. A full bar is available, and seating is flexible, with cushioned chairs arranged to suit each event. The venue’s professional sound and lighting systems enhance the experience, and performances are ticketed, with advance purchase recommended. Expect an evening of thoughtful, boundary-pushing art in a setting that respects both the performers and the audience.