and loved how their repertory
programs were a good fit for the
breakout sessions planned for
the conference. With each connection, the two seemed to be an
even better match. Needle decided to push the envelope and
told Lu’s boss, “These are basically
pop-up performances. Why don’t
we just kind of pop-up and be a
surprise throughout TEDMED?”
The gamble worked. TEDMED
loved the idea of the unpredictability of the surprise performanc-
New Jersey Stage
es. And then she surprised Needle by asking, “Can you perform
at the Library of Congress as well?
We have a party there and would
like you to appear as butterflies.”
Needle invited her to company
rehearsal where she saw most of
their repertory. The company’s
work includes classical, modern,
and street dancers performing
original theatrical works by Needle (former soloist of the Nikolais
Dance Theatre) and Olivia Galgano, former Principal of Ballet
November 2014
pg 82