Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance (TLD) announces five onstage shows in Philadelphia and New York City in a continuation of their acclaimed climate change-themed collaboration with Matthew Burtner. The series of shows features live music by Burtner, Sperling as a soloist, and TLD’s brilliant all-women ensemble.

In Philadelphia, the Mandell Theater presents the Melting Ice/Changing Winds: Dance and Music of Climate Changeon April 29, 2022 at 7pm. The program features Ice Cycle, which was inspired by Sperling’s experience dancing on polar sea ice and expresses the fragility and dynamism of Arctic sea ice. Dance Tabs called it “an unusually beautiful vision.” Also featured in the program is Wind Rose (“hypnotic,” World Policy Institute), which renders changing atmospheric patterns into palpable sight, sound, and touch. Sperling will also share a solo excerpt from a new work-in-progress, American Elm (“breathtaking,” Dance Enthusiast), which considers the relationship between trees and people.

In New York City, The Theater at the 14th Street Y and TLD co-present Time Lapse Dance Onstage on May 5 & 6, 2022 at 7pm and May 7 at 2pm & 7pm, featuring Wind Rose, American Elm, and the stage premiere of Plastic Harvest,which explores the proliferation of plastic pollution. The dancers wear costumes fashioned from hundreds of plastic bags, creating a surreal spectacle with their actions and provoking contemplation about the beauty of what—and who—our society throws away. Dance Enthusiast called the street iteration “a folk dance for the 21st Century.” The opening night gala on May 5 will include a full performance followed by a special benefit reception and conversation with the artists.