Brooklyn Dance Space Takes on MoMA's Grandeur

Pageant, a four-year-old artist-run performance space in Brooklyn, recently held a studio residency at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This residency, organized by Martha Joseph and Luiza Repsold França, provided Pageant with an opportunity to expand its reach beyond its East Williamsburg loft.

The residency culminated in a performance marathon titled "Pageant Presents Pageant," featuring 25 artists performing 10-minute works. This event aimed to showcase the D.I.Y. spirit and experimental nature of the dance community that Pageant cultivates.

Pageant is recognized for its consistent curation in the often-fragile dance ecosystem, offering a space where artists can explore ideas and present complete works. Choreographers receive half of the door proceeds, with the remainder covering operational costs, making each show a step towards future programming.

During the MoMA residency, Pageant sought to "impress ourselves upon the space" rather than be influenced by it. The marathon transformed MoMA's fourth-floor studio into an intimate performance venue, mirroring Pageant's bare-bones conditions with limited technical cues.

This initiative highlights Pageant's growth from its founders' vision to a community-driven platform where artists support and influence each other. The residency underscored Pageant's commitment to providing a supportive environment for artists to refine their skills and present their work.