The Front Line

DDD’s new work-in-the-making

Our newest dance-theater work, The Front Line, examines American democracy through the voting process lens. Set in a middle school gymnasium turned polling site for an imagined Election Day 2040, the movement, song and words of the poll workers—aka the front line—interact with those of community cast members (including youth), playing the role of voters/campaigners and potential onstage chorus, to explore and unravel the act of voting and the aspiration, dreaming, anger, disappointment, frustration and hope behind each vote—combining sober reflection with joyous celebration about what it means to participate in America.

Envisioned as a social justice practice, the work asks, “If attending a performance of The Front Line is like voting, what happens after the vote”? With the general populace comprised of differing views to form the fabric of society, “The Front Line” seeks to invoke a respect for difference, with a desire for audiences to leave performances changed, ready for discussion and to engage with democracy as an active citizen into the future. “The Front Line” features original movement, music, text and visuals performed by eight dancers and two composers/musicians and is intentionally scalable. While the work may be presented in traditional theaters and performing arts centers, a minimal-tech version of the work, emulating an actual polling place, will allow it to be shared in nontraditional venues (i.e. gyms, cafeterias, community centers). 

A 2025 recipient of a Democracy Cycle commission, a program of Perelman Performing Arts Center | PAC NYC and Civis Foundation, The Front Line is a co-commission receiving additional development support from American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, Connecticut College, and Yale Schwarzman Center. The Front Line will premiere at the 2027 American Dance Festival.

Research and development of The Front Line is being led by Artistic Director David Dorfman in collaboration with DDD Company Members: Jack Blackmon, Kevin Carroll, Lily Gelfand, Dorchel Haqq, Corinne Lohner, and Kendall Ramirez, as well as collaborators Aya Wilson, Lenin Fernandez, Arianna Polite, Michaela Ellingson, and Bella Donatelli.

ddd x Jacob’s Pillow community residency

October 3-5, 2026

Calling All Movers: No Experience Needed!

David Dorfman Dance (DDD) and Jacob’s Pillow seek citizens who love to move, to participate in workshops and discussions from October 3-5, 2026, in Pittsfield, MA for The Front Line, a very special project examining American democracy through the voting process lens. Set in a middle school gymnasium turned polling site for an imagined Election Day 2040, the movement, song and words of the poll workers—aka the front line—interact with those of community cast members, embodying the important role of voters and campaigners.

Attendance at both the Saturday and Sunday workshop sessions is strongly encouraged. Details in the form below.