Up Close: Madeline Hollander

In Madeline Hollander’s video, “52 Final Bows,” the artist collaborates with former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer David Hallberg to spotlight 52 iconic bows and their unique, albeit subtle choreographies. The piece features bows from roles Hallberg has performed throughout his career, as well as signature bows associated with various choreographers, dance styles, schools, and instructors. The work serves both as a collective requiem for all of the missed endings, absent applause, and canceled performances over the past year due to the pandemic as well as an official closing to Hallberg’s onstage career, as he was unable to perform his farewell role in Giselle that had been scheduled for 2020. Hollander joined the Shed family of artists as a member of the first cohort of “Open Call” participants. When her 2020 performance was delayed due to the pandemic, she re-envisioned a version of her commission for a virtual audience. “52 Bows” is commissioned by The Shed with the support of Performa.