Bill T. Jones Unveils Powerful New Work in NYC: "Curriculum IV: Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn!"

New York City's vibrant dance scene is buzzing this week as legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones presents the world premiere of his latest masterpiece, "Curriculum IV: Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn!". This highly anticipated work, featuring the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and live musicians, offers free performances on September 10, 12, and 13, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the scenic Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park in Battery Park City.

Jones, a two-time Tony winner, National Medal of the Arts recipient, and Kennedy Center honoree, continues to push boundaries with this profound new creation. "Curriculum IV: Spin and Spin! Turn! Turn! Turn!" is a deeply resonant piece, commissioned by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and presented in partnership with New York Live Arts and Battery Park City Authority as part of the 2026 River To River Festival.

The work holds significant historical weight, commemorating the 25th anniversary of a performance originally scheduled by LMCC for September 12, 2001, on the plaza of the Twin Towers—an event tragically suspended. Twenty-five years later, Jones revisits that poignant moment, crafting a new narrative that meditates on loss, freedom, and resilience in the aftermath of 9/11 and other contemporary global challenges.

Collaborating with acclaimed composer and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes, Jones weaves striking choreography with an original live score, creating an intergenerational dialogue that explores our past and present. The public setting of Wagner Park, overlooking the Statue of Liberty, further amplifies the work's reflection on America's aspirational symbols and the collective experience of its people.

Bill T. Jones's "Curriculum" series, inspired by historian Achille Mbembe's concept of a "planetary curriculum," consistently merges formal exploration with urgent contemporary questions. This fourth installment is no exception, inviting audiences to contemplate what it means to live and act morally in today's complex world. The opportunity to witness such a masterful artist at work, especially with free access, is a testament to the enduring power of dance to interpret and respond to our shared human experience.

For those inspired by the innovative spirit of Bill T. Jones, GoDance offers classes that encourage exploration and personal expression in a supportive environment.