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EXCLUSIVE: Watch Ryan Steele #SharetheMattress
For the KEIGWIN + COMPANY 10th anniversary, the young dancer and actor invited us to bed
By Jerry Portwood
October 04 2013 8:02 AM EDT
Photography by Benjamin Fredrickson
For the 10th anniversary of his best-known work, "Mattress Suite," choreographer Larry Keigwin has cooked up a way to let others join in the fun, inviting notable creative folks to dance and frolic in their beds. We've shown you previous videos (like the one with designer Austin Scarlett), but this one with Broadway dancer Ryan Steele feels even more special. Steele stars in the indie film Five Dances from director Alan Brown, which opens in cinemas in select cities today, October 4.
SLIDESHOW: More photos of Ryan Steele in bed
For those not familiar with the original, it all began after Keigwin noticed his friend and 2003 collaborator Nicole Wolcott playfully jumping on her bed. They then dragged her mattress onto the floor, developed choreography inspired by Wolcott's moves, and created a narrative that blossomed into a full-fledged work set to popular songs and classical music.
This is all in preparation for the KEIGWIN + COMPANY 10th anniversary season to take place October 29-November 3 at The Joyce in New York City.
Others are encouraged to make and share their own videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube with the hashtag #ShareTheMattress. KEIGWIN + COMPANY will feature submitted videos on its website.
Out was invited to visit the set (Steele's bedroom) and photographer Benjamin Fredrickson captured the magic of the moment. While we listened to Carly Rae Jepson from Steele's phone, Keigwin directed him to arch and sway and flip. "Now Make slow, underwater shapes," Keigwin instructed, and Ryan dutifully complied. The fact that it was early and Ryan's two roommates were nearby didn't seem to phase anyone. Enjoy the video below:
Tags: Theater & Dance, Ryan Steele, Alan Brown, Larry Keigwin
13 min 29 sec ago