Spirituals by Helen Tamiris

Elizabeth staged, rehearsed and performed this suite of dances with Avodah Dance Ensemble 1993-2001.

She staged the suite of dances for the Montclair State University dancers 2009-2010.

She staged the suite of solos, only for Ella Rosewood in 2014.

All stagings were from the Labanotation score, by arrangement with the Dance Notation Bureau.

Unpacking of the issues related to Tamiris using spirituals from the Black community as inspiration and accompaniment, is an ongoing area of research and writing.

The eleven solos, not a dud in the lot, are succinct; the movement, dynamics, and spatial design deliberate and personal. The impetus behind the dances is communication of specific emotional states - never flash or athleticism - often relayed through clear imagery and gestures.... The reconstructors Gail Corbin, Lynn Frielinghaus, Jim May, Elizabeth McPherson, Martin Lofsnes, and Toby Nicholson must be applauded, along with the costumers!"

-- Deirdre Towers, The Dance Enthusiast, 2017

"Avodan opened the program with 'Go Down Moses,' given a dramatic performance by Elizabeth McPherson."

-- Doris Diether,  The Villager, 1995

Videos from performances of Tamiris' Spirituals performed by Avodah Dance Ensemble at Hebrew Union College in 1995, courtesy of JoAnne Tucker from her blog Mostly Dance