Just 4 days to “Heiligabend” and we open for you the little Advent Calendar door Number 20 and present you Mrs. Rena Shagan. Rena is a famous producer and booking agent for professional dance companies worldwide. She is the head of the American based agency Rena Shagan Associates, Inc.. For her the words “imagination”, “innovation” and “movement” are very much related to dance and culture.

We asked Rena the following questions:

NDKD: What was your first encounter with dance?

Rena Shagan (RS): I was taken to see a performance of American Ballet Theatre at the “old” Met as a child. It was a repertory program and I still vividly remember the repertory and who danced what role. Obviously, life changing.

NDKD: What is your connection to the Norddeutsche Konzertdirektion?

RS: I met Franziska Grevesmühl at an early Tanzmesse. We had similar interests and taste and have mutually worked on tours for several artists.   

NDKD: Could you describe us your professional career?

RS: I began life as a dancer, attending the High School of Performing Arts and then as a performer in the company of choreographer, May O’Donnell, who had started as one of Martha Graham’s leading dancers. I went to university and worked in a number of political campaigns. Finally, I found that I really wanted to be a part of the dance field again. Two old friends were starting a dance company and I asked if I could work for them.  I was very fortunate because they were well known artists and I was able to get help and advice from administrators in the Paul Taylor and Merce Cunningham companies, so great teachers and great examples.  My own organization evolved and over the years we have been lucky enough to book and produce tours for Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, the Royal Swedish Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Trisha Brown and among others.

NDKD: Dear Rena, many thanks for your time. We wish you wonderful Season Holidays! 

Photo by Rena Shagan Associates, Inc.