To offer classes, workshops and performances in dance and related arts to the North Shore community by bringing outstanding artists to teach and perform; to create a nurturing environment where original and creative work can be developed and presented; to continue to forge strong ties to the community by including local artists in all aspects of performances; and to promote original works based on community issues and interests.
Windhover was founded in 1968 by modern dancer Ina Hahn and her husband Herbert Hahn as a performance camp for teenage girls. In 1983 Windhover became a 501(c) (3) non-profit foundation, and, in 1986, changed its focus from an arts camp to a performing arts center, expanding its mission to include more citizens of the Northshore community and to focus on creating works that reflected the community. Windhover teachers and artists have included Betty Jones and Risa Steinberg of the Limon Company; Lynn Simonson, master of jazz dance technique; David Szepessy, world-renowned cellist; jazz musician and composer, Joe Mulholland; and director/playwright George Angell. They are among many who have taught, performed and created works at Windhover over the past years, creating original choreography, dance/ theater pieces, and full-fledged musicals with original music.
In addition, the Windhover Dance Company performed reconstructions of the dances of Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, And is the only company dedicated to the work of these pioneer modern dancers in New England.
In 2005, the Windhover Dance Company began a unique relationship with New York-based Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre. Dancers from Týnek’s company have taught technique and repertory at Windhover’s Summer Dance Workshop, “Windhover Spreads its Wings”, each summer since then.
In 2012 Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre began a new annual tradition of making site specific dances at the local Quarries of Cape Ann. Quarry Dance was created and performed at Halibut State Park quarry in Rockport, and in 2013 Quarry Dance 2 was created and performed at Valley Pit Quarry in Lanesville. In 2020, Quarry Dance IX was created and adapted for film.
