Complexions Contemporary Ballet Announces 25th Anniversary Season in NYC
Company:
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Complexions Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Performances at The Joyce Theater
World Premiere of “WOKE” and “ From Then to Now” a Compilation of Repertory Favorite from Last 25 Years,
NYC Premiere of “Bach 25” plus,
Return of “Star Dust” - The Ballet Tribute to David Bowie
February 19–March 3, 2019
New York, NY– Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Complexions) celebrates its 25th anniversary season at The Joyce Theater in New York City from February 19-March 3, 2019. Under the artistic direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the company will celebrate this milestone anniversary with three dynamic programs over a two-week span. Filled with a roster of some of the most diverse and exciting young stars, Complexions explodes onto the Joyce Theater stage with their signature style of athleticism, virtuosity and passion that has excited audiences for a quarter century.
In the first week’s program (Program A), Complexions will present the NYC premiere of “BACH 25.” Set to the music of Johann Sebastian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the work features the entire company in continuous movement to the Baroque composers’ dramatic violin and cello. A festive, athletic, neo- classical work in the signature style of Complexions this romantic, playful, and intensely physical piece celebrates the union of music and movement. Returning this season due to popular demandis the runaway hit “Star Dust,” a ballet tribute to the genre-bending innovation of one of the most prolific rock stars of all time, David Bowie. This full company ballet takes an array of Bowie’s hits and lays a visual imprint inspired by his unique persona and restless artistic invention, resulting in a rock opera production in his honor.
In the second week (Program B), the company will present the world premiere of “WOKE,” a physical reaction to the daily news. A bold and dynamic socially conscious one act ballet featuring the full company that examines our humanity in conjunction with today’s political climate. This work is inspired by the enlightened awareness and challenging moral compass of today’s generation. In honor of their 25th anniversary, the company will present “From Then to Now,” an amalgamation of audience favorites spanning the rich 25-year history of the company. Highlights will include excerpts from classics such as “Rise” featuring music of U2 (2008), and “The Grapes of Wrath” (1995) among other audience favorites.
All matinee programs (Matinee) will feature “Bach 25” and “From Then to Now.”
During the run, Thursday, February 21 will be dedicated to Complexions’ annual fundraising gala. Proceeds from this gala benefit performance will continue to help build Complexions’ educational initiatives through scholarships, mentorship programs and the continued development of Rhoden’s and Richardson’s methodology of dance training. Complexion’s educational initiatives were offered in six cities this past year, allowing the company the ability to mentor and train hundreds of dancers. The gala will give audiences an opportunity to see the next generation of performers as they grace the Joyce stage. In addition to the company performing, there will be a new work performed by the students of Complexions’ pre-professional program and students from New Orleans Ballet Association and performance from Complexions’ Artistic Director Desmond Richardson.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet Program
**All programs are subject to change**
PROGRAM A
February - 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 - ALL EVENING PERFORMANCES
ACT 1
BACH 25 - NYC PREMIERE
(World Premiere – Arcata, 2018)
Choreography – Dwight Rhoden
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
ACT 2
STAR DUST
A Ballet Tribute to David Bowie
(World Premiere – Detroit, 2016)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: David Bowie
PROGRAM B
February - 26, 27, 28 and March 1, 2 - ALL EVENING PERFORMANCES
ACT 1
WOKE – WORLD PREMIERE
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Various Electronica, Rap, Soul and African drumming
ACT 2
FROM THEN TO NOW
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Various
MATINEE PROGRAM
February - 23, 24 and March 2, 3 – ALL 2:00 P.M. SHOWS
ACT 1
BACH 25 - NYC PREMIERE
(World Premiere – Arcata, 2018)
Choreography – Dwight Rhoden
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
ACT 2
FROM THEN TO NOW
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Various
GALA PROGRAM
February 21
SPECIAL PROGRAM - Featuring highlights of the 25th Anniversary Season, with performances by special guests including Artistic Director Desmond Richardson, and pre-professional students from Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Education Programs.
Tickets to the gala performance vary. Regular tickets to the evening’s show are available at the Joyce website, JOYCE Ticketing. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 212-777-7771. VIP tickets include an orchestra level seat and invitation to the post-show champagne reception. For more information on the Complexions Contemporary Ballet gala, please contact: Muadi Dibinga at 917-604-6030.
Piece Information:
BACH 25 - (35 min)
A festive, athletic, neo- classical work in the signature style of Complexions. Romantic, playful, and intensely physical; BACH 25 celebrates the union of music and movement.
World Premiere – Arcata, CA (April 2018)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costumes: Christine Darch
FROM THEN TO NOW- (40 min)
An amalgamation of audience favorites spanning the 25-year history of the company. Highlights will include excerpts from classics such as “Rise” featuring music of U2 (2008), and “The Grapes of Wrath” (1995) among other audience favorites.
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Various
Staged by: Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson
Costume Design and Construction: Christine Darch
Lighting and Set Design: Michael Korsch
STAR DUST - (43 min)
“Star Dust” is the first installment of a full evening length ballet tribute to the genre bending innovation of one of the most prolific rock stars of all time, David Bowie. This ballet takes an array of Bowie’s hits and lays a visual imprint, inspired by his unique personas and his restless artistic invention to create a rock opera production in his honor. With Bowie’s 40+ year career and over 25 albums that stretch across musical borders “Star Dust” pays homage to the iconic and chameleonic spirit of what can only be described as... Bowie.
*“Star Dust” was generously commissioned by Detroit's Music Hall*
(World Premiere May 2016/ Detroit, MI)
Choreography by: Dwight Rhoden
Music by: David Bowie
Staged by: Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson
Costume Design and Construction: Christine Darch
Lighting and Set Design by: Michael Korsch
I. LAZARUS ( Blackstar album 2016)
II. CHANGES ( Hunky Dory album 1971)II
III. LIFE ON MARS ( Hunky Dory album 1971)
IV. SPACE ODDITY ( Space Oddity album 1969)
V. 1984 ( Diamond Dogs album 1974)
VI. HEROES ( Heroes album 1977) Sung by Peter Gabriel
VII. MODERN LOVE ( Let’s Dance album 1983)
VIII. ROCK AND ROLL SUICIDE ( The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars album 1972)
IX. YOUNG AMERICANS ( Young Americans album 1975)
WOKE- (40 min)
WOKE (A Call to Action) is a bold and dynamic socially conscious ballet that examines our humanity in conjunction with today’s political climate. Set to an eclectic soundscape remix of symphonic textures, electronic beats, soulful vocals, African drumming, rap and spoken word, WOKE uses the pulse of our daily lives and the immediacy of action and reaction to examine our moral compass. WOKE explores the energy and inspiration for activism, awareness, and the need for tolerance, inclusion, and equality.
World Premiere – New York, NY (February 2019)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Phillip Glass, Logic, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Sam Smith, Donny Hathaway, remixed electronica and African drumming
Costume Design and Construction: Christine Darch
Lighting and Set Design: Michael Korsch
Photo: Steven Trumon.
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