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POSTCARDS: Dancer Joe González on Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s 30th Anniversary

The Dancer Has Stepped Into a New Leadership Role Under the Artistic Collective

WHO: COMPLEXIONS Contemporary Ballet's 30th Anniversary Season

WHAT: Under the direction of co-founders Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the Company will bring a retrospective suite honoring Rhoden’s choreographic legacy while featuring audience favorites Ave Maria, Growth, Naked Perfume, Mercy, Higher Ground, and other high-octane works with music ranging from Tchaikovsky and Handel to Earth Wind and Fire and U2.  Company premieres include Rhoden’s take on Ravel’s masterful Bolero; pas de deux With Feeling, Benny; and Cry Me choreographed by Jae man Jooset. Commemorating this landmark season, the company will also present 30 with spoken word written and performed LIVE by Resident PoetJournalist Aaron Dworkin.

WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY

WHEN: Tuesday, November 19 – Sunday, December 1, 2024

TICKETS: Click here

A profound sense of joy and anticipation permeates the air as all of us at Complexions Contemporary Ballet as we prepare to celebrate the momentous 30th season of the company.

I am currently in rehearsals revisiting the dance works that have graced the stage over the past three decades, and it is a true privilege to delve into the history and origins of these captivating pieces. There is much choreography to be learned between these resurfacing pieces and premieres, but it has been worth the task of learning about the inspirations and motivations behind the creation of these works. Doing this has inspired my rehearsals and will bring an added layer of meeting and connection during The Joyce Theater performances. By merging the historical understanding with my unique artistic voice, I can breathe new life into these beloved compositions, forging a seamless synthesis of the past and the present.

Joe González. Photo by Rachel Neville
 

This year I am stepping into a leadership role as one of the members of the Artistic Collective for Complexions. With this new perspective, I've further understood that the heart of Complexions is its loyal commitment to bringing together a diverse tapestry of talented artists, with different backgrounds, perspectives and artistic voices. I take immense pride in being a part of cultivating and showcasing this rich diversity, united by a shared passion for dance and a desire to share the love and artistry as a cohesive ensemble. This inclusivity and collaboration are at the heart of the Complexions brand, making the company's 30th-anniversary celebration more meaningful, both as a performer and Artistic Collective member.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet in rehearsals. Photos by Taylor Nicole
 

As we prepare to take the stage at The Joyce Theater from November 19th through December 1st, we are eager to share this remarkable journey with our audience. The opportunity to showcase the evolution and enduring legacy of Complexions Contemporary Ballet over the past three decades is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and its ability to captivate and inspire audiences with innovative and visually stunning performances.

I hope I get to share with as many of you during this season just how grateful I am to be a part of that through my dancing on stage!

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