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“Mr Rhoden’s choreography was like hot molten lava; flowing with undeniable power” The New York Times
“Power, punch and pizzazz. For sheer exuberance, the dancers of ‘Complexions Contemporary Ballet’ must hold the gold medal…” The Age, 2006
Following a spectacular Australian premiere season in Melbourne at the Arts Centre in 2006, America’s original multicultural dance company and New York’s most daring contemporary ballet company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, will sizzle into Melbourne to perform at the State Theatre from 26 February - 7 March 2009, a strictly limited season of 7 performances only.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet will present a brand new program of material to Melbourne audiences that will combine stunning classical dance skills, cutting edge dance moves and unbelievable physicality and strength, all set to a powerful musical soundtrack from the likes of U2, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Odetta and even George Frideric Handel.
Defying classification, one of the great modern dance companies of our time, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, emerged in 1994 from the melting pot of New York City and was co-founded by two superstars of American ballet- the most sought after artistic team of choreographer, Dwight Rhoden and dancer, Desmond Richardson. Grounding their cutting-edge choreography and original music within the roots of classical dance, this remarkably talented troupe of 16 dancers have developed a style that harnesses all forms of multi-media and everything from ‘pointe’ to ‘pop’, whilst staying true to the singular vision, to share a common appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism through dance.
Co-founder and artistic director Dwight Rhoden has created more than sixty works for Complexions Contemporary Ballet since its debut. Desmond Richardson, who will perform in the Melbourne season, was a principal dancer, along with Dwight Rhoden of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre for seven years before forming Complexions. He has performed on stage with artists such as Prince, Madonna and Aretha Franklin and on film in the Oscar-winning “Chicago”, with Patrick Swayze in “One last Dance” and “Across the Universe” by the acclaimed director of “The Lion King” Julie Taymor. Recently both Rhoden and Richardson choreographed a new work for the last season of the US hit show,’So You Think You Can Dance’, which received stunning reviews.
A true highlight of the 2009 Melbourne season, will be an electrifying new company work, ‘Rise’, set to the powerful rock music of world-renowned band U2 that will close each performance. This is the first time U2 has granted permission for the use of their work in a ballet and in a major choreographic milestone, Dwight Rhoden has created a truly stunning piece featuring the entire company. As Rhoden states, “U2’s music has a thread of passion running through it that connects with the heart and soul. That energy –which has become the backdrop for the celebration of the human spirit in many ways - creates the inspiration for this new work…. I want ‘Rise’ to be powerful yet joyful, to help all of us see the possibilities in our world, I want this dance to make a connection with the audience…I want them to leave the theatre hopeful.”
Also featured in the Melbourne program is: the intimate and stirring new piece, ‘I Will Not Be Broken’, inspired by the doctrine “from tragedy to triumph”; ‘Gone’, an astonishingly powerful and intense physical performance about brotherhood, conflict and survival featuring the emotional music of American folk singer Odetta; ‘Momentary Forevers’, featuring the unlikely musical collaboration of George Frideric Handel and John Cage; and ‘Moody Booty Blues’, a short, hot work for five dancers featuring the electrifying American blues music of Muddy Waters, Son House, Roy Buchanan and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
This strictly limited season will appeal to lovers of all dance styles- do not miss the chance to experience this exhilarating and exquisite contemporary ballet company in action!
the Arts Centre presents
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson
Venue: the Arts Centre, State Theatre
Dates/Times: 26 February- 7 March 2008 at 7:30pm
Duration: 150 mins, 2.5 hours
Tickets: $89.00 - $39.00
Bookings: theartscentre.com.au*, 1300 136 166*, the Arts Centre Box Office or Ticketmaster outlets. *transaction fee applies
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