Society for the Performing Arts Presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Press Release                                                                                                    MEDIA CONTACT:
Larisa Gawlik
713.632.8105
lgawlik@spahouston.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Society for the Performing Arts Presents
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Artistic Directors
in
Star Dust
Houston Premiere
June 1, 2019
with additional repertoire 

HOUSTON (MAY 3, 2019) – Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) will present the Houston debut of Star Dust, Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s revelatory tribute to the pop icon, David Bowie. Houstonians will experience David Bowie’s musical genius like never before on June 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Hall for the Performing Arts.

Hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Enquirer, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends dance tradition through a groundbreaking approach to the art. Founded in 1994 by master choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson, Complexions’ foremost innovation is to remove boundaries, not reinforce them. The company blends methods, styles and cultures from across the globe, and the result is a continually evolving form of dance that reflects the movement of our world — and all its cultures — as an interrelated whole.

The program opens with Bach 25, an exploration of love and alliances, completes the first half of the program and uses music by Johann Sebastian Bach and various transcriptions as its inspiration to explore the chemistry within relationships that can create harmony and discord.

After intermission, audiences will enjoy Star Dust, a ballet tribute to David Bowie. The piece will feature many of the singer’s most beloved hits and glam rock-inspired costumes. Star Dust pulls classics from Bowie’s extensive catalogue and lays a visual imprint inspired by his unique stage personas and restless artistic innovation. With Bowie’s 40+ year career and more than 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.

Bach 25
Choreography by: Dwight Rhoden
Music by: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costumes Design by: Christine Darch
Performed by: The Company

Star Dust
A Ballet Tribute to David Bowie
Choreography by: Dwight Rhoden
Music by: David Bowie
Costumes by: Christine Darch
Lighting and Set Design by: Michael Korsch
Performed by: The Company

In conjunction with the mainstage performance of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Society for the Performing Arts will host a free Public Choreographer Discussion co-presented by Contemporary Arts Museum – Houston featuring Dwight Rhoden interviewed by SPA’s CEO, Meg Booth, at Contemporary Arts Museum – Houston on Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the Public Choreographer Discussion, Rhoden will highlight his artistic process and inspiration for creating a ballet tribute to David Bowie. This discussion will give dance enthusiasts a stimulating conversation about the creative process behind one of the world’s most innovative dance companies. For more information about SPA’s Public Choreographer Discussion Series and other programs, please visit www.spahouston.org/publicprograms.

About Society for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent non-profit presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has sponsored more than 1,000 performances of the world’s finest music, dance and theater events, in adherence to the belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment and quality of life within a community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to provide a variety of learning experiences for adults and children through master classes, lectures and special student performances, as well as build relationships between the performing arts and other interests within the greater Houston area and throughout the state of Texas.

About Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Break the boundaries of dance with the innovative company that transcends tradition, Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Founded in 1994 by master choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson, Complexions’ foremost innovation is to remove any barriers to creative expression, not reinforce them. This singular approach mixes methods, styles and cultures to create groundbreaking movement that embodies the company’s historical moment, while simultaneously building its future. Today, Complexions represents one of the most recognized and respected performing arts brands in the world. In the 23 years since its inception, the company has born witness to a world that is becoming more fluid, more changeable and more culturally interconnected than ever before—continuing its mission of bringing unity to the world, one dance at a time. For more information please visit complexionsdance.org.

About Dwight Rhoden

Widely known as “a dancer’s choreographer,” Dwight Rhoden has worked with, coached, and created for some of the most diverse artists spanning the worlds of ballet and contemporary dance including legendary dance artists Misty Copeland and Diana Vishneva. Rhoden has performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Les Ballet Jazz De Montreal, and as a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In 1994, Rhoden and legendary dancer Desmond Richardson founded Complexions Contemporary Ballet (CCB). CCB is widely considered “America’s Original Multicultural Dance Company,” and is celebrated for its pioneering spirit, and the building of a universal brand that continues to challenge traditional ideas and redefine possibilities in the dance arena. For over two decades, Rhoden’s choreography has been the lynchpin in the development of the Complexions repertory. Over the years, CCB has remained consistent in delivering a profound passion for diversity that has framed its vision and become its hallmark.

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WHO: Society for the Performing Arts presents…

WHAT: Complexions Contempary Ballet’s Houston Premiere of Star Dust

WHEN: Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m.                             

WHERE: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

WHAT ELSE: Tickets start at $35. Tickets can be purchased at www.spahouston.org, by calling 713-227-4772 or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday–Friday. Group rates for 10+ people are available. Prices are subject to change.