Dallas, Texas – Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s (DBDT) Cultural Awareness series features a classic work by legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, performed to live music, and a world premiere by master choreographer Hope Boykin, a veteran dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor of the series which runs February 14-16, 2020, at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre in the AT&T Performing Arts Center, located at 2400 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas.
“Reflections in D” is an Alvin Ailey classic set to the music of Duke Ellington. Ellington composed the original music specifically for the Ailey solo, which made its world premiere in 1962. At that time, the New York Times described it as “angular, but emotional intense choreography.” The visionary Ailey, who would have been 89 this year, gifted the choreography to Dallas Black Dance Theatre. For the first time, the work will be accompanied live by Steve Harlos, staff keyboardist for The Dallas Symphony, and pianist Erik Barnes.
Bessie Award-winning dancer Hope Boykin has choreographed “ON. Toward. Press.” for Dallas Black Dance Theatre. This new work weaves her spoken word and movement together – sharing her personal experiences and finding her own lane in the midst of many heartaches and struggles. Richly influenced by scripture from Philippians 3:12-14, Ms. Boykin is reminded to strain toward what is ahead, focusing on her personal prize as she faces her 20th and final season with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The phenomenal dancers of DBDT will also move your spirit to the legendary music of Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Patti LaBelle, and Duke Ellington in the riveting dance “Beams from Heaven.” Choreographer Christopher L. Huggins set this spiritual dance and joyful celebration to traditional and contemporary gospel music.
“At Wells Fargo, caring for communities is embedded in our culture,” said Wells Fargo Region Bank President for Greater Dallas, Scott Wallace. “We strive to create and support positive, lasting impact—socially, economically, and environmentally—through our business practices, philanthropy, and community engagement. Supporting Dallas Black Dance Theatre offers us yet another opportunity to add to the quality of life in our communities.”
CULTURAL AWARENESS PERFORMANCES
WHEN: Friday-Saturday, February 14-15, 2020, 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 16, 2020, 2:30 pm
WHERE: Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre
2400 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
PURCHASE: Ticket prices range from $22-$58.
For single tickets, visit www.attpac.org or call 214-880-0202.
Group tickets are available by calling 214-871-2376 ext. 413.For more performance details, visit www.DBDT.com.
STUDENT MATINEES
The two student matinee performances on Thursday, February 13, 2020 are sold out.
To purchase tickets for the Friday, February 14, 2020, student matinee at 10:30 am at the Wyly Theatre please contact [email protected]
ABOUT DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE: Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is an internationally recognized professional dance company that engages the cross-cultural community through contemporary modern dance presented from the African-American experience. The National Endowment for the Arts designated the 43-year-old company as an American Masterpiece Touring Artist in 2008. The company also received the Texas Medal of Arts Award for Arts Education in 2017. As Dallas’ oldest and largest professional dance company, DBDT ranks as the 10th largest minority arts organization in America and the fourth largest black dance company in the nation.
Ann Williams founded Dallas Black Dance Theatre in 1976. Melissa M. Young took over the helm as Artistic Director in 2018 after starting at the company as a dancer in 1994. Zenetta S. Drew has led the administrative side of the company since 1987 as Executive Director.
Trendy Africa is a 2019-2020 supporter
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