Complexions Contemporary Ballet draws on inspiration from the visual arts, theatre, street-dance and pop culture, to create a unique style that emphasizes the diverse qualities of its strong dancers, beautiful, vibrant and exhilarating. The company makes a welcome return to perform in Tel Aviv with special guest, the Israeli dancer/choreographer Ido Tadmor. Tadmor has created a duet, H-A-I for 2, which he will perform together with Complexions Co-Artistic Director Desmond Richardson – this will be a very special occasion!
Desmond Richardson is an amazing dancer, his impressive stature and sculptural physique is complemented by a surging energy, limber ease, and expressive grace. The New York Times designated him “one of the most majestic dancers ever to tread the Met stage.” The versatile Richardson has been a principal dancer at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, and guest artist at major dance companies such as Teatro de la Scala and the Swedish Opera Ballet, as well as performing on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his work in Fosse.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet was founded in 1994 by Co-Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, both had previously been principal dancers in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The company performs in major venues and festivals worldwide, and has received many accolades and awards, including The New York Times “Critics Choice.” Choreographer Dwight Rhoden’s has created over 90 ballets for the Complexions Contemporary Ballet, works which established and enhanced the company’s reputation for diversity and versatility. In addition to creating for the company and other ballets such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joffrey Ballet and New York City Ballet, Rhoden has created works for and/or worked with artists such as Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Simon, Marvin Gaye, U2 and many more.
One of Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s recent videos, with selections from dance works – watch online via this link https://vimeo.com/158943367 – Enjoy!
On the program:
Ballad Unto… (October 2015) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden, music: Johann Sebastian Bach. A large-scale neoclassical work, performed by the full company en pointe.
Gone (2000) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden; music: Odetta
Cryin’ to Cry Out (October 2015) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden; music: Jimmy Scott. A work inspired by jazz singer Jimmy Scott.
Choke (2006) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden; music: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons
Testament (2011) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden; music: Amazing Grace – folk.
H-A-I for 2 – World Premiere. Choreography by Ido Tadmore; music: Max Richter; performers: Ido Tadmor and Desmond Richardson.
Innervisions (2013) – choreography by Dwight Rhoden; music: selections from Stevie Wonder
Performances: Wednesday, July 20th at 20:00; Thursday, July 21st at 20:00; Friday, July 22nd at 13:00; Saturday, July 23rd at 21:00. Israeli Opera – Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, 19 Shaul HaMelech Blvd, Tel Aviv. Ticket prices range from 149 – 299 NIS, and may be ordered from the Israeli Opera website.
