Memphis Welcomes Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance

News Summary

Memphis prepares for an incredible artistic experience as the Dance Theatre of Harlem returns for a limited engagement on February 7-8 at the Orpheum Theatre. Featuring dancers Derek Brockington and Delaney Washington, this event promises to celebrate the rich contributions of the Black community to dance. Additionally, the Collage Dance Collective kicks off its 13th season, further enhancing Memphis’s vibrant dance scene with performances and outreach initiatives aimed at empowering diverse dancers.

Memphis, Prepare for an Artistic Extravaganza!

Get ready, Memphis! The world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem is about to dazzle the Bluff City with a limited engagement performance on February 7-8. Those who cherish the beauty of dance will not want to miss this incredible opportunity to see two talented artists, Derek Brockington and Delaney Washington, grace the stage at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

A Celebration of Dance and Culture

As the Dance Theatre of Harlem takes center stage, audiences can look forward to an evening of breathtaking choreography that highlights the profound contributions of the Black community to the world of dance. This performance is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of culture, talent, and artistic expression that resonates deeply with many.

Collage Dance Collective Launches New Season

13th season of the Collage Dance Collective as well, which kicks off with a performance entitled “Rise”. This dynamic ballet company is committed to increasing access to dance for diverse communities and showcasing the rich history and culture of Black artists in the field.

Artistic Director Kevin Thomas knows firsthand the challenges of representation in ballet. He didn’t see a Black principal ballerina perform until he turned 19, an experience that solidified his commitment to change. Having once danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Thomas uses his platform to affirm the identities of Black dancers, thus paving the way for a new generation of talent.

A Growing Hub for Dance

Collage Dance is making waves by training over 400 dancers weekly through its various programs, including studio classes and outreach initiatives. Their Turning Pointe outreach program serves more than 200 students each year in Shelby County Schools, fostering a love of dance in young hearts all over the area.

This month’s performance at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts on February 4-5 will showcase young dancers from Collage, who will share the stage with professional talent. Audiences can expect to see stunning choreography pieces like Thomas’s creations, Ulysses Dove’s “Vespers,” and Geoffrey Holder’s “Dougla.”

Expanding Horizons

Exciting news doesn’t end there! Collage Dance Collective is taking big strides with plans to move to a new, expansive 22,000-square-foot studio near Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street. This new space is set to become the largest Black-owned ballet school in the South, designed with an inclusive vision in mind.

Tailored to meet the community’s needs, the new studio will feature five spacious dance studios, lovely courtyards, comfortable lounges, a well-equipped costume shop, and dressing rooms complete with showers. The design aims to promote inclusivity, using a variety of flesh-toned paint as an abstract representation of the diversity that dance embodies.

Empowering Future Generations

With a commitment to making ballet accessible to all, Collage Dance Collective inspires aspiring dancers from various backgrounds, offering opportunities from young beginners to those preparing for professional auditions. Many of their students have gone on to receive prestigious scholarships to well-known programs such as Ailey Fordham and Alonzo King LINES Ballet.

As Memphis gears up for an unforgettable lineup of performances, the city is poised to experience the transformative power of dance. Be sure to mark your calendars and join in celebrating the artistry, cultural heritage, and community connections that make this vibrant city a hub of creativity!

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Additional Resources

• Dance Theatre of Harlem Free Community Workshop – Daily Memphian
• Collage Dance Collective Poised for Growth – Commercial Appeal
• Collage Dance Collective’s “Rise” Returns – Choose901
• Dougla Review – New York Times
• Bluff City Life – Action News 5
• Wikipedia: Dance
• Google Search: Dance Theatre of Harlem
• Google Scholar: Collage Dance Collective
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dance
• Google News: Memphis dance performances