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Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the Joyce
One of the finest contemporary dance companies celebrates 15 years
D.Gary W. Jeter II and Natalia Alonso of Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Photo: Jae Man Joo)
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Complexions Contemporary Ballet performs edgy and sexy works; they also perform deeply spiritual and reflective ones. They can also be jazzy and soulful. In fact, they are all of these things, and for 15 years they have not stuck to one style, they have stuck to one mission: create a unique vision of dance.
Artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, both formerly of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, came together 15 years ago to found a company that would become one of the finest in contemporary dance with thrilling and inventive choreography. For their anniversary season titled Love, Sweat & Tears at the Joyce Theater, November 17–29, they have a program of four new premieres, a celebration compilation, and a fan favorite to honor their fusion of many styles into one artistic troupe. Mercy, Dirty Wire, Mirror Me and Atmosphere will make their world premieres, and 15th Anniversary Medley along with the return of Rise will span years of choreography.
The large company work for the season, Mercy, is choreographed by Dwight Rhoden. With an eclectic score of traditional spiritual music and hymns, it also features music by movie composer Hans Zimmer who has created music for movies like The Da Vinci Code, The Dark Knight and Angels & Demons. “It’s about compassion and empathy,” says Rhoden. “It is loosely inspired by events around the world and the reactions from humanity’s perspective.” Mercy is half of program A, along with Dirty Wire (also by Rhoden), which has an original score by jazz composer David Rozenblatt.
“Dirty Wire is a duet about connections and relationships in this technological age. We connect in a different way, we have a different way of getting to know one another,” Rhoden says. “So, it’s about communication and how we make connections.”
Program B presents the premiere of Atmosphere (by Ballet Master and recent recipient of the Princess Grace Award, Jae Man Joo) and Mirror Me (by Complexions dancer Juan Rodriquez), as well as excerpts of Mercy and Dirty Wire. As Rhoden explains, Atmosphere is an abstract work for six dancers set to the music of Bach; and Mirror Me is a trio for two women and one man. “The images of ourselves, we see them through others,” Rhoden mentions as the theme of Mirror Me.
In Program C, 15th Anniversary Medley and Rise speak to the company’s large repertoire and audience popularity. Medley features a compilation of fan favorites, while Rise (a tribute to rock band U2) is an energetic way to round out the program.
“There’s a lot to celebrate,” exclaims Rhoden of their anniversary season. “We’re still here after 15 years, so there’s a lot to celebrate.”