Shall we dance?

Feb 10, 2009 by Monica Danna    5 Comments    Posted under: arts + events

image: tracy manford

If my incessant tweets about Britney Spears hasn’t tipped you off that I am a huge fan of dance, then maybe my admission of having dreams of dancing with Justin Timberlake on more than one occasion will.

A few months ago I was introduced to the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater in Houston by Jessica Walters. I honestly can’t thank her enough for bringing this amazing group of dancers into my life. I have attended a few performances since then, and am hooked. And you will be, too.

Ballet schmallet! This is contemporary dance!  I and love every bit of it. No stuffiness and tutus (ok, there are some tutus!).  Theses dancers are athletes + angels who make physically challenging roles seem effortless. They glide across the floor like clouds, before suddenly jolting to a stop then gracefully sliding into each others arms.  This is sexy. And phenomenal.

In January I had the awesome opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal as the dancers were preparing for their upcoming performance of Bourne-Kylián-Walsh: A Masterful Mixed Repertoire, a mixed rep program featuring various pieces including:  the Houston premiere of the White Swan duet from British choreographer Matthew Bourne’s smash hit Swan Lake;  a reprise of Jirí Kylián’s powerful male solo Double You; and revivals of Walsh’s romantic For the Two of You and his beloved Bello, winner of three 2005 Dance Europe Critic’s Choice awards including best premiere.

What an amazing, intimate experience!  We were able to watch as Dominic and the dancers conceived, edited, and collaborated on the pieces for the upcoming show. Here are some pics of my pictures from the practice, and some much better pictures from Tracy Manford, who’s lusty choice words after attending the rehearsal turned the dancers red-faced.

This Friday, February 13th at 7:30pm at the Hobby Center I will be helping to host the Friday Night Casting Couch performance of Bourne-Kylián-Walsh: A Masterful Mixed Repertoire. The Casting Couch series allows attendees of the performance to join the dancers and Dominic on the stage following the show for drinks and bites.  Click on the image below to purchase your tickets.

Please join me on Friday to experiecne this amazing treat that our city is lucky to call ours:  A night of contemproary ballet with the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.

See you there.

Tags: ballet, contemporary ballet, dance, dominic walsh, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater

5 Comments + Add Comment

• 
  Fayza February 10, 2009 at 1:00 pm

  Ahhhh. We are so lucky here in Houston. We’ve got so much good stuff.

  Reply
• 
  Mariam March 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm

  The Trilogy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  April 30-May 2, 2009 at 7:30 PM

  Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby

  The much-anticipated Houston premiere of Walsh’s Mozart Trilogy – a unique collaboration between Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The Trilogy features Wolfgang for Webb performed by Sarasota Ballet, Amadeus for Anita performed by DWDT, and the new Mozart performed by both companies. With stunning scenic design by Houston artist Libbie Masterson and distinctive costumes by Domenico Luciano, The Trilogy will transport you to a timeless netherworld.

  Tickets: Start at $23.25

  ORDER TODAY! By phone: 713-315-2525 Online: dwdt.org

  Reply
• 
  mim March 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm

  Don't miss Dominic Walsh Theater's Trilogy!!!! I will be worth seeing!

  Reply
• {cosmo} Politician » Blog Archive » musings on houston + social media + arts + events April 29, 2009 at 10:01 am

  [...] Theater is this Friday, May 1st. If you haven’t read my post on my first DWDT experience, get on it.  You’ll see why I’m desperately in love with this modern dance [...]

  Reply
• 
  dwdt January 14, 2010 at 5:15 pm

  Romeo & Juliet
  February 11 & 13 at 8:00 PM and February 14, 2010 at 2:00 PM
  Wortham Theater Center, Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas

  Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Mercury Baroque will once again team up for the ultimate performing arts mash up—Romeo & Juliet. This beloved opera-ballet brings Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers to life like never before, with Walsh's contemporary choreography set to a Vivaldi score arranged by Antoine Plante and performed live on period instruments by Mercury Baroque and the Bach Choir of Houston.

  While dancers take the lead roles, Paris and Friar Laurence are portrayed by actors, and Lord Capulet and the Nurse are portrayed by opera singers – with all delivering Shakespeare’s text at pivotal moments. Adding to the wow factor of this production are the chic costumes designed by award-winning designer Fabio Toblini; award-winning designer Jorge Ballina’s architectural frame and scrim set that morphs throughout the ballet; and lighting by Robert Eubanks.

  Forget the expensive roses and chocolates this Valentine’s Day and instead, catch this triumphant union of contemporary ballet, Baroque music, opera, and theater. Bring your date, bring your friends, or just bring yourself!

  Tickets for Romeo & Juliet are on sale for $21.75, $34.25, $47, $75 through HYPERLINK "http://www.dwdt.org" http://www.dwdt.org, http://www.mercurybaroque.org, or by calling 832-251-0706.

  Reply