RETHINK BALLET

Recently named a “Southern Cultural Treasure,” Collage Dance Collective remains at the national forefront of inspiring the growth and diversity of ballet. This season elevates the company to new heights and features contemporary masterpieces by internationally acclaimed choreographers and new works by some of the nation’s most important emerging choreographic voices. With choreography as rich and diverse as Memphis itself, Season 14 reflects the company’s classical sensibility coupled with its desire to push the boundaries of ballet. Season highlights include the Memphis premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, originally commissioned in 2006 for The Royal Ballet in London and a world premiere ballet by Hope Boykin. Soulful, strong, and poised, Season 14 elevates Collage’s reputation for balancing innovation and tradition.

SEASON EVENTS

MEMPHIS DANCE FESTIVAL

Featuring the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band

Gaining recognition as the preeminent dance festival in the region, join us for a free, family-focused community event presenting the best dance makers in the nation including Memphis’s own Lil Buck plus artists from New York City Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Nashville Ballet alongside hometown favorites! Enjoy a day of dance, food trucks, and family fun.

Jazz Gala Fundraiser

Now in its 13th year, this is an enriching affair with performances by Collage’s world-class professional company and students from the Collage Dance Conservatory. Experience live music by Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Kirk Whalum, a special performance by soul singer Talibah Safiya, delicious cuisine, thirst-quenching cocktails during an elevated afternoon affair in support of the Collage Dance Conservatory.

34th Annual International Conference of Blacks in Dance

A pioneering four-day dance experience, now in its 34th year, where attendees will engage in a multitude of invaluable opportunities expanding their understanding of dance history and technique through Conference and Festival programming that includes an awards celebration, meals and social events, a membership town hall, sessions and four performances open to the public.

RISE

Revered for its hallmark ballet, Kevin Thomas’s Rise, set to Dr. King’s final public speech, this program ascends even higher with the addition of revered choreographic voices. Experience Amy Hall Garner’s transcendent Saint Glory, inspired by her grandparents Catholic and Baptist roots and a world premiere by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alum Hope Boykin.

ELEVATE

The centerpiece of our elevated spring program is the Memphis premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, which explores the drama of the human body and its ability to communicate extremes of thought and emotion. The one act ballet, which the London Times heralded as “ravishing on all fronts,” premiered in 2006 at The Royal Opera House and in 2007 received an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production. The spring program also includes a dynamic new commission by Miami-based choreographer Durante Verzola.

14th Annual Student Concert

A highly anticipated culminating performance which features more than 300 students from the Collage Dance Conservatory who train in ballet, tap, jazz and West African dance. This historically sold-out performance is an awe-inspiring opportunity to witness and invest in the promise of Memphis area youth.

Season 13 is made possible through generous support from:

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