“Ballet made utterly, gorgeously human” (Times Union), Memphis-based Collage Dance Collective captivates in its thirteenth highly anticipated performance season. The international touring company features a roster of virtuosic BIPOC dancers who embody the essence of one of the nation’s fastest growing dance companies and earn the bold acclaim “relevant, relatable and rooted” (Pointe Magazine).

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

SPRING PERFORMANCE

Noted as “a genius of the south,” Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston’s most iconic novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, gets reimagined as a ballet for 21st century audiences.  This highly anticipated new ballet about one woman’s journey of finding her voice and true love, features a brand new score by Quinn Mason, one of the country’s most sought after young composers, being performed live by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and new choreography by Kevin Thomas and Amy Hall Garner. This world premiere ballet is joined by the world premiere of Francisco Avina’s Letting Go To Let In and Christopher L. Huggins’ breathtaking contemporary ballet, Enemy Behind The Gates.

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RISE

WINTER PERFORMANCE

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. The program reflects the company’s classical sensibility coupled with its desire to push the boundaries of ballet.  From George Balanchine’s captivating classical ballet Valse Fantaisie to contemporary powerhouses by Kevin Iega Jeff and Christopher Huggins, leading African American choreographers lauded as visionary, dance innovators – RISE has something for everyone.  RISE also features Collage’s professional company performing alongside its dance stars of tomorrow.

BRAZIL BY NIGHT

Join Collage Dance Collective and Iris Collective for a Brazilian themed evening of live music, world-class dance, cocktails and food. This all-VIP experience includes an authentic Brazilian feast by Carson Rodizio with performances by Collage’s internationally-touring ballet company and the Iris Artist Fellows. A special performance by Charlotte-based NC Brazilian Arts Project and a samba party round out an unforgettable evening of international culture and art at Crosstown Arts Theater. Tickets are just $60 per person, so get yours today!

BRAZIL BY DAY

Experience a FREE fun-filled day of culture, community and the creative and performing arts presented by Collage Dance Collective and Iris Collective at Crosstown Arts!
 
Get immersed in the rich and diverse cultures found throughout the regions of Brazil – from the Amazonas to Bahia, Rio and beyond through fine art, live music, dance performances from Collage Dance, Iris Orchestra, Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and more!
 
This celebration of Brazilian culture is free, family friendly and open to everyone! No tickets are required.
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THE POWER OF ONE ANNUAL GALA FUNDRAISER

Join us for an enriching affair benefiting the Collage Dance Conservatory with performances by Collage Dance Collective, our international touring company and students from the Collage Dance Conservatory. Live music experiences, delicious cuisine, thirst-quenching cocktails, a dance party and a fully experiential VIP event for all ticketed guests make this year’s gala one not-to-miss! 

2ND ANNUAL MEMPHIS DANCE FESTIVAL

Free, family-friendly community event presenting some of the best dance makers in the nation, like international dance sensation Lil Buck and dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Enjoy a day of dance, food trucks, family fun plus lots of special guests including New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band.

MASTER WORKS

FALL PERFORMANCE

Collage Dance Collective kicks off its 13th season with a triple bill featuring some of the nation’s most iconic choreographers.  Experience the Memphis premiere of Gnawa by acclaimed Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, the modern masterpiece Vespers, by the legendary Ulysses Dove, and the Memphis premiere of Prodigal Son, by the father of American ballet, George Balanchine.

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Season 13 is made possible through generous support from:

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