Who says ballet has to be set to classical music? Next month, Complexions Contemporary Ballet challenges that notion with a bold evening at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, just an hour from Boston, scored by two rock icons. Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz and the legendary David Bowie provide the soundtrack for a night where rebellion, rhythm and high-octane dance collide.
The evening opens with Retro-Suite, a series of short works celebrating Complexions’ 30th anniversary. This section is both a look back and a statement of intent, highlighting the company’s evolution and the daring choreography that has become its hallmark.
The evening's second half features the music of Kravitz in Love Rocks, a celebration of love, humanity and diversity. The program concludes with an excerpt from Star Dust, Complexions’ 2016 tribute to Bowie, a work that merges pop theatricality with the precision of contemporary ballet.
Since its founding by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions has thrived on breaking boundaries between ballet and street, discipline and freedom, classical and pop.
As the company’s website puts it: “Our mission is to create a dynamic and inclusive performance experience that transcends boundaries, captivates audiences and inspires a profound appreciation for the limitless possibilities of movement. Guided by a commitment to artistic exploration, we strive to push the boundaries of classical and contemporary dance, fusing various styles and techniques to create a unique and groundbreaking repertoire.”
In practice, this means every performance feels fresh, exciting and impossible to categorize.
Attendees can expect more than a traditional ballet recital. Complexions’ performances often feel like epic live concerts, where the energy of the music and the athleticism of the dancers fuse into a fresh, unforgettable experience. From electrifying solos to ensemble pieces, the choreography is designed to shock, delight and inspire, leaving audiences with a new appreciation for how dance can interpret and amplify the power of music.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet: Stardust and Love Rocks performs at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts on November 2. Tickets range from $49 to $79, depending on seating, and are available at thehanovertheatre.org.