Something Original. Something Unique.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, founded in 1994 by choreographer Dwight Rhoden and dancer Desmond Richardson, is an innovative and diverse dance company known for blending ballet with modern and contemporary techniques. They introduced fresh concepts with minimalistic attire, sparking my imagination to know more.
The ballet “Complexions Contemporary Ballet”, the same as its company title, references pieces of choreography tinkered throughout the years, put into a final repertoire. The ballet masterfully intertwines vivid visual elements with complex musicality, resulting in a performance that feels both timeless and avant-garde. Not only are there few trendy movements such as long standing arabesques and extreme turn sequences, but each movement repeats to the music, as if there is a longstanding motif. From the beginning, the muscle definition of the dancers blends seamlessly with the muted yet colorful setting, evoking a Picasso-like atmosphere where each movement deconstructs into geometric fragments. Triangles, pentagons, and weirdly formed polygons passed through space, hence creating deconstructed paintings. The opening sequence ripples softly through the arms of the dancers, matching the music’s fast yet tender dynamics. The music was quite erratic: sudden drops of a bass beat and tinkle like piano keys mashed together, yet all these differences were subtle. Every sudden jolt in the instrumental is mirrored by precise, purposeful choreography, creating a celebratory atmosphere that exudes beauty.
A standout moment occurs in the middle pas de deux, where never-before-seen movements replicate the musical beats with unmatched precision; a scorpion-like lady wrapped her back against a tense man’s head, and spun across the stage. No forced abstractism, the celebration of the human form reminding me of a Renaissance era idea, particularly with the dancers' muscularity and harpsichord backtrack. This section is a joyful expression of symmetry, with male and female dancers mirroring each other's every step. Each extension of the leg—whether in a la seconde or devant—synchronizes perfectly with the music’s idiosyncrasies, emphasizing the performers' unparalleled technique.
Shanna Irwin and Jared Brunson in Bach 25
The mood takes a stark turn as the stage shifts to a red-orange scene with two dancers. Here, the tone becomes unsettling and absurdist, heightened by one dancer's tulip looking costume. The minimalist red and orange hues evoke a sense of calm, electric ferocity, with movements that seem to embody the surreal image of a “possessed tulip.” Yet, in its simplicity, each movement carries purpose. The dancers intertwine in Romanesque, statue-like poses, all while the music, with its metallic twinkling, adds a mechanical edge to the harpsichord. This section feels like an otherworldly encounter, culminating in a moment where the dancers seem trapped in a box, lending a haunting, existential undertone while they chase each other.
After the intermission, the stage transitions to a vibrant green, where two male dancers engage in a captivating display of syncopation. Their movements—at varying heights—mirror the interplay between the music’s main beats and its intricate embellishments. The choreography, filled with jumps and dynamic shifts, reflects a sense of brotherhood, weaving in cultural elements that suggest African jazz influences. The dancers' passion and fluidity are palpable, breathing life into the music's repeating motives.
As the stage brightens with a kaleidoscopic burst of white light, the focus shifts to what feels like a celebration of the human pursuit of joy. The dancers’ technical mastery is on full display here, their pirouettes and developpés aligning flawlessly with the chromatic scales and trills in the music. Every line is pristine, every movement imbued with a sense of revelry. Unlike many other performances, where technique can sometimes feel rigid, these dancers seem to revel in every step, achieving a level of artistry that feels entirely authentic.
The final scene of Act 1 evokes a dreamlike quality, with the dancers resembling blurry sprites of light. Their movements, almost maddened in energy, are marked by bold catches and swift spins, capturing a sense of unbridled freedom.
Act 2 opens with a bluish hue, where dancers clad in minimalist Balanchine-esque costumes evoke an ethereal sense of serenity. The music, shimmering like an underground fantasy, sets the tone for a sequence that explores themes of peace and friendship. The airy movements, marked by entrechats and glides, evoke the sensation of water, with the choreography creating fleeting, geometrical shapes that are rarely seen in contemporary ballet. Eye contact between the dancers builds a palpable sense of connection, reinforcing the emotional depth of this section.
As warm lights flood the stage, the mood shifts once again, signaling the rainbow after the storm. The set remains refreshingly simple, allowing the intricate choreography and dynamic expressions of the dancers to shine. A sultry, urban romance emerges in this scene, with gazes that are both warming and intimate. The fluidity of the dancers' movements, almost too quick for the eye to follow, conveys a sense of profound emotional intensity.
The performance concludes with a return to cool blue lights, embodying a futuristic yet organic atmosphere. The dancers, now jelly-like, seem to exist in an AI-inspired world, filled with a quiet sense of longing and sadness. Their spins, like tornadoes, spiral through the air as they navigate the depths of human connection in a seemingly cyborg-influenced future. The final moments evoke an eternal glowing fire, capturing the power of recognition and the inescapable depth of life’s emotional currents.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a visually striking, emotionally charged performance that pushes the boundaries of contemporary ballet. With impeccable technique, nuanced storytelling, and innovative choreography, this ballet company encapsulates the essence of both human beauty and existential reflection, leaving the audience breathless in its wake. To anyone who desires to feel the raw passion of the performers, this choreographic design should be seen.
