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Associated Press
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Passion, Power and Spirit: DCDC's 'Fantastic Forwards' Trailblazing World Premieres
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Explores the Human Journey in Powerful New Program 'Fantastic Forwards' 'As we close our main-stage programming for the 24-25 season, I am extremely excited to present three world premieres that showcase the artistry, energy and passion of the DCDC artists.'— Debbie Blunden-Diggs, Chief Executive and Artistic Director DAYTON, OH, UNITED STATES, April 16, 2025 / / -- Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), one of the nation's leading contemporary dance companies, will transform the Victoria Theatre stage this April with their groundbreaking new program, " Fantastic Forwards.' 'Fantastic Forwards' is brimming with the innovative spirit that has made DCDC a leader in contemporary dance for over five decades. 'Fantastic Forwards' features the pioneering work of three dance-makers, each addressing the timely themes of mental health, resilience, survival and community. Their works testify to the dazzling horizons that lie ahead as they harness the dynamic energy of Hip-Hop to explore how we navigate life's complexities. Artistic Vision With 'Fantastic Forwards,' DCDC reveals that Hip-Hop is a sophisticated world language capable of expressing our deepest human struggles, complex emotions and greatest triumphs. This production represents DCDC's continued commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while honoring its roots. Audiences will thrill at the full dynamism of contemporary dance as DCDC artists transform the Victoria Theatre into a vision of what dance can be. Audiences have consistently described DCDC performances as experiences that touch the soul, elicit tears and transform beyond words. More than showcases of electrifying athleticism, DCDC performances set the stage for meaningful conversations and create lifelong converts. 'Fantastic Forwards' continues this tradition, where energy is described as 'through the roof,' dancer movements become a 'masterclass' and you feel 'like a Sunday morning and a Saturday night all in one.' World Premieres and Choreographic Highlights Three acclaimed choreographers push the boundaries of movement, seamlessly fusing the rhythmic precision of Hip-Hop footwork with the fluid expressiveness of contemporary dance and the technical brilliance of classical ballet. Audiences will see the world premiere of Ray Mercer's electrifying 'Mental,' which brings the unseen battle of mental health to the stage. The powerful opening solo embodies the struggle of a Black man wrestling with his own emotions—his thoughts surrounded by voices that haunt, push and pull. Mercer's aptly named piece sheds light on the weight of mental health battles, especially in spaces where vulnerability is rarely given room to breathe. The godfather of Hip-Hop, Rennie Harris, offers up the soul-stirring 'Soon,' which pulses with the spirit of house, gospel and the undeniable groove of Philadelphia's GQ style. 'Soon' is a heartfelt exploration of community and the transformative power of spirit. Harris says, 'At its core, 'Soon' is a reflection of my own personal journey—a testament to my upbringing in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of North Philadelphia. Growing up in an environment where challenges were abundant, I found strength in the collective spirit of my community.' Completing this extraordinary trio is the world premiere of Joshua L. Ishmon's gripping 'Pressed,' which dives into the raw reality of mental health struggles, the weight of societal expectations and the pressure to be something—or to be seen as something. Through moments of roaring intensity, release and relentless fight, dancers embody the turmoil, resilience, breaking and rebuilding of the human spirit. Together, these works create a mesmerizing journey that speaks to the universal human experience of finding wholeness and joy in a fragmented world—a true testament to the dazzling artistic horizons that lie ahead for contemporary dance. Legacy and Impact Rooted in DCDC's 56-year legacy of artistic excellence and cultural significance, 'Fantastic Forwards' explores the full range of the human spirit through movement, sight, sound and soul. Coming fresh from their stunning collaboration with Dayton Opera, DCDC continues to demonstrate their versatility and artistic range in this trailblazing program that remains true to the company's founding mission of creating opportunities for dancers of color and celebrating the African American experience. 'As we close our main-stage programming for the 24-25 season, I am extremely excited to present three world premieres that showcase the artistry, energy and passion of the DCDC artists,' said Debbie Blunden-Diggs, chief executive and artistic director. Whether you're a seasoned dance lover or new to the infectious thrill of DCDC, 'Fantastic Forwards' promises to be an unparalleled event that will move, inspire and transform. WHEN: Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m. WHERE: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 TICKETS: Available at or by calling 937-228-3630 INFORMATION: Visit SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook/Instagram @daytoncontemporarydancecompany HASHTAGS: #FantasticForwards #DCDCmoves #DaytonArts #ContemporaryDance About DCDC Founded in 1968 by visionary and MacArthur Fellow Jeraldyne Blunden, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company has grown from creating performance opportunities for African American dancers to becoming the 10th largest modern contemporary dance company in the nation. DCDC tours nationally and internationally to great acclaim. The company has been presented by the American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow, BAM Next Wave Festival, The Joyce Theatre, Kennedy Center, ADF Seoul, ADF Moscow and the Lyon (France) Biennale de la Danse. With the knowledge that dance is for everyone, DCDC is committed to arts-integrated education and community engagement. DCDC remains rooted in the African American experience and is dedicated to the presentation of exceptional art and artists on the global stage. Kevin Ward Dayton Contemporary Dance Company +1 937-228-3232 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. thriving as it tells the stories of Black people
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — For more than 50 years, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company has thrilled audiences all over the world. The internationally renowned organization prides itself on being culturally diverse and telling the stories of Black people. Debbie Blunden-Diggs, artistic director at DCDC, said it's been that way since the beginning. 'It is a company rooted in the African American experience,' said Debbie, 'which means we tell the stories of our culture and beyond our platform as wider than that.' Local Black artist keeping Dayton's art scene alive 'We transcend boundaries with what we do in our storytelling through movement. It's an experience unlike any other.' It's what her mother, DCDC founder Jeraldyne Blunden, envisioned when she started the company in 1968. 'She wanted to make a place for African American dancers to get really, really valuable in quality training,' Debbie said of her mother. 'And so that's what she set out to do.' Blunden and the company had humble beginnings, training girls in the hallways of borrowed spaces and having to constantly move without a true place to call home. Yet she persevered and blazed a trail for what a Black-owned dance company could be. 'I don't even know that I understood the magnitude of what she was trying to do,' Debbie said. 'I don't know that she understood the magnitude of what she was trying to do.' Now 56 years later, DCDC is one of the largest contemporary dance companies in America, and one of the best in Ohio. Artists come from all around the world to be classically trained. The company has toured the world dancing on stage for packed houses in Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan, even performing in front of European royalty. For some, it's more than just a privilege. 'It means responsibility to do things as authentically as I can,' said DCDC dancer and choreographer Qarrianne Blayr. 'It means bringing people along for that journey, and especially for other Black women in this world and in this company and in my family.' Qarrianne hails from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and has been with the company for more than a decade. She stands on the shoulders of giants, such as Sheri 'Sparkle' Williams, who toured for 46 seasons with the company, a feat unheard of in the dance world. She even received the coveted 'Bessie Award' for exceptional achievement by a dance artist in 2002. These are the types of performers that come through the doors of DCDC, setting the standard for the next generation. 'This company is rooted in the African American experience here in Dayton, Ohio,' said Debbie. 'This is Black History Month. We are Black history. We create it every day. We create it every time we take the stage.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
