Complexions Contemporary Ballet to appear at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts April 24 | Press Releases

"Complexions is a dance concept to be reckoned with." Australian Stage Online

Image: Complexions The internationally renowned Complexions Contemporary Ballet, co-founded by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson who were hailed by Tobi Tobias of New York Magazine as "two of the most gorgeous virtuosos ever to emerge from Ailey Land," takes the stage at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University Friday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. There will be a post-show Art to Heart Question and Answer with the company following the performance.

The sixteen-member company is filled with a microcosm of dynamic dance talents from various disciplines and is led by "the nonpareil Desmond Richardson," as he was described in a recent Dance Magazine review.

In a program grounded in cutting-edge choreography, mostly by Rhoden, and inspired by social and political issues, selections include "Hissy Fits," a Bach suite of high voltage dances that captures uncontrollable emotional impulses and frames interpersonal relationships; "Gone," with music by Vera Hall, that reflects on the struggles of survival surrounding the conflicts inherent in brotherhood; excerpts from several of the company's earlier works and a Richardson piece for which he created choreography and composed music, "Fall," that envelopes feelings of literal, spiritual and emotional gravity. "Rise" explores the dizzying journey of life through the iconic songs of U2.

The concept for Complexions grew out of a shared vision and common appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism through dance. The founders sought artists from various disciplines that would come together in an intense creative environment, designed for envelope-pushing creativity; a place where artists seek to ponder the human condition and explore the full-range of human emotions. The company's global success affords it the opportunity to extend its message in each new locale: Complexions is more than dance ... it is language itself.

In addition to the many awards and honors the company has received since it began in 1994, Richardson was recently nominated for the prestigious Benois de la Dance Award, dubbed by the press "Oscar of Dance," in recognition of his important achievements in choreography and performance throughout the world. The award ceremony will be held in Moscow in May 2009.

Tickets are $45, $40, $35 and are available online at fairfield.edu/quick or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. Sign up at fairfield.edu/quick to receive e-mails for special offers and discounts for Quick Center shows.