Ciston PR Newswire: World Premiere Of Dance Theatre Of Harlem’s New Ballet “Passage” Commemorates The Collision Of Three Cultures In 1619 Virginia

9 May 2019

NORFOLK, Va., May 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution, in partnership with Virginia Arts Festival, commissioned a new ballet from Dance Theatre of Harlem, which received its world premiere May 3-5, 2019 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution themes of democracy, diversity and opportunity are reflected in the performance.

The new ballet, titled “Passage,” was created by the female creative team of choreographer Claudia Schreier, an award-winning young choreographer who has drawn attention from American Ballet Theatre, the Vail Dance Festival, and many others; and composer Jessie Montgomery, who created an entirely new score for the piece, and whose music has been hailed as “wildly colorful and exploding with life” (The Washington Post); and under the leadership of Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director Virginia Johnson and Executive Director Anna Glass.

Dance Theatre of Harlem also will perform the same piece at The Kennedy Center, May 28 – June 2.

“We are thrilled to present Dance Theatre of Harlem’s new ballet, Passage – one of the most anticipated Signature Events of 2019 Commemoration. And we are very grateful to Dance Theater of Harlem and our partner, Virginia Arts Festival, for helping us bring this performance to Chrysler Hall,” said Kathy Spangler, Executive Director of 2019 Commemoration. “This live artistic performance offers a tangible way for modern audiences to engage with themes that emerged when African, Virginia Indian and English cultures first collided in 1619 Virginia. This collision of cultures had an indelible influence in shaping 400 years of American history and culture.”

Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director Virginia Johnson hailed the opportunity to create a meaningful work that can express in abstract the fortitude of the human spirit and celebrate the invincible spark within that must prevail.

Read the full article on PR Newswire.