Where They Meet
"Where They Meet" is a contemporary ballet originally choroegraphed for five dancers of color that explores the depth and complexity of human relationships. Set against an evocative score by Michael Nyman, the work seeks to humanize Black dancers in a genre where their voices have often been overlooked. Each dancer is invited to bring their personal narrative and lived experience into the movement, creating a raw, authentic expression that transcends traditional ballet structures. The piece navigates themes of unrequited connection, the varied relationship to self, and the bonds that form and fray within community.
The dancers move fluidly between moments of tension and vulnerability, forging a powerful dialogue that speaks to the beauty, resilience, and intricacy of their shared stories. "Where They Meet" does not impose a singular interpretation but instead invites each performer to offer their own truths, making the ballet as much a reflection of individual identity as it is a collective expression of unity. Through this approach, the work challenges audiences to witness and honor the diverse experiences of Black dancers as they claim space within the world of contemporary ballet.
Commissioned by: MoBBallet Pathways to Performance
Composer: Michael Nyman
Costume Designer: Marth Chamberlain
Lighting Designer: Pamela Hobson
Dancers: Joshua Bodden, Corey Bourbonniere, Whitney Huell, Jonathan Philbert, Princess Reid / Miranda Silveira Templer
Premiere: July 2, 2024 - Eisenhower Theater,
Kennedy Center, Washington DC