Dance companies have been shut down for a year now due to the pandemic. One especially exciting troupe, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, is presenting a new series of four dance films entitled “SNATCHED BACK from the EDGES.” The first one in the series, Black is Beautiful, was released in conjunction with Black History Month.
The film was choreographed and directed by Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. The piece is in response to the challenges faced in America. Themes of isolation, racial injustice, fear, loss, power, pride, activism and love are examined through the lens of today’s generation. Rather than a dark tale, however, the work is brimming with hope for the future while celebrating the resilience of a people’s past.
Black is Beautiful features the words of four poets from the United Kingdom: Terrell Lewis, Aicha Therese, Mr. Reed and Poetess Jess. Mr. Lewis begins the film. He is the founder of the U.K.’s Da Poetry Jam. From anger associated with the murder of George Floyd last year, he wanted to “combat the hate with love.” The film is essentially a combination of spoken word and the art form of ballet.
The messages are often uplifting as in art “always had the power to heal.” Guidance is offered for moving forward amidst the powerful energy of young people today who “want their voices to be heard.” How best to proceed? “Let’s move intellectually.” A “journey requires a single set of shoes” expressly recommends a course to achieve that desire for unity.
As should be expected, the high quality of the dance and choreography from this company is evident. In combination with the deft filming and editing by Jacob Hiss, the overall impact is thought provoking for the eyes and ears. This short film is a nice way to appreciate a dance company and a meaningful way to artistically engage in Black History Month. One of my favorite lines helps us understand all of our roles in encouraging forward progress: “The library is here… educate yourself.”
Black is Beautiful is running on You Tube via the official page of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. The next three films in the series will be announced at at later date.
www.youtube/complexionscontemporaryballet
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