George Mason University's Center for the Arts

“An exquisite balm for tired eyes and souls,” says The New York Times about this innovative and entertaining company created by one of Britain’s foremost choreographers. Described by The Times of London as “a choreographer for whom every dance is a love affair with his chosen music,” Richard Alston is renowned for having a close relationship with his music, and combines masterful movement with beautiful melodies to create dance that is simply breathtaking. Launched in 1994 to great acclaim, the Richard Alston Dance Company has become one of the largest and most prominent contemporary dance companies in Great Britain. This dazzling ensemble makes its Center debut this season, performing some of Alston’s latest pieces as well as some of his most seminal works. “A rewarding, refreshing, uplifting ride.” (Newsday)

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 “The sheer beauty and potential of the human body magnified,” raves The Washington Post about this mesmerizing company. Since the early 1980’s, choreographer/director Moses Pendleton has transformed the dancers of MOMIX into sidewinders and Gila monsters, floated them weightlessly through extraterrestrial terrains, strapped them into snow skis and hurled them through the air like baseballs. Now, in one evening this company—renowned for works of delightful inventiveness and physical beauty—presents the Best of MOMIX, a collection of figments of the imagination of Moses Pendleton that are unpredictable, sometimes bizarre and often out of this world. 

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“Here is bravura dancing at its greatest,” raves The New York Times about this renowned folk ensemble that is known for its masterful dance prowess, infectious enthusiasm, and vibrantly colored costumes. Founded in 1937 by Pavlo Virsky and Mykola Bolotov, the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company has toured around the world, celebrating the passion and beauty of its native Ukraine—the wisdom of its people and their folk traditions—with humor and optimism. These professionally trained artists from Kiev perform spirited dances reflecting the geographic and cultural diversity of Ukraine. The male Cossack warriors demonstrate their awe-inspiring acrobatic skills and impressive swordplay, while female dancers in exquisite finery glide gracefully across the stage. This incredible company leaves audiences spellbound!

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For more than 25 years, the Mark Morris Dance Group has left audiences spellbound with its unique artistry, reflecting a profound and sophisticated love of music and movement. Dubbed “one of the greatest living choreographers” by the New Yorker, Morris’ wit, grace, and refined musicality make him one of today’s most highly esteemed choreographers and his company an international dance phenomenon, performing 90 events around the world each year. Experience “beautiful movement, beautiful music, presented in unbroken harmony that feels as natural as breathing.” (The Washington Post) Program includes two Washington area premieres, Visitation which is set to Beethoven and Empire Garden set to Charles Ives, as well as one of Morris’s most beautiful works, V.

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“One of the most riveting modern dance performances of the season,” says The Washington Post about this spectacular dance troupe from New Zealand. For more than ten years, Black Grace has delighted audiences across the globe with its joyous spirit, irresistible passion, and unique point of view. A fusion of traditional Pacific cultures and contemporary dance, this sensational ensemble can rock the house with thundering stomps and syncopated body slaps, or sing in sweet three-part harmonies accompanied by gestures that softly curve and sway. Never before has a group of male dancers seemed so gentle yet breathtakingly virile. “Startlingly fresh and full of invention, humor and infectious exuberance.” (The New York Times)

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Acclaimed for his Tony Award-winning choreography for Broadway’s The Lion King, Garth Fagan remains one of the great reformers of American dance. For more than 40 years, he has honed his incomparable revelatory technique—a blend of ballet, modern, and Afro-Caribbean movements—with dancers who are unmatched for their individuality, unmannered approach, athleticism, and virtuosity. “The handsome, exotic, completely concentrated dancers move as if they were born speaking Fagan’s language and they love the feel of it in their bodies,” says Vogue. This dazzling company takes the stage at the Center, performing a mixture of classic pieces and contemporary favorites. “A prime example of the versatility and sophistication of concert dance in this new century.” (Los Angeles Times)

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In the great tradition of grand ballet, the Moscow Festival Ballet presents the romantic tale of a young peasant girl who falls in love with a count disguised as a villager. When Giselle discovers the truth about her lover’s identity and his engagement, she dies of madness and joins the ghosts of girls who avenge the evil deeds of the men who have jilted them. This masterpiece, which was preserved by Russian dancers and choreographers, is filled with vengeance, betrayal, and death, but love and forgiveness prevail overall. This stunning production by these leading Russian dancers blends Petipa’s brilliant choreography with a haunting score, and resplendent costumes and sets. “The dancers of the Moscow Festival Ballet spoke to the soul through the body performing a magnificent Giselle.” (Post and Courier)

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