Jacksonville News

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
10/2/2024 4:00:00 AM Member News

JACKSONVILLE DANCE THEATRE EXPLORES CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH DANCE AT ANNUAL FALL CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 2, 2024, AT FLORIDA THEATRE

Featuring a live performance by the Jacksonville Symphony Wind Ensemble

 

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 3, 2024) –– The Florida Theatre and the Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) are proud to announce TRACE:  JDT’s Annual Fall Repertory Concert on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville.  This is the ninth time JDT has performed here.  Tickets are still available.  Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.  Ask about the VIP package available for this show.  General admission is $45, student/military is $25, and groups of 10 or more are $20. 

 

Jacksonville Dance Theater (JDT) is pleased to announce its upcoming fall concert, TRACE, a captivating journey through time that preserves and expresses cultural heritage through dance.  TRACE will showcase JDT’s commitment to honoring past traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary modern dance.

 

TRACE will feature choreographic works inspired by influential figures from the American modern dance lineage, including Erick Hawkins and Paul Taylor.  The program includes exciting commissions from distinguished choreographers Louis Kavouras and Susan Dodge.

 

Louis Kavouras has been a principal dancer with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company and master teacher of the Erick Hawkins Dance Technique since 1995.  He has been instrumental in furthering the Hawkins technique by organizing and offering workshops and residencies throughout the nation, and in establishing the Hawkins West Institute, for the archiving and preservation of the aesthetic sculptures, costumes, and properties of Erick Hawkins and Lucia Dlugoszewski.

 

Susan Dodge was a Company member of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2, and her choreography has been reviewed by the New York Times.  She has served as Artistic Director of Dream Street, a performance company for adults with disabilities, as well as the Dodge Dance Company.  Her faculty positions have included The Long Island High School for the Arts, The Summer Youth Program at the Walnut Hill Arts Academy, and The Paul Taylor School.  Dodge is the Founder and President of the Amelia Island Dance Festival and teaches at the Royal Amelia Dance Academy, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and The Florida Ballet.

 

“Working alongside the talented dancers of Jacksonville Dance Theatre on the piece ‘Reflect’ has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Dodge.  “This work serves as a celebration of the pioneering spirit of the classical modern dance era, paying homage to the visionary artists who paved the way for contemporary movement.”

 

JDT’s Artistic Director, Rebecca R. Levy, will present her work “Tomb,” featuring a live performance by the Jacksonville Symphony’s Wind Ensemble.  The piece is an exciting deep dive into the complexities of the mind, activism, and the dynamics that shape human relationships.

 

“The Jacksonville Symphony is proud to partner each season with other arts organizations throughout Jacksonville.  Collaborations with organizations such as the Jacksonville Dance Theatre, The Florida Ballet, the Cummer, and MOCA at their venues or in Jacoby Symphony Hall enrich these programs by bringing different, but complementary disciplines together in a fresh and dynamic experience,” Tony Nickle, Vice President & Artistic Administrator, Jacksonville Symphony. 

 

As Jacksonville’s longest-standing professional contemporary modern dance company, JDT continues to fill a crucial gap in Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.  The all-female company is known for its ability to communicate complex concepts and narrate compelling stories through movement.

 

Recent state arts funding cuts of more than $30 million have dramatically impacted JDT and many other arts and cultural organizations across Florida.  JDT is calling on the community to show its support by attending TRACE.  Ticket sales are an essential source of funding for the organization and are more important this season than ever before.  Those unable to attend can purchase tickets to be donated to local students or community members.

 

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About Jacksonville Dance Theatre

Founded in 2012, Jacksonville Dance Theatre is a contemporary modern dance company dedicated to creating and promoting excellence in professional dance.  Led by Artistic Director Rebecca R. Levy, JDT has produced 12 robust local seasons and toured nationally and internationally.  The company is committed to creative innovation, outreach, and dance education, believing in the power of dance to engage and inspire people of all backgrounds.  Learn more at https://jacksonvilledancetheatre.org/.

 

About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre.  From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age.  For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.