Experience the dramatic expression, technical mastery, and nuanced movement of Limón Dance Company
Discover why Limón Dance Company is considered a living legacy of dance theatre with a performance at the Moss Arts Center featuring a historic tour of the company’s innovative repertoire on March 3 at 7:30 p.m.
The performance will be held in the Moss Arts Center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery, and expansive, yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of José Limón’s work and vision.
Developed by Limón and his mentors, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, the company has been in the vanguard of dance since its inception in 1946, distinguishing itself as the first dance group to tour internationally under the auspices of the State Department and the first modern dance company to perform at Lincoln Center in New York.
Thematically, founder José Limón possessed a social awareness that transcended distinct groups to address how people search for commonality, earning him a special place in American culture. His works continue to influence the evolution of the art form more than 40 years after his passing.
The evening performance will feature “The Unsung,” first performed in 1970 at the Julliard Theatre in New York City; “Querida Herida,” choreographed by Rosie Herrera in collaboration with Jacqueline Bulnes, Angela Falk, Deepa Liegel, Brenna Monroe-Cook, and Frances Samson; and a suite from “A Choreographic Offering,” first performed in 1964 at the American Dance Festival.
Also included is “The Body Is a House Without Walls,” which was first performed last year at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center in Florida, and “Chaconne,” a piece choreographed by Limón featuring music by Bach. The chaconne as a dance form originated in New Spain, now Mexico, as a robust and raucous dance. Bach employed the strict musical form of the chaconne, but enriched it with powerful emotional implications. Limón tried to capture in his dance both the formal austerity and the profound feeling of the music.
Directly before the performance, participants can engage with Colin Connor, artistic director of Limón Dance Company, during a talk in the Moss Arts Center Cube beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free, but is first come, first served. To guarantee a seat, register online.
A dancer with Limón Dance Company will also lead a master class for both Radford University and Virginia Tech dancers during the company’s visit.
The Moss Arts Center will present an informal talk and brief question-and-answer session with nationally renowned Virginia artist and Virginia Tech Professor Emeritus Ray Kass prior to the Limón Dance Company performance. The talk will begin at 5 p.m. in the center’s Ruth C. Horton Gallery. Kass’ work is currently featured in a university-wide series of exhibitions at Virginia Tech.
Tickets
Tickets for the performance are $25-$55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kacy@vt.edu during regular business hours.
