DALLAS – March 25, 2024 – Pegasus Contemporary Ballet, Dallas’ premier contemporary ballet company, will debut its innovative new production, Words for a Resonant Space, in collaboration with The Writer’s Garret at the historic Kalita Humphreys Theater with performances on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13.
Artfully interweaving dance and poetry, Words for a Resonant Space features the parallel power of words and movement to ignite the imagination and offer insight into the human condition. The production brings unique and theatrical elements to the stage, combining poetry by Dallas-based poet Lisa Huffaker; choreography by Diana Crowder, founder and artistic director, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet; and dialogue by Aaron Glover, executive director of The Writers Garrett, who wrote the script.
"Poetry speaks to me as an art form that has structure and discipline yet holds vast space for interpretation and unique human expression, much like ballet,” Crowder said. “The meaning I have found in Lisa's work and the collaborative brilliance that she and Aaron bring to the production are truly inspiring. Words for a Resonant Space is unlike any performance I’ve ever seen or been a part of, and it’s a really special project to bring to life."
One of the lines in the work states, “Poetry and dance ask big questions.” Words for a Resonant Space explores ideas about beauty, art, the life of an artist and the human experience. Audiences can expect an evening of beautiful dance and poetry intermingled with moments of levity in the form of refreshing and witty vignettes.
“I was excited when Diana first broached the idea for this production, and right from the start, she’s been an incredibly generous and thoughtful partner,” Glover said. “I am continually impressed by the thoughtfulness and sharpness of the work and contributions from Lisa and the dancers. Both the script and staging came together with input from everyone. This process has created its own resonant space for this group of talented, dedicated artists from differing disciplines to find our own resonance as collaborators. I’m grateful to be a part of this unique, singular work.”
Huffaker added, “I’m amazed by Diana’s choreography and her ability to listen between the words to create the flow of something wordless. There’s something so moving about the way the dancers shift between formal shapes and the naturalistic movements an untrained body might make. It creates a tension between the classic elegance of ballet and the human vulnerability of the non-balletic movements.”
As a contemporary ballet company, Pegasus focuses on creating innovative performances to engage diverse audiences and provide unique, meaningful experiences that have the potential to change a person’s perspective and relationship to dance.
“As a choreographer, some of the greatest compliments I receive are from our first-time patrons who have never been to a ballet performance when they say, ‘I didn’t know I could enjoy or appreciate ballet,’” Crowder said. “You don’t have to have knowledge or experience with ballet or poetry to enjoy Words for a Resonate Space. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind production combining dance, poetry and theater that has something for everyone.”
General ticket prices for Words for a Resonant Space start at $42, with a 15% discount available for groups of 10 or more. Students can secure tickets for $15 with a valid student ID. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
About Pegasus Contemporary Ballet
Founded in 2021 by choreographer Diana Crowder, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet is the premier contemporary ballet company in Dallas. The company’s mission is to use the classical foundation of ballet to express contemporary perspectives, engage diverse communities and enrich the human experience. Now in its third season, the nonprofit ballet company has celebrated sold-out performances and secured grants from prestigious organizations including the Dallas Arts District Foundation, The Arts Community Alliance (TACA), the Office of Arts and Culture, the Moody Fund for the Arts and The Texas Women’s Foundation. Two productions in the 2022-2023 season were awarded the TACA Pop-Up Grant. To date, the company has commissioned 15 new works of choreography, six interdisciplinary collaborations, two original scores and an evening length work. For more information, visit www.pegasusballet.org.