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The Renowned Dance Theatre Of Harlem Returns To Hampton Roads This Week

One of the area's most revered classical artists died in March and the dance that launched her career is performing in Hampton Roads this week.

Lorraine Graves, who was 66 when she died, was born in Norfolk and began her storied career with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in the 1970s. The company performs on Tuesday at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News and at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The DTH was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, the first of any major ballet company. He started DTH to encourage more minorities to study professional ballet. Graves joined in 1978, and, within a year, was promoted to principal dancer, according to her obituary.

Lorraine Graves of Norfolk, former Dance Theatre of Harlem star. (Photo courtesy of Lorraine Graves)

"Lorraine is really considered the cream of the crop," said Dance Theatre of Harlem's executive director Anna Glass. "She was idolized by so many dancers that wanted to be like her."

She danced with the company for 17 years.

"So many of our dancers, they credit her for their growth as artists."

Each local performance will include four pieces. "Higher Ground" features songs by Stevie Wonder including "Heaven Is Ten Zillion Light Years Away" and "You Haven't Done Nothin'." The show's second dance, "pas de dix," is a "more classic" ballet — without pop music.

"So, we're showing the breadth of who Dance Theatre of Harlem is."

The third work, "Take Me With You," dives back into pop featuring music by Radiohead. Its choreographer, Robert Bondara, explained the creative process behind the dance in an emailed statement: "The catchy percussion beat of the Radiohead song 'Reckoner' became the first trigger and source of inspiration for movement language and choreography."

The fourth dance, "Blake Works IV (The Barre Project)" is a new piece, commissioned last year for the dance company.

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.Warrenhicks@virginiamedia.Com

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If you go

When and where: 7:30 p.M. Tuesday at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News; 7:30 p.M. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.M. Sunday, 215 St. Paul's Blvd., Norfolk

Cost: Start at $18.75

Details: vafest.Org

Dance Theatre Of Harlem To Perform In Hampton Roads

by: Sponsored Content

Posted: Apr 29, 2024 / 02:06 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 29, 2024 / 02:06 PM EDT

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – For decades, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has been making headlines around the world, showcasing a powerful vision of ballet in the 21st century. Now, they're making a stop in Hampton Roads for the Virginia Arts Festival! Dancer, Lindsey Donnell, joined us with more on her career and what to expect from their performances as part of the festival. You can catch them April 30 at the Ferguson Center in Newport News, and May 3-5 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk.

Virginia Arts Festival757-282-2822VAFest.Org

This segment of The Hampton Roads Show is sponsored by the Virginia Arts Festival.

EKY Theatre Program Shining Light In The World Of Arts

CLAY COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - The Clay County Theatre Department sparked inside an art class roughly ten years ago all because of student interest.

The student interest launched a program known as The Tiger Troupe, and Director Donnie Stevens said it is now one of the most successful theatre departments in the Commonwealth.

The Tiger Troupe recently represented Kentucky at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Mobile, Alabama, and he said they found they were the only school there that was not a performing art school.

"That was one of those moments where you stop and think wow you know that is pretty special. You know for a small school from Eastern Kentucky to be able to go to a stage with people from all over the eastern seaboard," he said. "There were nine states being represented there."

Brooklyn Evans, the upcoming President of The Tiger Troupe, said they have found their purpose though far beyond the awards.

"Maybe we do need to step back and look at why we're really here," Evans said. "What's the big idea all about and why we love the art. Because that is why we should be here is looking at the art, looking at what we are doing and saying we love this. This is impactful. We need to do this forever."

However, she added their mindset has helped them achieve very big things.

The Tiger Troupe is also headed on a journey this summer to Indiana for the International Thespians Festival.

Student Brice Madden said they would not be where they are without a lot of hard work.

"We put in a lot of hours," Madden said. "I can remember the last time that I have gone home honestly before five."

The students said the long hours are worth it when they can connect with their audience.

"It just brings people together," said Ava Stevens, Vice President of The Tiger Troupe You put people in a room, in an auditorium and there just this sense of community that you don't get anywhere else."

Student Kaley Roberts said they are a tight knit group, and she is proud to be a part of the troupe.

"You know Eastern Kentucky has, we have so many schools in our region with theatre and that is just an incredible thing alone. But to be able to be at this school, with these people, with Donnie, with these opportunities," Roberts said. "I am so very grateful and blessed to be able to be with these people."

The Tiger Troupe will host its version of Little Women, which will be directed by student Kaley Roberts on May 3 and 4. Admission is $10 and proceeds go towards their trip to the International Thespians Festival in June.

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