Running time:
Approximately 2 Hours
Ulysses Dove’s illustrious career spans decades and continents, marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation and emotional depth. From his early days as a dancer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company to his groundbreaking choreographic works for renowned companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Paris Opera Ballet, Dove continually pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance. His choreography, characterized by its dynamic movement vocabulary and profound storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the dance world. With pieces like “Vespers,” Dove’s legacy lives on, inspiring audiences and dancers alike with its power and poignancy.
Choreographer
Murmuration Choreography by Edwaard Liang The work, commissioned by Houston Ballet, was inspired by the flight patterns of starlings, with hundreds of birds moving through the sky as one. Performed …
Jennifer Archibald is a trailblazing choreographer known for her daring fusion of ballet with contemporary urban dance styles. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company, and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives, she has left an indelible mark on the dance world with her innovative approach to movement and storytelling.
At the forefront of the contemporary ballet scene, Archibald continues to inspire audiences with her electrifying choreography that seamlessly blends classical precision with urban aesthetics. Her upcoming world premiere work for the Washington Ballet promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of uncharted rhythms, fusing Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop with the timeless beauty of ballet. Prepare to be captivated as Archibald leads us on an exhilarating journey into the unknown, guided by her visionary brilliance and unwavering commitment to artistic innovation.
transcenDANCE promises a program of diverse choreographic and innovative styles.
Vespers, choreographed by the iconic artist, Ulysses Dove echoes the tales of women braving life’s storms, grappling with the process of loss, grief and the power of the maternal spirit. Dove’s brilliant ability for storytelling is the anchor for exploring spiritual movement of both the living and the lost. Rising star, Jennifer Archibald will present a World Premiere piece that will highlight her ability to fuse hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary modern dance set to popular music. This World Premiere will bridge the artform of ballet with the defining spirit of today’s music. Seasons, choreographed by Edwaard Liang is set to Vivaldi’s, “The Four Seasons” recomposed by Max Richter. This lush and visually stunning work explores time while captivating audiences with its beautiful, organic shapes.
Join us for a truly unique and inspiring evening that celebrates the power of dance to transcend the human experience and captivate the audience’s spirit.
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THE WASHINGTON BALLET IS A 501(3) NON-PROFIT PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION. THIS EVENT IS AN EXTERNAL RENTAL PRESENTED IN COORDINATION WITH THE KENNEDY CENTER CAMPUS RENTALS OFFICE AND IS NOT PRODUCED BY THE KENNEDY CENTER.
Vespers | Choreography by Ulysses Dove
Seasons | Choreography by Edwaard Liang
World Premiere | Choreography by Jennifer Archibald
February 2025
Calendar for transcenDANCE
Eisenhower Theater – The Kennedy Center 8:00pm
Eisenhower Theater – The Kennedy Center 8:00pm
Eisenhower Theater – The Kennedy Center 2:00pm Eisenhower Theater – The Kennedy Center 8:00pm
Eisenhower Theater – The Kennedy Center 2:00pm
Location
Ulysses Dove’s illustrious career spans decades and continents, marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation and emotional depth. From his early days as a dancer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company to his groundbreaking choreographic works for renowned companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Paris Opera Ballet, Dove continually pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance. His choreography, characterized by its dynamic movement vocabulary and profound storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the dance world. With pieces like “Vespers,” Dove’s legacy lives on, inspiring audiences and dancers alike with its power and poignancy.
Choreographer
Murmuration Choreography by Edwaard Liang The work, commissioned by Houston Ballet, was inspired by the flight patterns of starlings, with hundreds of birds moving through the sky as one. Performed …
Jennifer Archibald is a trailblazing choreographer known for her daring fusion of ballet with contemporary urban dance styles. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company, and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives, she has left an indelible mark on the dance world with her innovative approach to movement and storytelling.
At the forefront of the contemporary ballet scene, Archibald continues to inspire audiences with her electrifying choreography that seamlessly blends classical precision with urban aesthetics. Her upcoming world premiere work for the Washington Ballet promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of uncharted rhythms, fusing Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop with the timeless beauty of ballet. Prepare to be captivated as Archibald leads us on an exhilarating journey into the unknown, guided by her visionary brilliance and unwavering commitment to artistic innovation.