Spring into spring in CT with five big modern and classical dance shows
Call them dances to spring. The winter has been largely subdued, with some plants, trees and mosses never succumbing to the chill. That is the same sort of freshness, vitality and perseverance that marks modern dance in Connecticut this year.
The state has been a key stop for nationally touring dance troupes for a century or more, boasting some excellent dance-friendly stages. Through such institutions as the Wadsworth Atheneum, Connecticut College, Wesleyan University, the Hartt School and the University of Saint Joseph, modern dance has been promoted and encouraged for decades. Several major dance companies have settled in Connecticut, including the internationally renowned dance/movement troupes Pilobolus and MOMIX.
Dance in Connecticut has already gotten off to a great start in 2024, including two recent performances by the local troupe Scapegoat Garden West Hartford’s Ballet Theater Company.
February and March are a high spot of the dance year. Here are five big shows to look forward to.
BODYTRAFFIC
Founded in Los Angeles in 2007, BODYTRAFFIC is known for its cutting-edge choreography and in-your-face attitude. The company performs at UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts at 1232 Hillside Road in Storrs on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. $15-$41. jorgensen.uconn.edu.
Connecticut Ballet’s ‘Be My Valentine’
Valentine’s Day falls mid-week this year, so the annual love-themed dance concert by Connecticut Ballet happens a few days after the holiday, on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. The lineup includes two world premieres, one by choreographer Eve Chan to music by Gotan Project and the other a dance involving the full Connecticut Ballet company scored to music by Brahms and choreographed by artistic director Brett Raphael. There are also dances to “Everybody’s Baby” by Dan Bern (choreographed by Raphael), Bonnie Raitt’s “Break My Heart” (choreographed by Joseph Locarro), the lovers’ duet from “Magritte, Magritte,” staged by Anna Sokolow to music by Scriabin and Titania and Bottom’s love duet from Nicolas Vallet’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” score choreographed by Raphael. $59-$84; afterparty at 9 p.m. for an additional $15. bushnell.org.
Dance Theatre of Harlem
The legendary New York dance troupe has been visiting Connecticut regularly since the company was first founded in 1969. The latest appearance will be on Feb. 24 at the Shubert Theatre at 247 College St. in New Haven. $59.50-$83.30. shubert.com.
Gibney Dance
UConn’s Jorgensen Center brings in another important contemporary dance troupe, Gibney Dance, just weeks after hosting BODYTRAFFIC. Named for its artistic director Gina Gibney, Gibney Dance champions work from emerging choreographers who are in touch with modern cultural ideas, social justice themes and the latest dance moves. March 7 at 7:30 p.m.. $15-$41. jorgensen.uconn.edu.
Misty Copeland and Open World Dance Foundation present ‘Cinderella’
Famed ballerina Misty Copeland hosts but does not perform in this rendition of Prokofiev’s fairy tale ballet “Cinderella,” coming to the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury at 7:30 p.m. on March 15. The stars are American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside. The project goes beyond performance, bringing in children from the community where the ballet is performed and educating them about how dance performances are prepared. Open World Dance and Copeland have mounted this production in two other cities before Waterbury. It highlights the themes of difficult childhoods, growing up without parents and finding oneself. $44-$250. palacetheaterct.org.
