COMMUNITY OUTREACH
For COMPLEXIONS, diversity and multiculturalism are not honorable add-ons to artistic excellence. Together they are the lifeblood of COMPLEXIONS’ mission – apparent in the dynamic founders, manifested in our accomplished dancers and, surging though COMPLEXIONS’ vibrant repertoire – that even in this challenging box office environment, draws new audiences in the United States and across the world.
Ongoing components of COMPLEXIONS’ outreach and education include:
ANNOUNCING NEW DVDS with Desmond Richardson & Tezoro Productions!
In first two Contemporary Dance and Improvisation DVDS: Volume I and II, our Complexions artistic co-director and brilliant dancer, Desmond Richardson, teaches you two innovative contemporary dance combination/pieces. Desmond also shares his tips on how to incorporate improvisation into the movement with detailed explanations and breath-taking examples. Improvisational skills are very important as they are used in dance classes, auditions and are often required in professional jobs. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Desmond dance the movement the way he envisions it.
Also, there is a wonderful instructional DVD for Kids 8+, Desmond guides you through a "basic warm-up" to get your muscles nice and limber. You will also learn some very effective "across the floor" combinations. It does not end there! Desmond has created an exciting, one of a kind, choreographed contemporary dance combination emphasizing; musicality, level changes, dynamics and spacial awareness.
These DVDs will be great and educational gifts for dancers, instructors, and dreamers who want to be dancers, too! There's is no limit to dancing! More details on these DVDS at this link:
Tezoro Productions.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL SUMMER AND WINTER INTENSIVE PROGRAMS
The Pre-Professional Program guides its students like no other training program. COMPLEXIONS helps students to achieve their full artistic potential in a style and method unique and exclusive to COMPLEXIONS Contemporary Ballet. Students are taught the COMPLEXIONS technique through classroom excercises and company repertoire instruction. Participants develop techniques designed to cultivate strong, well-trained, educated dancers who are trained to dance more skillfully, creatively, and outside of the traditional ballet class.
CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
The Choreography Workshop is designed for the college age/professional dancer with solid ballet and modern technique interested in learning the COMPLEXIONS technique in a workshop setting. Both Artistic Directors as well as various company members instruct classes.
MASTER CLASSES
For pre-professional dance training centers and University dance departments, COMPLEXIONS offers master classes in ballet, modern, and repertoire.
DANCE WORKSHOP ENRICHMENT
Working with schools and young students while on tour, COMPLEXIONS offers classes and workshops for children and young adults of all ages and levels. Past workshops have included creative movement, ballet, modern, repertoire, costume design, choreography, and career guidance.
Past Outreach:
RACIAL RECONCILLIATION PROJECT
Launched in 2004 with support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Racial Reconciliation Project worked with University of Mississippi students and community members to address racial barriers and challenges. Through the creation of a dance work, the community was engaged in a discussion about racial issues during focus groups and town meetings. The discussions were the inspiration for the new work, which premiered in the community.
