NOBA Presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet, 4/21

The New Orleans Ballet Association will present the world premiere of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, with Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden & Desmond Richardson and special guests artists Wendy Whelan, Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet, and The Nicholas Payton Quartet on April 21, at 8 pm at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

Led by Dwight Rhoden and dancer Desmond Richardson, Complexions returns with an evening that showcases the speed and physicality of this ensemble. The program includes, Mercy, with music of traditional spirituals and hymns, and the company’s signature, full-throttle finale Rise, set to anthems by the Irish rock band U2.

At the centerpiece of the evening is an extraordinary world premiere event. Richardson will be retiring from Complexions as a dancer this season and as a special tribute, NOBA has commissioned a duet created by Rhoden for Richardson and New York City Principal Wendy Whelan, set to a cool jazz score by New Orleans native and Grammy Award-winning Nicholas Payton.

Photo by Jae Man Joo