The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presents THE BLUES PROJECT

In their first official engagement, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Dorrance Dance with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely in The Blues Project, October 5 and 6, 2016 for two performances in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Acclaimed tap dancer, choreographer, and 2015 MacArthur "Genius Grant" winner Michelle Dorrance and renowned versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist Toshi Reagon combine their energetic ensembles for a dynamic collaboration honoring tap's uniquely beautiful history by pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Co-created andchoreographed by Michelle Dorrance, Derick K. Grant, and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and live music composed and directed by Toshi Reagon, The Blue's Project presents a wholly new marriage of blues and tap while paying homage to tradition.The October 5 performance is followed by a free post-performance discussion with the artists.

Last seen at the Kennedy Center in 2012's JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance, Michelle Dorrance (Founder, Artistic Director of Dorrance Dance) is one of the most sought after tap dancers of her generation. A 2014 Alpert Award Winner, 2013 Jacob's Pillow Dance Award winner, 2012 Princess Grace Award Winner, 2012 Field Dance Fund Recipient, and 2011 Bessie Award Winner, Dorrance performs, teaches and choreographs throughout the world.

Mentored by Gene Medler, Dorrance grew up performing with the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble and has since performed with STOMP, Manhattan Tap, Savion Glover's 'Ti Dii', JazzTap Ensemble, and amongst more to rave reviews. She holds a BA from NYU and teaches on faculty at Broadway Dance Center. Her company has performed to acclaimed reviews at Danspace Project, the Kennedy Center, The Yard, Symphony Space, Jacob's Pillow's Ruth St. Denis Stage, The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (CHRP), The Barcelona Tap Festival, The DC Tap Festival and more.

A standout at the Kennedy Center's Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival in 2014, Toshi Reagon-the daughter of Sweet Honey In The Rock's Bernice Johnson Reagon-is a one-woman celebration of all that's dynamic, progressive, and uplifting in American music. For more than 30 years, Reagon has collaborated with top innovators across a wide spectrum of the entertainment field. Her dance and theater collaborations include work with Urban Bush Women, Jane Comfort and Company, LAVA, and two operas with her mother and Robert Wilson. Reagon has been the recipient of numerous awards including the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFTA) award for Music Composition, is a National Women's History Month Honoree, and founded the festival Word*Rock*& Sword: A FESTIVAL Celebration of Women's Lives. Founded in 1996, Reagon and her band BIGLovely have performed at concerts, festivals, and events including Central Park Summerstage NYC, Melbourne International Arts Festival, Clearwater Great Hudson Revival, and Afro-punk.

Tickets start at $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324.

Dorrance Dance with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely in The Blue's Project

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.*

Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

*Free Post-Performance Discussion

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