Events With Complexions Contemporary Ballet

“They (Complexions Contemporary Ballet) meld ballet, modern and vernacular dance styles with ease. Jetés, pirouettes and point work (for both men and women) are convincingly integrated with jazz, modern dance, floor work and extensions at blurring speed. They dance as if it were their last chance.” —Gwen Curran, The Register-Guard

Eugene Ballet and Hult Presents brought guest company Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s (CCB) and their amazing production of Star Dust to the Hult Center on October 26. The David Bowie tribute ballet that featured 15 dancers celebrating the late musician’s more iconic work followed the company’s opening piece, Bach 25.

The one-night only performance featured a “Bowie Beauty Bar” organized by make-up artist Roxy Allen and a team of other cosmetic professionals prior. Audience members lined up pre-show to get the glitz and glam of one of three Bowie-inspired looks. Eugene Magazine photographers captured the results, including several stellar DIY efforts, for a costume contest and giveaways.

However, that wasn’t the only magic happening during the company’s stay. After arriving in Eugene, three CCB representatives taught master classes for area dance students. Desmond Richardson, Complexions co-founder, gave a master class at the University of Oregon, while CCB dancers Larissa Gerszke and Timothy Stickney worked with students at Lane Community College and The Studio at the Hult Center.

“It was such a wonderful educational experience having Dwight Rhoden and Jillian Davis from Complexions Contemporary Ballet come to UO Dance for a master class.  They gave our students a passionate and challenging exposure to the world of high level professional dance training.  Their impact continues to resonant with students.”  —Steven J Chatfield PhD, GCFP, Professor and Head of Dance at UO

While there was only one public performance of Star Dust, the curtain went up on Friday morning at the Hult Center to the delight of more than 1,600 local school children attending a free education performance. Students of all ages were bussed in from around Lane County to see the New York-based dance company perform a shorter version of their evening production.

“This is such a great opportunity for local kids to be exposed to such a rich experience by a talented company,” noted Kylie Keppler, Eugene Ballet’s PR Director.