AbunDANCE

Dear Board and Patrons,

It was so rewarding, and so very interesting, to be involved in preparing our AbunDANCE performances. Last week, I returned from giving the keynote speech with National Arts Strategies ' Russell Willis Taylor at the Dance NYC, and it gave me a different and enhanced perspective. Ballet Memphis is in such an interesting position now, becoming more and more known and respected for the real innovation we have brought to our art form and our deep connection with our community. There is an eager intimacy we acheive now, with our work , and our purpose as artists, and the dancers convey this so beautifully to our audience, bringing them into that same state of being. We all know we are doing something together , and that it is significant, and important, and with this show, it is so joyful!

Yesterday, I was profoundly moved by Petr Zahradnicek's (please check spelling) to the powerful choral piece of ???? Gorecki's BROAD WATERS. In the final movement, the stillness achieved on stage was the deep stillness I also found inside me because of the dance that unfolded, and the place of arrival was a perfect harmony of music, human beings, and continuity. Then, to see 4 different men rehearse the amazing solo TAKADEME, is to see our men take on vocabulary completely different than anything they have done before. And, the jubilant Trey McIntyre piece, SECOND BEFORE the GROUND , is like welcoming a best friend we haven't seen in awhile, and the smile of welcome is enormous!

And, there is the work that we commissioned Jane Comfort to choreograph and Kirk Whalum to create music for. This collaboration has been fascinating from the outset, and the results will be so rewarding! And, this is a work in which I think you will feel a particular loving presence. These two artists have lived this presence all through the collaboration, and I don't think I have ever worked with any two artists who are more wise, humble, and large -spirited. Especially lucky you are if you are coming opening night, because Kirk and 5 other musicians will play live, and in tandem with 60 gospel voices recorded by the Mount Olivet Baptist Choir (please get the name right from Kirk....and it also needs to get in the program.) If you can't come Feb. 27th, you will still be able to see this amazing dance journey to a great recording at the other performances. And remember, this is our opening in our new midtown home at the intimate and fantastic new Playhouse on the Square, and we perform Feb. 27th, 28th, March........(please fill in).

These are difficult times for many, many people. It is important to be involved in those things that remind us that we have the capacity to find and manifest joy, and let that joy inspire us to bring more of it to others in our world, however we are able. There is no more important thing that we as artists can do , and no more important thing for us to do for one another in our lives together on this earth. I hope you will be there with us, and share with us our profound belief that we all have an AbunDANCE of Joyful Noise to cherish and grow in our communities.

Come share our joy!

Dorothy