(RE)BUILD: Contemporary Choreographers
(RE)Building Dance From Legacy to Vision
In its landmark first season as Saint Louis Dance Theatre, (RE)Build brings together distinctive choreographic voices to tell our human story. Through Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd's curatorial vision, shaped by artistic experiences and ongoing creative exploration, this winter concert embodies a mission of renewal and transformation.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
At a time when authentic voices are often drowned out by noise, (RE)Build creates space for genuine artistic expression and human connection. Each choreographer brings their unique perspective to the stage, proving that when different voices come together, we discover new ways of seeing ourselves and each other. This program doesn't just present dance – it builds a new artistic home where diversity of expression creates exceptional art.
The Voices of (RE)Build
Each choreographer illuminates a different facet of human experience:
Jamar Roberts approaches Good Grief as a "radical act of presence," creating work of profound emotional depth
Tommie-Waheed Evans, a Guggenheim Fellow, shares dance's transformative power through Notes on a Farewell: "Dance saved my life. It gave me a direction."
Jessica Lang explores spirituality and loss in The Calling, where a dancer emerges from an expansive white dress in a haunting solo
Robert Battle harnesses sophisticated musicality to "say it like it is" in Unfold
Bradley Shelver celebrates individual voices in PlayFolk: "Celebrate the fact that we're different. Why does it have to be a negative thing?"
Kirven Douthit-Boyd, our artistic director, explores love as a form of resistance in For Love's Sake, where dancers embody the deep, resonant power of human connection to inspire change.
"When there is more representation in the room, more art is possible," observes Douthit-Boyd. "Our audiences witness the brilliance that emerges when different voices and experiences converge on stage."
A shared legacy of excellence
While each choreographer brings their distinct artistic voice to (RE)Build, they share a commitment to creating work that exposes personal truth and cultural experience.
Building something new
Through this carefully curated program, Saint Louis Dance Theatre creates more than performances – we're building a new artistic home where diverse perspectives flourish and innovation meets tradition. When these voices converge on stage, they demonstrate how contemporary dance can create community where every story enriches our understanding of what dance can be.
