Saint Louis Dance Theatre Concludes Landmark Season with Nationally Anticipated World Premiere
Filipino-American Choreographer Norbert De La Cruz III Debuts New Work in a Dynamic Double Bill Featuring Sherlock Holmes-Inspired Ballet
ST. LOUIS (March 5, 2025) — Saint Louis Dance Theatre (STLDT) is set to close its bold (RE)Imagine season with (RE)Fine, a concert program that bridges innovative contemporary dance with masterful theatrical storytelling. Taking place May 30–June 1 at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre, the production marks the much-anticipated world premiere of Norbert De La Cruz III’s latest choreographic work and the return of Joshua L. Peugh’s My Dear Watson, a reimagining of Sherlock Holmes through dance.
(RE)Fine’s first program of the weekend, My Dear Watson, presents Peugh’s inventive take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, blending intricate choreography with theatrical intrigue. With original music by composer Brandon Carson, Peugh’s full-length ballet pushes the possibilities of dance as a narrative form, transforming perceptions of beloved literary characters and inviting audiences to experience new narratives.
(RE)Fine’s second program features repertory including a world premiere work by De La Cruz. Following his 2022 work Cloud 9, De La Cruz’s new commission builds upon his signature process: an immersive, collaborative approach where he workshops choreography directly with STLDT dancers, drawing inspiration from their unique artistry and physicality. This process allows for a deeply organic, evolving movement language that reflects both the dancers' identities and De La Cruz’s larger choreographic vision.
“This performance weekend showcases the incredible spectrum of contemporary dance,” said STLDT Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd. “De La Cruz’s collaborative approach highlights the individuality of our dancers, reinforcing STLDT’s place among national-caliber companies. Meanwhile, Peugh’s theatrical vision proves that dance is a powerful storytelling medium. Together, these works celebrate both the artistry of our company and the civic pride we hold in St. Louis as a home for groundbreaking dance.”
The season finale follows STLDT’s recent recognition as the largest recipient of ARPA for the Arts funding ($600,000) from the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, an investment aimed at strengthening the city’s artistic tourism and national arts profile.
Performance Schedule:
Program A (May 30, 7:30 p.m. & May 31, 2 p.m.): presents My Dear Watson by Joshua L. Peugh
Program B (May 31, 7:30 p.m. & June 1, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.): features De La Cruz's world premiere alongside Jessica Lang's mesmerizing solo The Calling, Robert Battle's poignant duet Unfold, José Limón's masterwork Chaconne, and Jiří Kylián's beloved Sechs Tänze.
All performances take place at COCA's Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130.
Tickets start at $35 and are available at stldancetheatre.org.
Special "Twice as Nice" Offer:
Experience the power of dance theatre from different perspectives. After purchasing your first ticket to any (RE)Build performance, enjoy a second performance for just $20.10 – a nod to the year our company was founded. This special offer allows audiences to witness the full range of our dynamic programming and casting across different evenings.
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About Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Saint Louis Dance Theatre is a premier professional dance company blazing new trails by interweaving the Gateway City's storied legacy into boundary-pushing contemporary performances. Combining world-class artistry with a bold vision, Saint Louis Dance Theatre champions inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic excellence. This fusion of purpose and passion positions Saint Louis Dance Theatre as a beacon for the spirit of St. Louis in every performance.
With a grand vision of elevating St. Louis as a nationally recognized arts destination, Saint Louis Dance Theatre aims to deepen connections locally while showcasing the region's pioneering creative force on a national scale. For more information, visit stldancetheatre.org.
