Saint Louis Dance Theatre Makes History with Landmark Kylián Premiere

Winter Concert Features Legendary and Emerging Choreographers in a Showcase of Theatrical Innovation and Artistic Excellence

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 8, 2025) — Saint Louis Dance Theatre (STLDT) continues its groundbreaking (RE)Imagine season with (RE)Build, presented by Paul and Kathleen Matecki, marking the first-ever performance of legendary choreographer Jiří Kylián's work by a St. Louis dance company. The winter concert series runs Feb. 27-March 2 at COCA's Catherine B. Berges Theatre.

In a historic St. Louis premiere, STLDT presents Kylián's Sechs Tänze on March 1-2, bringing his distinctive blend of classical precision and theatrical whimsy to Gateway City audiences. Set to Mozart's Six German Dances, this beloved work transforms 18th-century court life into a comedic tour de force through innovative choreography, period costumes, and masterful storytelling.

"Dance theatre reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously," said Kirven Douthit-Boyd, artistic director of STLDT. “When we bring humor to the stage, as Kylián does masterfully in Sechs Tänze, we make powerful connections with our audience. You don't need to know anything about Mozart or classical dance to appreciate this work – the humor keeps it real, keeps it human. That's what makes great art accessible to everyone."

The program features Guggenheim Fellow Tommie-Waheed Evans' Notes on a Farewell, Jamar Roberts' Good Grief, José Limón's masterwork Chaconne, and Jessica Lang's haunting The Calling, demonstrating STLDT's commitment to presenting diverse artistic voices.

“From Kylián's masterwork to Roberts' powerful Good Grief, we're bringing some of the world's most compelling choreographic voices to St. Louis," said Erin Prange, executive director. "Our (RE)Build program showcases work from legendary artists and bold new voices who are shaping the future of dance. This is what makes St. Louis a vibrant cultural destination – performances that put our city in conversation with the global dance community while celebrating the incredible artistic spirit that thrives here at home.”

Performance Schedule:

Program A (Feb. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.):
●  Notes on a Farewell by Tommie-Waheed Evans
●  Unfold by Robert Battle
●  For Love's Sake by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
●  Playfolk by Bradley Shelver

Program B (March 1, 7:30 p.m.):
●  Good Grief by Jamar Roberts
●  Unfold by Robert Battle
●  For Love’s Sake by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
●  Sechs Tänze by Jiří Kylián

Program C (March 2, 2:00 p.m.):
●  Good Grief by Jamar Roberts
●  The Calling by Jessica Lang
●  Notes on a Farewell by Tommie-Waheed Evans
●  Sechs Tänze by Jiří Kylián

Program D (March 2, 7:30 p.m.):
●  Good Grief by Jamar Roberts
●  Chaconne by José Limón
●  Notes on a Farewell by Tommie-Waheed Evans
●  Sechs Tänze by Jiří Kylián

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