Saint Louis Dance Theatre's (RE)Imagine Season: A Bold New Era of World-Class Dance in the Midwest
Inaugural Season Under New Name Showcases Premieres, Renowned Choreographers, and a Commitment to Inclusive Artistry
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (October 2, 2024) - A new dawn is breaking in the heart of America's dance scene. Saint Louis Dance Theatre (STLDT), formerly known as The Big Muddy Dance Company, is thrilled to unveil its inaugural 2024-2025 season, (RE)Imagine, marking a bold new chapter for the company and solidifying St. Louis's place as a rising star in the world of contemporary dance.
Under the artistic direction of Kirven Douthit-Boyd, former principal dancer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, STLDT's (RE)Imagine season promises a captivating blend of world premieres, iconic works by legendary choreographers, and innovative collaborations that push the boundaries of artistic expression.
The season kicks off with the highly anticipated (RE)Claim fall concert (October 24-27), showcasing two world premieres: Douthit-Boyd's For Love’s Sake and a new work by acclaimed guest artist Jamar Roberts, known for his "uncommon force and originality" (Dance Magazine). The program also includes company premieres of Robert Battle's poignant duet Unfold and José Limón's timeless solo Chaconne, along with company repertoire Come...The sun doesn’t wait by Omar Román De Jesús, a puertorriqueño artist whose work challenges expectations and celebrates diverse experiences. This diverse repertoire showcases the company's versatility and dedication to preserving dance legacies while providing a platform for emerging voices.
December brings a festive twist with the Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker (December 20-21), a collaboration with Jazz St. Louis that reimagines the holiday classic through the lens of St. Louis' vibrant jazz scene and the magic of discovering love and self-acceptance. The season continues with the (RE)Build Winter Concert (February 27-March 2), the Tour de Dance progressive dining and dancing showcase (March 27), and culminates in the (RE)Fine Spring
Concert (May 30-June 1), featuring a world premiere by Norbert De La Cruz III and Jiří Kylián mesmerizing Sechs Tänze.
The season will also see the return of Joshua L. Peugh's acclaimed full-length work, My Dear Watson, a contemporary reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes mythos that blends romance, mystery, and captivating choreography.
STLDT's (RE)Imagine season is not only a testament to world-class artistry but also a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The company is dedicated to providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, both on stage and behind the scenes.
"We believe that when there is more representation in the room, more art is possible," says Douthit-Boyd. "This season reflects our commitment to showcasing the brilliance that emerges when diverse experiences and perspectives converge. We want every member of our community to feel seen, heard, and inspired by the stories we tell through movement."
With its bold new identity and ambitious programming, Saint Louis Dance Theatre embodies a future-forward vision for dance, ensuring creative justice through representation and reflection of the experiences that are lived within the current generation. The (RE)Imagine season invites audiences to witness the transformative power of dance as we tell stories that often go unheard, pushing boundaries and celebrating the vibrant spirit of St. Louis.
(RE)Claim Fall Concert Details
October 24-27, 2024
At COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63131
Program A (Oct 24-25):
For Love’s Sake by Kirven Douthit-Boyd (World Premiere)
Chaconne by José Limón (Company Premiere)
Come…The sun doesn’t wait by Omar Román de Jesús
DANCE by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Movers & Shakers Ball Program (Oct 26):
For Love’s Sake by Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Excerpt)
Unfold by Robert Battle (Company Premiere)
World Premiere by Jamar Roberts
Program B (Oct 27):
Come…The sun doesn’t wait by Omar Román de Jesús
Unfold by Robert Battle
For Love’s Sake by Kirven Douthit-Boyd (World Premiere)
World Premiere by Jamar Roberts