(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 8:00pm. The featured program is Bach to Bowie, which includes the works, Bach 25 and StarDust. Tickets range from $19-$49.

Combining technical precision, power, and passion, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends tradition in a groundbreaking mix of styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. Founded by former members of Alvin Ailey, Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, the company has been featured on the hit show, So You Think You Can Dance.

For this program, Complexions performs Bach to Bowie, a tribute to two fantastic artists who each founded his own musical hemisphere. The program starts with Bach 25, an exploration of love and alliances, featuring music by Johann Sebastian Bach. After intermission, audiences will enjoy StarDust, dedicated to David Bowie. StarDust is an “utterly transfixing” (Billboard) dance tribute to the life and music of Bowie, featuring his beloved hits and glam rock-inspired costumes. StarDust features choreography by Dwight Rhoden, costumes by Christine Darch, and lighting and set design by Michael Korsch.

For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469) or visit online at STNJ.org. State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

About the Founders: Dwight Rhoden (Founding Artistic Director/Resident Choreographer of Complexions Contemporary Ballet) has established a wide-ranging career, earning distinction from The New York Times as “one of the most sought out choreographers of the day.” Rhoden is a former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. For over two decades, Rhoden’s choreography has been the lynchpin in the development of the Complexions repertory.  He is a recipient of various honors and awards including the New York Foundation for the Arts Award, The Choo San Goh Award for Choreography, and The Ailey School’s Apex Award. Rhoden recently received an honorary doctorate degree from The Boston Conservatory in recognition of his extensive contributions to the field of dance.

Desmond Richardson (Co-Founding Artistic Director) is an international performer. He was the first African American principal dancer of American Ballet Theatre, is a Tony® Award nominee as part of the original Broadway cast of Fosse, and a standout in the Tony®-winning production After Midnight. Recently featured on the cover of Dance Teacher, with his technical virtuosity and statuesque expressive demeanor, he has been hailed by the New York Times as among the greatest dancers of his time. Richardson has appeared in City Center’s Encore Series and on Broadway, including Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out. He made his singing debut in Burt Bacharach/Hal David’s The Look Of Love choreographed by Ann Reinking and Scott Ellis. He has received awards such as The Dance Magazine Award, Capezio Award, Ailey Apex Award, L.A. Ovation Award, Bessie Award, The YoungArts Alumni Award, a 1986 Young Arts Finalist, and Presidential Scholar of the Arts.  He has been celebrity guest performer and choreographer on TV, film, video, and stage productions such as The American Music Awards; The Oscars® Italy’s AMICI; America,  Australia, Israel’s So You Think You Can Dance; Teatro alla Scala’s Moise e Pharoné with Roberto Bolle and conductor Maestro Riccardo Muti; and a featured performer with Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Elton John, and Aretha Franklin. He has also been featured in films such as the Oscar®-Award-winner Chicago, Julie Taymor’s Across The Universe, and in the new independent film Fall To Rise. He worked on Grammy®-winner Jill Scott’s video “Back Together” featuring dancers from Complexions, as well as with Tom Ford and Nile Rodgers. 

IMPORTANT COVID-19 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: State Theatre has implemented important guidelines to protect the health of our guests, staff, artists, and crew. All patrons must follow these guidelines for entry into the theater. Visit STNJ.org/policies for full information. 

After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey has reopened and celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater including newly renovated lobbies, all new restrooms, upgraded HVAC systems, a new elevator for access to all levels, and brand-new theater seats. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey” can be streamed online.

Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a non-profit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances. 

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. 

Photo by Sharen Bradford