|
The Arts Beat is a weekly deep-dive into Memphis arts, music, dance, theater, fashion, film and events. Keep scrolling for a roundup of the best arts and culture stories from the week. Have a story idea? Send it to eperry@dailymemphian.com.
Ballet Memphis and Collage Dance Collective both officially kick off their 2025-2026 performance seasons today, Friday, Oct. 10.
It’s season 39 for Ballet Memphis and season 16 for Collage.
At Ballet Memphis’ Fly Studio, the company will host a world premiere of the Joshua L. Peugh-choreographed “Macbeth.”
At Playhouse on the Square, Collage will host its “Let it Fall” program. It features world premieres from choreographers Nicolo Fonte and Crystal Pite, among other dance works.
On Sept. 29, the organizations jointly posted a conversation with their artistic directors on social media.
“We have an embarrassment of riches of quality, excellent dance in Memphis,” Steven McMahon, of Ballet Memphis, said in the video.
The post also offers a 25% discount code on tickets to one company’s dance performance after tickets to the other company’s dance performance are purchased.
“This is just so great that the Memphis audience can have a weekend of dance,” Kevin Thomas, of Collage, said in the video.
The video and promo are part of a new initiative — Dance Memphis.
ARTSmemphis has convened dance and performing arts organizations for Dance Memphis. They are Ballet Memphis, Buckman Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s School, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Collage, Germantown Performing Arts Center, New Ballet Ensemble & School, Orpheum Theatre Group and University of Memphis’ Theatre and Dance Department.
Dance Memphis’ goal is stronger collaboration and connection between the organizations — as well as increased community engagement — to celebrate, support, and expand the local dance scene.
“We wanted to shine a spotlight on Memphis' dance scene because it’s an art form that has been steadily growing and evolving over the past decade,” said Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ARTSmemphis. “… Showcasing dance not only honors the work of artists, but also invites more people to experience, support and participate in the vibrant cultural life of Memphis.”
Part of that effort is a new online dance calendar that highlights performances in one place.
Most Dance Memphis members are grantee partners of ARTSmemphis, either as dance companies and schools or as presenting organizations that partner with the organizations and touring companies for performances.
Rouse said the idea of creating an ongoing forum for dialogue, partnership and collective effort came from the organizations themselves.
The organizations also selected the name.
Top arts and culture stories
..... |