Combining contemporary ballet with powerful athleticism, 10 soulful dancers are set to move audiences in Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s “Deep River.”
The single performance is scheduled for Nov. 2, at Northrop Auditorium on the Twin Cities University of Minnesota campus.
“They are the most achingly beautiful dancers, absolutely exquisite. This performance connects dance to music, history, and culture,” said Kristen Brogdon, Northrop’s director of artistic and community programs.
The San Francisco-based company was founded by legendary dancer, choreographer, and visionary, Alonzo King, four decades ago. Raised in Georgia, King’s parents were civil rights pioneers; Dr. Martin Luther King (no relation) and Malcolm X were visitors to his family home.
The company last performed at Northrop in 2018. The current show “Deep River,” choreographed by Alonzo King, combines Black and Jewish spiritual music in an original score by jazz pianist/composer Jason Moran. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer is featured on vocals.
Coming out of the pandemic, many theaters and live performance spaces have struggled to bring back audiences following months of cancellations and postponements. A powerful live performance like this one might be what some hesitant audience members have been waiting for.
“People’s habits have changed,” acknowledged Brogdon. “They crave the live connection, but it has to be an event to coax them back. This performance is that something special. There’s no substitute for being in the theater.”
To welcome all audience members, Northrop Auditorium now offers a sensory-friendly lounge with trained volunteers.
“In partnership with the Minnesota Autism Society, we can give guests seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere during performances. The lounge is a place where people can step out if they get overstimulated,” said Brogdon.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s “Deep River” will take place Nov, 2, at 7:30 pm, at Carlson Family Stage, located at Northrop Auditorium/U of M Twin Cities campus, 84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis.
For tickets and information, visit bit.ly/DeepRiverDeepRiver