Performances
GHDT’s 2018-2019 Season
THE CASKET GIRLS – September 21-22, 2018 – The Tarkington
As the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will open its 21st Performance Season with the return of THE CASKET GIRLS. Originally premiered in 2009 as one act, this modern vampire ballet features original music composed by recording artist Cory Gabel, and choreography by award winning Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock. After nine years, these two artists have reunited to complete this full-length dramatic work. Based on the lore of the casket girls who arrived in New Orleans from France in 1728 dragging their trousseaus, Act I will wind you through the mysterious happenings of the Filles a la Cassette, their residency at the Old Convent on Chartres Street, and the suspicious activities surrounding them. The premiere of the full-length production of THE CASKET GIRLS will move the story from the legends of yesteryear in Act I to current day New Orleans with vampires, voodoo and mystery in Act II. This production will bring to life this dark and obscure story and leave you with chills.
THE NUTCRACKER – November 30-December 1, 2018 – Pike Performing Arts Center
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents THE NUTCRACKER at Pike Performing Arts Center, November 30-Decebmer 1, 2018. GHDT’s full-length modern version features the highly-talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers filling the stage with movement and color! THE NUTCRACKER follows the same overall story line as the original, but with a uniquely different twist. This magical version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
THE WILD WILD WEST – Weekends February 9-24, 2019 – The Academy of GHDT
In February, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will once again transform its daily rehearsal space into a black-box theatre where audiences will be entertained in a cabaret style, up-close and personal theatrical experience. This season, GHDT gives a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood (and Italy) with its new production of THE WILD WILD WEST. Complete with cowboys and cowgirls, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this new interactive performance will bring the American Old West to life in a fun and entertaining fashion with the dancers of GHDT. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. This is a fund-raising event for GHDT, so be sure to bring your loot in case you need to post bail! Grab your cowboy boots, chaps and Stetsons and join GHDT in THE WILD WILD WEST!
EXODUS – April 5-6, 2019 – The Tarkington
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is excited to premiere as part of the 2018-2019 Season, EXODUS, Gregory Glade Hancock’s newest work. This full-length contemporary ballet is inspired by the second book of the Torah and the Hebrew Bible, and presents the story of the Israelite’s delivery from slavery, the exodus from Egypt, the prophet Moses and the Promised Land with a contemporary flare. This epic new ballet features poignant and dramatic music, powerful choreography, beautiful costumes and inspiring theatrics. The talented cast will lead the audience on a journey through oppression and emigration to liberation and freedom for all. This ancient story resonates even today, and through the creative storytelling by Mr. Hancock, EXODUS is sure to become another masterpiece in the GHDT repertoire.
THE VIOLIN UNDER THE BED – June 7-8, 2019 – The Tarkington
Growing up, Florence Marie Hancock yearned to play the violin. Knowing this was impossible as a poor, young girl of the depression era, she resorted to dreaming about holding the instrument, hearing music and dancing. THE VIOLIN UNDER THE BED, so eloquently choreographed by Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock and an audience favorite, will once again return to The Tarkington stage. The performance is inspired by stories of Mr. Hancock’s mother and the experiences that brought her joy – art, nature, travel, and sports. The tiny vignettes represent segments of her life and all the gusto she brought to it. “I dedicate all of my work to my mother and her indomitable and enigmatic spirit,” says Mr. Hancock. This touching production is filled with emotion and enlightenment and will lift the spirits of each and every audience member.
SUPERHERO 2018 Cast Photo Gallery
Photos by Lydia Moody, Norma June’s Photography
SUPERHERO Through the Years
SUPERHERO – the story of a man called Jesus, has been in the company’s repertoire since 2006. It has become one of GHDT’s most well-known and most-loved shows. SUPERHERO tells the story of Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Resurrection. Numerous company members have been able to portray the characters in this story, and a multitude of students have been able to participate in the show as townspeople. SUPERHERO has touched so many hearts, of both dancers and audience members.
This year is going to be the last year to see this performance before it goes into the GHDT Vault. To celebrate the show, let’s take some time to look back at each character and what they bring to the story, along with which company members have portrayed each role over the past 12 years.
Jesus
Martin Casanova – 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014
James Gilmer – 2015, 2016
Eduardo Permuy – 2017
Mother Mary
Heather King – 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014
Dana Backes (Westfall) – 2015
Sarah Sigman – 2016
Taylar Green – 2017
Mary Magdalene
Christine Colquitt (Thacker) – 2006
Melanie Eakman – 2008, 2012, 2014
Hannah Brown – 2015, 2016, 2017
Judas
Courtney Cole – 2006
Ogulcan Borova – 2008
Philip Crawshaw – 2012
Liang Fu – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Veronica
Sarah Collister (Megel) – 2006, 2008
Sara Little – 2012
Samantha James – 2014
Melanie Heazeltine (Eakman) – 2015
Brittney Richards – 2016, 2017
the Cross
Rachel Rutland Maryanovskaya – 2006, 2008
Abigail Lessaris – 2015, 2016, 2017
Claudia Procula
Rachel Rutland Maryanovskaya -2006, 2008
Dana Backes (Westfall) – 2012, 2014
Abigail Lessaris – 2015, 2016, 2017
Woman at the Well
Inita Saleniece – 2006, 2008
Natalee Cooney – 2012
Rachel Jacobucci – 2014
Heather King – 2015
Erica Steward – 2016, 2017
Come see SUPERHERO this Easter weekend! For tickets, click here.
Join us for SIMCHA!
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s annual cabaret-styled fundraising performance, SIMCHA, will be presented weekends February 3-18, 2018 at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, 329 Gradle Drive in Carmel. This powerful, dramatic, yet fun and energetic performance celebrates the resilient nature of Jewish heritage and culture. In true GHDT fashion, it will make you smile, laugh, and cry all in a span of two hours.
This is a show for everyone! Take a break from the Indiana winter weather roller coaster, and enjoy some theatrical entertainment!
Included in this performance is GHDT’s classic, “1941.” This piece depicts a mother grieving after the lose of her child. Accompanying the dancer, is a large piece of black fabric, which represents her emotion and path.
Also performed is a new exciting work choreographed by Gregory Hancock as well as a beautiful performance of “The Western Wall” by G2, our pre-professional company.
Tickets are $35 and includes complimentary light refreshments.
Performances are February 3-18. Saturday evenings at 7pm and Sunday afternoons at 3pm. Seating is limited. For tickets, click here!
GHDT’s Holiday Special
Come join us this Holiday season! Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is creating a new holiday tradition by putting on a Holiday Special performance. Choreographed by the company dancers, GHDT will be telling the stories of three classic tales – The Island of Misfit Toys, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. After the performance, will be a small Christmas party with light refreshments.
Each classic story has it’s own little twist. Our misfit toys don’t include a train with square wheels, but instead a Wind-Up Wendy doll who won’t stay awake! Our Christmas Carol isn’t about Ebenezer Scrooge, but about a women who places herself above everyone else. Will she learn that money and diamonds are worth having no one around you who cares? Come see the show to find out!
Performances are Friday December 15th at 7PM, Saturday December 16th at 7PM, and Sunday December 17th at 3PM.For tickets, click here!
Tickets on Sale Now!
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is celebrating its 20th Season! To kickoff this exciting anniversary, the company is presenting “CELEBRATION!” on September 22 & 23 at The Tarkington in Carmel, Indiana. Artistic Director and Choreographer Gregory Hancock selected “classic” pieces from 20 years of repertoire for the company to perform. An audience favorite, “Bolero” will return to the stage as well as “1968” – both retrieved from the masterpiece archives. The concert will feature drama, precision and high energy dancing and will provide an amazing experience for everyone!
Join us in celebrating the 20th GHDT Season! All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets can be bought by clicking here, or by calling The Tarkington box office at 317-843-3800.
Season Tickets
Do you plan on coming to see all of GHDT’s shows this season at The Tarkington? Season tickets are now available! Buying a season ticket saves you 10% off the regular ticket pricing for the three Tarkington performances. Season tickets are NOT available online, and can be purchased by calling the Tarkington box office at 318-843-3800 or by visiting the box office in person.
Mr. Hancock, the company dancers, and G2 dancers can not wait to celebrate our 20th Anniversary Season with our patrons. We will see you on September 22 & 23 to kick off the season of CELEBRATION!
20th Season Performances Announced
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is celebrating it’s 20th Season. Join us in celebrating by attending our performances!
CELEBRATION! – September 22-23, 2017
The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts
THE NUTCRACKER – December 1-3, 2017
Pike Performing Arts Center
GHDT’S HOLIDAY SPECIAL – December 16-17, 2017
The Academy of GHDT
SIMCHA – Weekends – February 3-18, 2018
The Academy of GHDT
SUPERHERO; the story of a man called Jesus
March 30-31, 2018
The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts
G2 IN CONCERT AND ACADEMY SHOWCASE June 1-3, 2018
The Academy of GHDT
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
June 29-30, 2018
The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts
Season Tickets are now available at The Tarkington Box Office for the Tarkington performances by calling 317-843-3800. Not available online. Save 10% off single ticket purchases by buying Season Tickets.
To read the entire press release, click here.
Gregory Hancock – Emmy Winner
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s artistic director, Gregory Hancock, is a jack of all trades. Mr.
Hancock wrote a musical, called La Casa Azul, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. In 1997, it was copyrighted. However, the musical did not premiere until June 2015. The musical was such a success, it had an encore performance the following October. Our local PBS station, WFYI, filmed the performance and a documentary about the process of bringing the show to the stage. This 2016 broadcast, we are happy to announce, won a Regional Emmy for Best Arts Programming.
A Night in India Patron Photos
We had wonderful audiences who came to see A Night in India this past weekend at The Tarkington. We had some lovely vendors in the lobby, including a Taj Mahal Photo Booth with photos taken by Norma Junes Photography. Click here to find yours!
Thank you to all of the sponsors, vendors, patrons, board members, dancers, tech crew, and our director, Gregory Hancock. This weekend wouldn’t have gone the way it did without any piece of the puzzle.
Stay tuned for the reveal of our 20th Anniversary Season!
A Night In India Cast
GHDT’s June show allows for us to invite dancers to come intern, apprentice, and guest artist with the company. For this concert, we have dancers from Ohio, Michigan, and India. Yes, you read that right – India! Scroll down to see the dancers who will joining the company in A NIGHT IN INDIA. To learn more about the GHDT company dancers, click here!
Abhishek Rathod
Kenneth Shelby Jr
Rahul Thahryani
Adrian Dominguez
Jameson Keating
Hannah Williamson
Morgan Beane
Hannah Johnson
Katie Brake
Come see these dancers join the GHDT Company Dancers in A NIGHT IN INDIA on June 9th and 10th at 7PM. For tickets, click here.
