Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents ILLUMINATION at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, April 7-8, 2023.
GHDT’s 25th Season Celebration continues with ILLUMINATION, a collection of dances as well as excerpts from larger original theatrical dance works curated by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock, which are inspired by faith, hope, and light. Spanning years of his creative work, Mr. Hancock has selected these dances to celebrate the diversity of our world through stories of unwavering faith and commitment. Audiences will experience a retrospective glance at a grouping of introspective and beautiful dances that have brought GHDT to where it is today. During this season of holiness and reflection, GHDT takes audiences on an emotional journey of awakening, connectedness, and peace. Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will perform New World Dances at the new Florence Theatre in Carmel on Saturdays and Sundays, February 11- 26, 2023.
Take a journey back in time with GHDT and experience a collection of edgy and uplifting original theatrical dance works by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock that were created during the time of the world-wide pandemic. Initially performed for film or on unique stages throughout the community to limited or virtual audiences in three distinct concerts, these excerpts will be presented to live audiences for the first time in an up-close and personal setting at our new theatre, The Florence. The selected dance works will be coupled with eclectic music and high-tech, enhanced lighting creating an intense, in-the-moment experience for audiences.
Picture by: Lydia Moody
“I entered that time of uncertainty and isolation with an open mind in 2020. I created a lot of new pieces during the pandemic. As a story-teller, I am inspired by the world around me. These works reflected our changing times and the spiritual battle within each of us. The arts are a powerful tool that foster human connection and awaken human emotion. I look forward to once again sharing these works with audiences, especially in a small theatre setting like The Florence. It will be powerful,” says Mr. Hancock.
NEW WORLD DANCES The Florence at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre Saturday, February 11, 18, 25, 2022 at 7PM Sunday, February 12, 19, 26, 2022 at 3PM
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents Winter Dance Fest! Join us for an exciting evening of dance celebrating the diversity of our Board of Directors. This celebration features new works of dance by four different choreographers. Taking place at The Florence at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, performances are one weekend only! December 9 at 8 pm, December 10 at 7 pm, and December 11 at 3 pm. Seating is limited!
WINTER DANCE FEST The Florence at The Academy of GHDT Friday, December 9th, 2022 at 8PM Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 7PM Sunday, December 11th, 2022 at 3PM
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present the annual student production of The Nutcracker at Pike Performing Arts Center, Friday, December 2, 2022 at 7PM and Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 3PM and 7PM. GHDT’s popular, full-length contemporary version features the talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT, students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers who will fill the stage with color and excitement!
Picture by: Lydia Moody
The Nutcracker follows the same overall story line as the classical version, but is uniquely different with a modern twist. This enchanted production portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless person. GHDT’s The Nutcracker presents a wide range of world and cultural music and is a holiday family favorite. Add joy and cheer to your season and experience the magic of GHDT’s The Nutcracker!
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, October 28-29, 2022.
Back by popular demand after The World Premiere in October of 2021, this critically acclaimed, full-length contemporary ballet, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, will return to The Tarkington stage with all its beauty and grandeur. This original, autobiographical work created by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock will present to audiences an emotional and truth-seeking story about a boy from Kansas who sets out on a journey down the Golden Path to India. Looking for meaning and purpose in life after devastating losses and challenges, he encounters deities from the Hindu pantheon who impart wisdom, compassion and courage. Through the blend of cultural themes, theatrical dance and unique music, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME will transport the audience through a maze of inspirational experiences ultimately discovering that home is really a place in the heart. This concert is a perfect way to launch Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals of India.
Photo Credit: Vernon Jones Pictured: Abigail Lessaris
“The combination of music, costumes, lighting, and sound in Hancock’s work made for a sensory experience that was, at times, staggering, yet left me feeling I had witnessed a theatre event that was truly astonishing in its breadth and scope,” comments Tom Alvarez, concert reviewer and publisher of “On the Aisle,” November 2021.
The powerful score of music will combine the sounds of America and India using American pop, folk and gospel music along with classical, devotional and film genres of India. Diverse dance styles, costumes and lighting will enhance the ambience and authenticate the journey. Original artwork of picturesque India created by local artist Madhuchhanda Mandal will provide a stunning theatrical backdrop for the production.
“The result is a tour de force art piece, rendered in dance, color and emotion. It is, without doubt, one of the most gorgeous theatre offerings I have ever seen,” writes Ken Klingenmeier, blogger for “A Seat on the Aisle,” November 2021.
As a world traveler, Mr. Hancock draws on his experiences to create art that inspires others through the international languages of dance and music and strives to create works of beauty and emotion that cause audiences to respond on a spiritual level. “The arts are a powerful tool that contribute to global connectiveness and commonality which runs through all mankind,” said Mr. Hancock.
“To say that Hancock is a risk-taker and visionary is an understatement. Add to that a cultural ambassador for all he has done to educate, inform and inspire audiences, as he builds bridges of understanding through his art, world view and sensibilities that benefit us all,” Alvarez states.
Photo Credit: Joe Phillips Pictured: Thomas Mason
This concert is sponsored by OrthoIndy and Drs. Mihir and Chandrika Patel, MD.
For additional information about this performance, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844-2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net. For interview/media information, Ivy Heazeltine at iheazeltine.ghdt@gmail.com. For information about Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, visit www.gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Our grand opening weekend of our newly renovated Black Box Theatre, The Florence.
Seating is limited! Join us for a tour of the new theatre and performance!
“My mother worked tirelessly and sacrificed so the company could survive and flourish. She would be thrilled to see this happening for the company. We are working to create a special performance space that is reflective of my mother’s passion for the arts and her belief in the transformative qualities of art. The theatre is named after her.”
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will celebrate their 25th Anniversary Season by presenting highly entertaining, past and present artistic works from GHDT’s 25 years of dance theatre repertoire!
Known for masterful productions with moving storytelling, theater and dance, this season, GHDT will tell the company’s story through repertoire created in early years as well as recently produced works. Mr. Hancock has curated the archives to share his choreographic and thematic stories with audiences. Sweeping musical scores, electric and thrilling dance combined with emotional and poignant theatre await audiences as GHDT explores and celebrates its journey over 25 years.
Season tickets will be available for the four concerts at The Tarkington beginning July 29, 2022 by calling The Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box office at 317-843-3800.
25th SEASON CELEBRATION The Tarkington August 26 & 27, 2022– 7 pm This production has been curated by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock to link together theatrical tales from throughout GHDT’s rich 25-year history and will tell the collective story through moving, poignant and memorable theater, thrilling movement, and beautiful music.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME The Tarkington October 28 & 29, 2022 – 7 pm Returning to the stage this October is an original, full-length autobiographical work created and choreographed by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock. A unique adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” this adventure will travel through the exotic world of India with a boy from Kansas. On his quest for enlightenment, he will encounter characters from the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses.
THE NUTCRACKER Pike Performing Arts Cente December 2 & 3, 2022 This magical student production portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of another homeless person. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
NEW WORLD DANCES The Florence Weekends February 11 -26, 2023 This collection of original works by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock was created during the pandemic and performed mostly for film on unique stages throughout the community. These masterful works will now be presented for live audiences for the first time at GHDT’s new black box theatre, The Florence.
ILLUMINATION The Tarkington April 7 & 8, 2023 – 7 pm Throughout the many works in GHDT’s repertoire are those rooted in faith, love, connection, and hope. During the spring season of holiness and reflection, Mr. Hancock has collected works of faith and light to tell our common spiritual search for the divine.
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE The Tarkington June 9 & 10, 2023 – 7 pm With over 150 pieces spanning 25 years, Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock selected and designed this production with works that still resonate with him in a deep and meaningful way. A variety of musical styles, electric and passionate movement with varied and connected themes, GHDT and Mr. Hancock invite you to peek into the heart of their artistic work to guide you to find our connection to each other through our shared human experiences.
Photo Credit: Joe Phillips Pictured: GHDT Company Dancers
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident, professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
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For additional information about these performances, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844-2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net For interview/media information, Ivy Heazeltine, iheazeltine.ghdt@gmail.com
Dear Loyal Donors and Patrons of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre,
We have some exciting news!
We have received a sizable contribution to assist GHDT with a Black Box Theatre enhancement project valued at $255,000 for the company rehearsal space at The Academy of GHDT during 2022. This capital project will enable GHDT to produce performances in a complete black box theater space to make each performance a unique, up-close and personal experience, to generate more revenue, to allow us to transition to efficient energy usage, and ultimately, to serve more patrons. GHDT will have a greater flexibility for supplementing our performance schedule beyond our performance season at The Tarkington.
Included in the project will be:
A new ¾ wrap-around black curtain system for walls along with blackout curtains for theatre entrance. Curtain system will allow for wings and back stage cross over.
A new state-of-the-art theatrical lighting system including all new lights, console, and accessories using energy efficient LED lighting to provide visual effects and color advantages.
A new 3-Level Manual Telescopic Riser System with 51 permanent retractable seats allowing for comfort and better viewing. Aisle handrails provided for additional patron safety.
We would like for you to be part of this project! Help us invest in our future!
For all elements of this project to be completed, we need to raise a minimum of $55,000 through donations and fund-raising activities by March 1, 2022.
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we would like to recognize the generosity of our major gift donors of this project. Those donors who contribute at least $1,000 or more will have their name added to a permanent wall plaque at The Academy, as well as performance program recognition, and naming rights bestowed to a seat in the new seating addition for the estimated life of the chair. There are only 51 seats to be named.
All donations in any amount are welcome for this project. Donations can be easily made by sending a check or through the GHDT website at gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org, click on donate button. Please note Capital Project. Checks are encouraged (as credit card fees are not applied). Mailing address: GHDT Capital Project, 329 Gradle Drive, Carmel, IN 46032.
The devoted members of the GHDT Board of Directors have committed financial support for this project and will be contacting you directly about your level of interest in assisting us with a gift.
As a resident company at The Center for the Performing Arts, GHDT will continue to follow the same protocols as The Center for performances at The Academy of GHDT.
Health and Safety Policies and Protocols: Amid ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, The Center for the Performing Arts and its Resident Companies have adopted the following policies and protocols for the 2021-2022 season. Though subject to change as circumstances evolve, these requirements reflect public health recommendations, artist policies and the growing consensus across the live entertainment industry on how to maintain a safer environment. For further details from The Center on self-check, masking, and proof of vaccination or negative test, please visit: thecenterpresents.org
Health and Safety Policies and Protocols for patrons of THE BLACK DAHLIA at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre venue are as follows:
Please do not attend if you experience any symptoms of illness
Masks are required upon entry for anyone age 3 or older
All patrons age 12 or older must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon entry
As an alternative to vaccination, patrons may present physical or digital proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the event
For more information on how to purchase tickets for THE BLACK DAHLIA please click the link below:
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