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.
