A new collaboration by choreographer Jamar Roberts, resident choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Grammy winning composer Rhiannon Giddens, will join the Company’s repertory in the 23/24 season.  The dance will be paired with a production of Agnes DeMille’s 1942 classic, Rodeo, with its iconic score by Aaron Copland reorchestrated for a Bluegrass ensemble .  This combination is designed to open conversations about the historic influence of Black artists on American music and dance forms and offer an expanded view of our cultural history.

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deMille’s comedic Rodeo tells the story of a misfit cowgirl-one who dresses as a man- who finds herself and the partner she’s meant to be with through dance.  An audience favorite since its premiere, the themes of Rodeo can be reassessed and appreciated in the context of today’s conversations.

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Though Rodeo and the Giddens/Roberts Work are being developed to be presented “in conversation”, they will also be available individually and can be programmed with other works.  Graham’s popular Maple Leaf Rag returns with its irresistible music by Scott Joplin.  Diversion of Angels, The Rite of Spring, Appalachian Spring and the Dark Meadow Suite are available as well as recent commissions by Hofesh Shechter, Sonya Tayeh and others.

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All performances by the Company in the 23/24 season are Part of GRAHAM100, the Company’s three season celebration of its 100th Anniversary!  The Company, the oldest dance company in the United States, invites presenters around the world to become GRAHAM100 partners.