Music by Stevie Wonder and Prince isn't commonly used for ballet scores, but Complexions Contemporary Ballet isn't interested in what's common. Led by Co-Artistic Directors/Founders Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, the company comes to Houston for a one-night three-act performance on Friday. The program includes Innervisions, an upbeat modern dance tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder, as well as Solo, restaged for this program, and features music by Prince. Also on the bill: Head Space, a brand-new work featuring music by Grammy Award-winning New Orleans jazz musician Terence Blanchard.
The program will also debut new works. "[Complexions] is a fusion of traditional ballet and modern movement...but this performance will not have the women en pointe," says Richardson. "We really create an arc throughout the concert in order to transport the audience with music and dance." Among the 12 dancers performing in the concert is Houston native Ashley Nicole Mayeux; see her in an excerpt from the ballet Testament, which uses a score of gospel hymnals.
8 p.m. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-227-4772 or visit spahouston.org. $35 to $80.
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