Memphis-based ballet company Collage Dance Collective brought an outstanding performance to the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 13 as part of the Boni Belle Brooks Series.
The performance featured “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a neoclassical ballet adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s seminal novel; “Rise,” set to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful 1968 “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech; and “Buff City Blues”, a blues section inspired by artist B.B. King. The company showcased a blend of both classical and contemporary dance styles through these movements and even featured a current Clemson dance student in their third movement.
Collage Dance Collective, one of the largest Black-led performing arts organizations in the South, has made significant strides in advancing diversity in ballet. The company has completed 13 full-length seasons in Memphis and has toured nationally and internationally. Their dedication to artistic excellence and cultural representation has gained national recognition, including being named a “Southern Cultural Treasure” by South Arts and the Ford Foundation.
In addition to their performance, the company spent three days at Clemson working closely with students. They collaborated with four Clemson classes, including a performing arts course, and led a masterclass where students got a firsthand look and experience of their unique approach to ballet. Through these classes, students gained invaluable insight into the professional dance world, expanding their understanding of artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
“We had the chance to talk to the dance company the other day and learned a lot from them. I’m excited to see this performance after gaining so many amazing insights,” performing arts student Connie Hollerman said before the show.
The Clemson performance was made possible through funding from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support came from the city of Clemson, Clemson Area African American Museum, Clemson University Global Black Studies, Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, Clemson Libraries, College of Arts and Humanities, Clemson Humanities Hub, Office of the Provost and friends of the Brooks Center.
Collage Dance Collective’s company members, including Thierry Blannchard, Luisa Cardoso, Santiago Castañeda, Rickey Flagg II and others, demonstrated the company’s signature ballet style, combining classical and contemporary techniques.
The performance drew a large and engaged audience, highlighting the impact of Collage Dance Collective’s mission. The performance left an impression not only because of the dancers’ technical talent but also because of the powerful messages behind each piece. By blending artistry with activism, the company continues to inspire new generations of dancers and audiences.
