The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Danish Dance Theatre in BLACK DIAMOND

After its sold-out appearance in the 2013 Nordic Cool festival, Danish Dance Theatre returns to the Kennedy Center with Artistic Director and choreographer Tim Rushton's (MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire) visually striking production, Black Diamond, October 18 and 19 for two performances in the Eisenhower Theater.

Inspired by the different facets of diamonds and the idea of optical illusions, Rushton explores the opposition of darkness and light set in a futuristic and abstract universe. Using the stunning black and white scenography of Johan Kølkjær as a backdrop, dancers create angular movements and geometric shapes to complement the contrasting scenic worlds. Jet-black diamonds in the first act contrast with brilliantly white ones in the second to refract the stark lighting by Jacob Bjerregaard. Performed to a minimalistic score featuring music by Alexander Balanescu and Philip Glass, as well as beat king Trentemøller, and the Balanescu Quartet, the music ranges from fragmented and noisy tones, to tempo-filled electronic beats, to lyrical and romantic tracks. Performances are recommended for ages 12 and up. The October 18 performance is followed by a free post-performance discussion with the artists.

Having had its premiere in 2014 at The Royal Danish Theatre, Black Diamond is a return for Rushton to a more of an idea based work with a focus on aesthetics and form. Rushton ultimately creates a narrative about inherent duality, where both the shadowy darkness and the light side of man are explored psychologically, scenographically, and thematically.

Danish Dance Theatre is Denmark's largest and most widely acclaimed contemporary Dance Company-presenting about 70 performances a year. The company was founded in 1981, and British-born Tim Rushton took over the artistic leadership in 2001. Under his direction, the company has gained an international presence and enjoyed acclaim throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. Rushton's close collaboration with the dancers has bridged different styles and techniques that reflect the nuances of human relationships. The repertoire spans from large stage productions at The Royal Danish Theatre, to open-air events such as Copenhagen Summer Dance. The company also does an extensive amount of both national and international touring. The vision of Danish Dance Theatre is to push the borders of the perception of dance. The gap between contemporary and classical dance is the signature playground of Rushton and the company.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Performance Schedule

Danish Dance Theatre in Black Diamond

Wednesday, October 18, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.*

Thursday, October 19, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

*Free Post-Performance Discussion