BECKET, Mass. — The Ted Shawn Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow received an extraordinary standing ovation on Wednesday night. The crowd, hooting and hollering, enthusiastically applauded Complexions Contemporary Ballet, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a rock concert than a dance performance. The electrifying display that elicited such fervor was none other than “Star Dust,” the company’s magnificent tribute to David Bowie, released in 2016.
The unfortunate tradition of paying tribute to artists after their passing deprives them of experiencing the profound admiration for their life’s work. One can easily envision how much Bowie would have adored this captivating representation. Principal choreographer Dwight Rhoden of Complexions Contemporary Ballet has masterfully captured the essence of Bowie’s legendary persona and legacy. “Star Dust” is an audacious and poignant production, adorned with sensuality and shimmering radiance. It resonates with both light and melancholy, undoubtedly making it the company’s iconic piece. Complexions Contemporary Ballet, based in New York City and founded in 1994 by Rhoden and former American Ballet Theatre dancer Desmond Richardson, has made a remarkable debut at Jacob’s Pillow with this mesmerizing performance.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Jacob’s Pillow, 354 George Carter Rd., Becket, Mass.
The distinct personality and vibe of each section in “Star Dust,” mirroring individual Bowie songs, showcase a remarkable choreographic approach. Rhoden orchestrates the stage with an ever-shifting tapestry of bodies, forming lines, circles, and synchronized phrases, only to break them into intimate duets. This dynamic performance is filled with awe-inspiring leaps, lifts, and pirouettes while maintaining a grounded quality that defies gravity.
Throughout the piece, the dancers take turns embodying the essence of Bowie, lip-synching and striking poses. Jillian Davis, with her regal demeanor and elongated limbs; Joe González, exuding power and grace; Kobe Atwood Courtney, an explosive manifestation of energy (literally soaring through space with assistance during “Space Oddity”)—each dancer effortlessly transitions into different facets of Bowie’s persona throughout his career. The dance culminates in a joyous celebration set to “Young Americans.”
The first half of the program, comprising five short pieces and excerpts, all crafted by Rhoden, served as a warm-up act for “Star Dust.” It graciously introduced the audience to the performers who would captivate their hearts by the final curtain. Notable moments included Davis’s evocative and fluid solo to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and “Snatched Back from the Edges,” a pandemic-era choreography characterized by graceful, reaching movements and an indomitable sense of unity.
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