Combining contemporary ballet with powerful athleticism, ten soulful dancers promise to move audiences in "Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River". The single stunning performance is scheduled for Northrop Auditorium on the Twin Cities University of Minnesota campus on Nov. 2.
“They are the most achingly beautiful dancers, absolutely exquisite. This performance connects dance to music, history and culture” said Kristen Brogdon, Northrop’s director of artistic and community programs.
The San Francisco-based company was founded by legendary dancer, choreographer and visionary Alonzo King four decades ago. Raised in Georgia, King’s parents were civil rights pioneers; Dr Martin Luther King (no relation) and Malcolm X were visitors to his family home.
The company last performed at Northrop in 2018. The current show Deep River, choreographed by Alonzo King, combines Black and Jewish spiritual music in an original score by jazz pianist/composer Jason Moran; it features Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer.
Coming out of the pandemic, many theaters and live performance spaces have struggled to bring back audiences following months of cancellations and postponements. A powerful live performance like this one might be what some hesitant audience members have been waiting for.
“People’s habits have changed. They crave the live connection but it has to be an event to coax them back. This performance is that something special,” Brogdon said. “There’s no substitute for being in the theater.”
To welcome all audience members, Northrop Auditorium now offers a sensory friendly lounge with trained volunteers. for guests seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere during performances.
“In partnership with the Minnesota Autism Society, we can give guests seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere during performances. The lounge is a place where people can step out if they get overstimulated,” Brogdon said.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River, part of the Northrop Dance Series
Evening performance: Nov 2, 7:30 pm
Carlson Family Stage, Northrop Auditorium/U of M Twin Cities Campus
84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN