Dallas Brass
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts brings two acclaimed ensembles to the stage this November. Dorrance Dance, a New York-based tap company known for blending movement and music, takes the stage Wednesday and Thursday, November 11 and 12, followed by Dallas Brass on Friday, November 13, with a program spanning centuries of American musical history. All performances take place at 8 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre.
Led by MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance, Dorrance Dance pushes the boundaries of traditional tap through inventive choreography, musical collaboration and improvisation. Among the performers are Elizabeth Burke and Luke Hickey, whose shared history in North Carolina lends a special connection to their work onstage.
“I think there is a lot of overlap in my and Luke’s dancing,” Burke says. “We had seven shared years together training as young people in the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble, under the direction and mentorship of Gene Medler. So much of our training in our formative years was identical, so I do think that our dancing together is synergistic and cohesive.”
The company approaches tap as both a musical tradition and an evolving art form, encouraging dancers to experiment, respond to one another and bring their own personalities to each performance.
Dorrance Dance. Photo by Matthew Murphy
“I think what is so beautiful about tap dancing is that the art form has always existed at the intersection of reverence, preservation and a deep respect of ancestral humanistic and artistic legacy, and individual expression, discovery and experimentation,” Burke says. “As a company, we are always striving to honor our elders in the form—the ones with whom we have deep personal relationships, and the ones whose names we don’t know.”
Founded in 1983, Dallas Brass is known for its versatility, moving between classical compositions, Broadway favorites, Hollywood scores, swing and other American musical traditions. The ensemble’s Wortham program, American Musical Journey, will explore music from the era of George Washington through the present day. Rather than simply moving from one composition to another, the musicians incorporate stories and historical context to connect the selections and illuminate the traditions behind them.
“The narrative is an essential part of the performance—to give a bit of background on each piece or composer and to acknowledge the importance of each genre that makes up our rich American musical heritage,” says Michael Levine, founder and artistic director of Dallas Brass.
The versatility of brass instruments allows the ensemble to move between contrasting musical styles.
“The instruments can be played softly and delicately, or they can be loud and dynamic,” says Levine. “Also, the fact that we use percussion makes the group even more versatile in capturing various styles.”
Levine attributes the group’s longevity to its commitment to engaging audiences.
“The key to Dallas Brass’ longevity is the attitude that the audience comes first,” he says. “We love to play and always strive for artistic excellence, but a top priority has always been to connect with the audience.”
The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts at 18 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville. Tickets and additional information are available at WorthamArts.org.
