About Texture contemporary ballet
Texture Contemporary Ballet: A Fusion of Classical and Contemporary Dance
Texture Contemporary Ballet is a unique dance company that brings together classically trained professional ballet dancers to create and present predominantly contemporary works. The company was founded in 2011 by Alan Obuzor, who wanted to create a platform for dancers to explore their creativity and push the boundaries of traditional ballet.
The dancers at Texture come from some of the top ballet companies and schools in America, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet and many more. They are all highly skilled in classical ballet technique but have also trained extensively in contemporary dance styles.
What sets Texture apart from other dance companies is its commitment to collaboration. Dancers are brought together on a project basis to work with choreographers from different backgrounds and disciplines. This allows for a diverse range of styles and influences to be incorporated into each performance.
Texture's repertoire includes both original works created by the company's own choreographers as well as commissioned pieces by guest choreographers. The company has performed at prestigious venues such as Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Joyce Theater in New York City, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Byham Theater among others.
One of Texture's most notable productions is "Exposed," which premiered at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh in 2015. This production featured six new works by six different choreographers exploring themes such as identity politics, gender roles and social justice issues.
Another standout production was "Unveiled," which premiered at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh in 2018. This production explored themes related to race relations through contemporary dance movements set against an original score composed by local musicians.
In addition to its performances on stage Texture also offers educational programs designed for students ranging from elementary school through college level students interested learning about contemporary dance techniques or pursuing careers within this field.
Overall, Texture Contemporary Ballet is a dynamic and innovative dance company that is pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet. With its commitment to collaboration, diversity, and creativity, it continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of classical and contemporary dance styles.