10 X 25 Conference
Oct
25
5:20 PM17:20

10 X 25 Conference

Don't miss out on the FREE exclusive opportunity to hear from the visionary Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance, Joshua L. Peugh, as he shares insights into his creative process. Be among the first to witness a captivating world premiere performance featuring original music by the acclaimed Brandon Carson, a Fulbright Award winner and valued collaborator of Dark Circles. This is an event that dance enthusiasts and music lovers won't want to miss!

October 25 at the new DACC Media Building

5:20 PM - 6:00 PM

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Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2024 FREE SHOWING
Aug
3
9:00 AM09:00

Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2024 FREE SHOWING

See a world premiere created by award-winning choreographer Joshua L. Peugh and iconic dances from our repertory performed by 14 professional and pre-professional dancers hand-selected from around the country for DCCDUSA's Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2024 immersive program.

This informal showing is FREE and open to the public.

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Community Gathering
Jul
25
7:30 PM19:30

Community Gathering

We cordially invite you to join us for an exciting event with the renowned artists of Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2024.

Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 7:30 - 9 PM at NMSU Rentfrow Hall.

This community gathering will provide a unique opportunity for you to engage with the talented artists of Arts Lab Desert Peaks, a hand-selected cohort picked for their exceptional creativity, innovation, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. You will have the chance to meet the dancers, choreographers, and other team members, forging connections and gaining insights into their artistic processes.

The event promises to be a memorable occasion, brimming with artistic inspiration and cultural exchange. Whether you are a dance enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone with a curiosity for the arts, this is an event not to be missed.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance is proud to host this special occasion as part of our ongoing mission to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community. We believe that events like these contribute to the growth of artistic appreciation, collaboration, and mutual support among community members.

Please mark your calendars and join us for this delightful gathering. We encourage you to spread the word among your friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts, as this event is open to all who share a passion for creativity and dance.

We kindly request your RSVP below by Tuesday, July 23 to assist us in planning a memorable event for everyone involved.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring evening, where the worlds of dance, art, and community intersect. Let us come together to celebrate the magic of movement and embrace the transformative power of the arts.

See you soon!

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TEN-GALLON
Jun
25
7:00 PM19:00

TEN-GALLON

Step into a mesmerizing queer world where the "wild west" collides with the captivating realm of contemporary dance. TEN-GALLON is an exhilarating world premiere performance created and choreographed by Joshua L. Peugh that will ignite your senses, challenge your perceptions, and redefine the boundaries of masculinity in the iconic Western genre.

Our talented cast embarks on a groundbreaking journey that excavates the very essence of what the western has represented globally. We take the genre's deeply ingrained tropes and stereotypes and skillfully twist them into a new narrative, one that will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2023-24. 

Viewer discretion is advised. This performance contains elements that reference:

  • Violence and Gunplay

  • Racial and Cultural Themes

  • Mature Themes

  • Intense Atmosphere

Please assess your comfort level with these themes before attending.

Meet the Cast

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The Nutcracker: Queering the Second Act
Dec
21
to Jan 3

The Nutcracker: Queering the Second Act

  • Dark Circles Contemporary Dance (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our mission to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the arts with the upcoming film project, "Queering the Second Act." This groundbreaking project, featuring new choreography by queer choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, is set to reimagine the beloved classic ballet, The Nutcracker, by highlighting the celebration of eccentricity and 'queerness' of the original fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffman.

DCCDUSA is thrilled to feature a stellar cast for this film project, including the talented dancers Chadi El-Khoury, Gavin Stewart, and Vanessa Owen, who will bring their unique artistry and energy to the project. The exceptional pianist and Las Cruces native Marco Jimenez will accompany the film, adding a live musical dimension to this innovative interpretation. Logan Sage will provide videography and Eugenia P. Stallings costume design.

"Queering the Second Act" will be released digitally for screening as pay-what-you-can, giving 14-day unlimited access to on-demand screening December 21 through January 3.

REGISTER FOR ACCESS TODAY!

Donate

CAST

CHADI EL-KHOURY (he/him), A native of Beirut, Lebanon, graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, with a B.A. in Theology, Sociology, and Applied Research Methods. He then pursued a B.F.A. at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance. He was a resident artist for Charlotte Street Foundation's Urban Culture Project (2013) and has had choreographic residencies with DCCDUSA, Modern Night at the Folly Festival, AROVA Contemporary Ballet, and Youth America Grand Prix. He joined DCCDUSA as a dancer in 2014 and assumed the role of Executive Director in the fall of 2015. Chadi's corporate background includes over 13 years of experience. In addition to his leadership role with DCCDUSA, Chadi is working towards an M.B.A. in Business Analytics from Southern Methodist University. He is also a Director overseeing Provider Collaboration Business Development at Elevance Health.

VANESSA OWEN is originally from Amity, Pennsylvania and she received her B.F.A. in Dance from Wright State University.  She has danced professionally with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, the Kennedy Center’s production of Children of Eden, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Company E.  Vanessa performed regularly at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and worked extensively through the State Department touring as a Cultural Ambassador during her time with Company E. These tours took her to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Cuba, Israel, Palestine, Republic of Georgia, Azerbaijan, China, and Uruguay where she taught, performed, and choreographed contemporary dance and musical theater productions.

Vanessa was awarded a McDowell Regional Artist Grant, a Fellowship in Choreography by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival, and her choreography has been presented at Wright State University, the Women in Dance Conference, YES! Dance Invitational, Velocity DC, Agora Dance, Shenandoah University, McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival, Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, CHOP SHOP Contemporary Dance, Richmond Dance Festival, Versatility Dance Festival, Palm Desert Choreography Festival, Austin Dance Festival, Stavna Ballet and Company E. 

GAVIN STEWART, originally from Tulsa, OK, started his training at Tulsa Youth Ballet and received his BFA from UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Gavin has danced professionally with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, MOVE: the Company, Richmond Ballet II, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, Company E and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Company.  During his time with Company E, he performed regularly at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and worked extensively through the State Department touring as a Cultural Ambassador. These tours took him to Kazakhstan, Sweden, Turkmenistan, Russia, Cuba, Israel, Palestine, Azerbaijan, and Uruguay where he taught, performed, and choreographed contemporary dance.

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TEN-GALLON
Oct
15
2:00 PM14:00

TEN-GALLON

  • Pebble Hills High School Auditorium (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step into a mesmerizing queer world where the "wild west" collides with the captivating realm of contemporary dance. TEN-GALLON is an exhilarating world premiere performance created and choreographed by Joshua L. Peugh that will ignite your senses, challenge your perceptions, and redefine the boundaries of masculinity in the iconic Western genre.

Our talented cast embarks on a groundbreaking journey that excavates the very essence of what the western has represented globally. We take the genre's deeply ingrained tropes and stereotypes and skillfully twist them into a new narrative, one that will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2023-24. 

Viewer discretion is advised. This performance contains elements that reference:

  • Violence and Gunplay

  • Racial and Cultural Themes

  • Mature Themes

  • Intense Atmosphere

Please assess your comfort level with these themes before attending.

Meet the Cast

View Event →
TEN-GALLON
Oct
14
7:30 PM19:30

TEN-GALLON

  • Pebble Hills High School Auditorium (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step into a mesmerizing queer world where the "wild west" collides with the captivating realm of contemporary dance. TEN-GALLON is an exhilarating world premiere performance created and choreographed by Joshua L. Peugh that will ignite your senses, challenge your perceptions, and redefine the boundaries of masculinity in the iconic Western genre.

Our talented cast embarks on a groundbreaking journey that excavates the very essence of what the western has represented globally. We take the genre's deeply ingrained tropes and stereotypes and skillfully twist them into a new narrative, one that will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2023-24. 

Viewer discretion is advised. This performance contains elements that reference:

  • Violence and Gunplay

  • Racial and Cultural Themes

  • Mature Themes

  • Intense Atmosphere

Please assess your comfort level with these themes before attending.

Meet the Cast

View Event →
TEN-GALLON
Oct
13
7:30 PM19:30

TEN-GALLON

  • Pebble Hills High School Auditorium (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step into a mesmerizing queer world where the "wild west" collides with the captivating realm of contemporary dance. TEN-GALLON is an exhilarating world premiere performance created and choreographed by Joshua L. Peugh that will ignite your senses, challenge your perceptions, and redefine the boundaries of masculinity in the iconic Western genre.

Our talented cast embarks on a groundbreaking journey that excavates the very essence of what the western has represented globally. We take the genre's deeply ingrained tropes and stereotypes and skillfully twist them into a new narrative, one that will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2023-24.

 

Viewer discretion is advised. This performance contains elements that reference:

  • Violence and Gunplay

  • Racial and Cultural Themes

  • Mature Themes

  • Intense Atmosphere

Please assess your comfort level with these themes before attending.

Meet the Cast

View Event →
TEN-GALLON
Oct
12
7:30 PM19:30

TEN-GALLON

  • Pebble Hills High School Auditorium (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step into a mesmerizing queer world where the "wild west" collides with the captivating realm of contemporary dance. TEN-GALLON is an exhilarating world premiere performance created and choreographed by Joshua L. Peugh that will ignite your senses, challenge your perceptions, and redefine the boundaries of masculinity in the iconic Western genre.

Our talented cast embarks on a groundbreaking journey that excavates the very essence of what the western has represented globally. We take the genre's deeply ingrained tropes and stereotypes and skillfully twist them into a new narrative, one that will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2023-24. 

Viewer discretion is advised. This performance contains elements that reference:

  • Violence and Gunplay

  • Racial and Cultural Themes

  • Mature Themes

  • Intense Atmosphere

Please assess your comfort level with these themes before attending.

Meet the Cast

Choreographer’s Note:

A few years ago, I returned to my home in the desert southwest with my partner in tow. After spending a few evenings meeting friends and family in Mesilla, I realized that Billy the Kid might be an exciting icon to explore as a subject for an evening-length dance work that would connect with the local community and introduce our company to audiences in the region.

I’m always fascinated by the life some characters and stories have long after their first appearance. Billy the Kid died in 1881, but he continues to be reimagined repeatedly well over 100 years later. Unfortunately, Billy didn’t hold my attention. What did were the ideas and tropes of Western film and literature and how they continue to create and define masculinity and our part of the country in our zeitgeist.

The novels Outlawed by Anna North, Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas, and Lone Women by Victor Lavalle, as well as the films My Name is Nobody(1973), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Johnny Guitar (1954) starring gay icon Joan Crawford, and Zachariah (1971), have shaped and enriched my thinking about the Western, what it has been and what it can be.

This production is a culmination of all my training and previous work. Each of my teachers and mentors is reflected in this production, particularly Michele Self, Karen Peterson Kriete, Kim Abel, and Ahn Sung-Su. But Ten-Gallon is dedicated to Myra Woodruff, who taught me (and three other members of this cast) the pleasure of movement and the meaning of excellence.

Stephen King, Sanford Meisner, Ohad Naharin, Tarantino, Fosse, Sondheim, Michael Jackson, Anne Bogart, Tina Landau, William Shakespeare, and Larry McMurtry, I’m jealous of what you’ve made, I admire you, and I’m grateful for the magic you’ve given us.

My wonderful, supportive parents and sister have always encouraged and supported my dreams no matter what time of day.

Chadi El-Khoury is my partner, best friend, editor, and fiercely loyal support system.

The spectacular, generous artists you see on stage tonight, as well as my brilliant collaborators (Brandon, Liz, Nikki) behind the scenes, found personal ways to connect to this dream and, in doing so, clarified, challenged, and improved it; this production could not be what it is with another group of people.

Finally, thank you; more than half of the performance happens on your side of the footlights. We wouldn’t have a purpose without you.
— Joshua L. Peugh
 
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Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2023 FREE SHOWING
Aug
5
9:00 AM09:00

Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2023 FREE SHOWING

See a world premiere created by Las Cruces native and award-winning choreographer Joshua L. Peugh and iconic dances from our repertory performed by 14 professional and pre-professional dancers hand-selected from around the country for DCCDUSA's Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2023 immersive program.

This informal showing is FREE and open to the public.

View Event →
Community Meet & Greet
Jul
27
7:30 PM19:30

Community Meet & Greet

We cordially invite you to join us for an exciting meet and greet event with the renowned artists of Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2023.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 7:30 - 9 PM at Las Cruces School of Dance and Music.

This community gathering will provide a unique opportunity for you to engage with the talented artists of Arts Lab Desert Peaks, a hand-selected cohort picked for their exceptional creativity, innovation, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. You will have the chance to meet the dancers, choreographers, and other team members, forging connections and gaining insights into their artistic processes.

The meet and greet event promises to be a memorable occasion, brimming with artistic inspiration and cultural exchange. Whether you are a dance enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone with a curiosity for the arts, this is an event not to be missed.

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance is proud to host this special occasion as part of our ongoing mission to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community. We believe that events like these contribute to the growth of artistic appreciation, collaboration, and mutual support among community members.

Please mark your calendars and join us for this delightful gathering. We encourage you to spread the word among your friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts, as this event is open to all who share a passion for creativity and dance.

We kindly request your RSVP below by Tuesday, July 25 to assist us in planning a memorable event for everyone involved.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring evening, where the worlds of dance, art, and community intersect. Let us come together to celebrate the magic of movement and embrace the transformative power of the arts.

See you soon!

View Event →
Newport Dance Festival
Jul
18
to Jul 20

Newport Dance Festival

  • Great Friends Meeting House (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Catch Joshua L. Peugh’s award-winning Critics of the Morning Song on July 18, 19, and 20.

Newport Contemporary Ballet presents the Newport Dance Festival on its festival stage at 7:30pm on the lawn of the Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St. in Newport, RI. Each evening the performance will feature a unique lineup of dances drawn on the talent, artistry, and unique styles of the festival’s five visiting dance companies, and Newport’s resident Newport Contemporary Ballet.

Patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy world class dance in an outdoor, social setting.

Ticket Info:

Lawn seating Tickets for $39

Reserved Chair Seating for $49

Reserved Seating Flex Pass, for $225 (6 tickets good to any show)

Lawn Seating Flex Pass, for $185 (6 tickets good to any show)

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The Nutcracker
Dec
18
2:00 PM14:00

The Nutcracker

This December, we join Borderlands Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker DEC 16 - 18 at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts. Save the date for this joyful celebration of imagination! DCCDUSA will appear in the roles of Godfather Drosselmeier and Marie (Clara) with new choreography by Joshua L. Peugh.

THE ARTISTS

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The Nutcracker
Dec
17
7:00 PM19:00

The Nutcracker

This December, we join Borderlands Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker DEC 16 - 18 at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts. Save the date for this joyful celebration of imagination! DCCDUSA will appear in the roles of Godfather Drosselmeier and Marie (Clara) with new choreography by Joshua L. Peugh.

THE ARTISTS

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The Nutcracker
Dec
17
2:00 PM14:00

The Nutcracker

This December, we join Borderlands Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker DEC 16 - 18 at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts. Save the date for this joyful celebration of imagination! DCCDUSA will appear in the roles of Godfather Drosselmeier and Marie (Clara) with new choreography by Joshua L. Peugh.

THE ARTISTS

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The Nutcracker 2022
Dec
16
7:00 PM19:00

The Nutcracker 2022

This December, we join Borderlands Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker DEC 16 - 18 at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts. Save the date for this joyful celebration of imagination! DCCDUSA will appear in the roles of Godfather Drosselmeier and Marie (Clara) with new choreography by Joshua L. Peugh.

THE ARTISTS

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10 X 25 Conference
Oct
14
11:00 AM11:00

10 X 25 Conference

DCCDUSA Founder and Artistic Director Joshua L. Peugh will speak about his creative process at the second annual 10 X 25 Conference held on Friday, October 14th, at the Rio Grande Theater, 211 N. Main Street, downtown Las Cruces.

This regional networking opportunity is geared toward innovators, creators, educators, and entrepreneurs, designed for those who want to learn how to thrive in their respective creative fields. Inspiring presenters share their adventures in entrepreneurship, education, film, music, and game design.

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Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2022 FREE SHOWING
Aug
20
9:00 AM09:00

Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2022 FREE SHOWING

See a world premiere created by Las Cruces native and award-winning choreographer Joshua L. Peugh and iconic dances from our repertory performed by 14 professional and pre-professional dancers hand-selected from around the country for DCCDUSA's Arts Lab Desert Peaks 2022 immersive program.

This informal showing is FREE and open to the public.

View Event →
The Nutcracker
Dec
18
7:00 PM19:00

The Nutcracker

Las Cruces Chamber Ballet & Michele's Dance Academy present The Nutcracker featuring DCCDUSA! Joshua L. Peugh will be creating seven new dances for the production. Tickets on sale NOW!

DEC 17 @ 7PM

DEC 18 @ 2PM & 7PM

THE ARTISTS

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The Nutcracker
Dec
18
2:00 PM14:00

The Nutcracker

Las Cruces Chamber Ballet & Michele's Dance Academy present The Nutcracker featuring DCCDUSA! Joshua L. Peugh will be creating seven new dances for the production. Tickets on sale NOW!

DEC 17 @ 7PM

DEC 18 @ 2PM & 7PM

THE ARTISTS

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Dec
17
7:00 PM19:00

The Nutcracker 2021

Las Cruces Chamber Ballet & Michele's Dance Academy present The Nutcracker featuring DCCDUSA! Joshua L. Peugh will be creating seven new dances for the production. Tickets on sale NOW!

DEC 17 @ 7PM

DEC 18 @ 2PM & 7PM

THE ARTISTS

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Arts Lab Desert Peaks FREE SHOWING
Aug
14
9:00 AM09:00

Arts Lab Desert Peaks FREE SHOWING

Arts Lab Desert Peaks FB Event.png

See two world premiere dances created by Las Cruces native and award-winning choreographer Joshua L. Peugh and acclaimed NYC-based director and choreographer Mike Esperanza.

These world premieres will be performed by the 14 professional and pre-professional dancers selected for DCCDUSA's Arts Lab Desert Peaks immersive residency program.

This informal showing is free and open to the public.

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DANCE NOW NYC 25th Anniversary Digital Season
May
6
9:00 AM09:00

DANCE NOW NYC 25th Anniversary Digital Season

IMG_1185.jpg

Traditionally held each year immediately after Labor Day, the DANCE NOW Festival is known as the kick-off to the dance season in New York City.

This year, in lieu of the live festival at Joe’s Pub, DANCE NOW is creating an alternative virtual space to celebrate its artists and this landmark anniversary.

Joshua L. Peugh has been commissioned to create a new work for the DANCE NOW NYC 25th Anniversary Digital Season!

PERFORMANCE RELEASE & WATCH PARTY

Thursday, May 6, 2021, 6:00 PM EDT

ARTIST-TO-AUDIENCE CELEBRATION

Hosted by Nicole Wolcott + Larry Keigwin

Thursday, May 27, 2021 7:00 PM EDT


PERFORMANCE ONLY TICKETS - $10*

PERFORMANCE + CELEBRATION TICKETS- $20

*Audience members can upgrade a $10 ticket to a $20 ticket or bundle previous purchases for an upgrade to a subscription by contacting our Box Office at boxoffice@dancenownyc.org.

READ MORE . . .

FORBES - DANCE NOW PRESENTS FINAL CHAPTER OF THEIR DIGITAL FESTIVAL

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PETE: A NEW DANCE MUSICAL
Oct
26
6:00 PM18:00

PETE: A NEW DANCE MUSICAL

HOUSTON

Pete headlines The Houston Fringe Festival with two performances on Saturday, October 26 at 6PM & 8PM.

GET TICKETS


Pete: A New Dance Musical is a recipient of a grant from the TACA New Works Fund.

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Sep
12
to Sep 15

PETE: A NEW DANCE MUSICAL

  • Winspear Opera House, Hamon Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
PETE: A NEW DANCE MUSICAL POSTER

Director & Choreographer Joshua L. Peugh

Music Brandon Carson

Lyrics Kierra Gray

Music Director Vonda K. Bowling

Projections & Dramaturgy Mona Kasra

Lighting & Scenic Design H. Bart McGeehon

Costume Design Susan Austin

Dark Circles Contemporary Dance celebrates the opening of its 2019-20 Season in the U.S.A. with a brand-new evening-length dance musical conceived and choreographed by international award-winning choreographer and founder of Dark Circles Joshua L. Peugh inspired J. M. Barrie’s iconic novel Peter Pan.

READ MORE . . .

BROADWAYWORLD - Dallas' Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Presents PETE

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