Looking Back at Backhausdance at McCallum Theatre

Photo by Jack Hartin

Backhausdance is thrilled to have completed their most recent evening-length performance at the beautiful McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. On the night of January 16, three diverse pieces were brought to the stage to create a night that highlighted the extraordinary range of the company and its repertory. The dancers, in the face of three demanding and full-bodied works, performed beautifully all night, superbly demonstrating their monumental physical and mental capability.

The show opened with Hive, a vibrant company favorite choreographed by Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus. The stage was brought to life by the intricate textures and musicality of the movement. The complex relationships and patterns of the dancers drew the group together as the stage brightened before the audience’s eyes.

Beyond the Noise was next, and closed out the first half of the show. A breathtaking creation by Italian choreographer Walter Matteini with wife Ina Broeckx, this moving performance pushed the dancers to the full depth of their emotional and physical range. Through the athletic and hugely expressive choreography, the audience was able to witness the gravity and beauty of a raw and deeply human experience.

Scene Unseen, created by Dwight Rhoden, founding artistic director and resident choreographer of Complexions Contemporary Ballet closed out the show on Thursday with an extraordinary finish. The pure intensity and full physicality of the dancers brought the audience with them on their journey, creating a gripping performance from start to finish. The lighting design by Michael Korsch brought the dancers into another world, and magnificently highlighted their impressive technique.

Backhausdance © Photos by Jack Hartin

In addition to the evening performance, the company explored the “language of dance” in an hour-long lecture demonstration for more than 500 students who were bussed into the theater in the morning. Students, ranging in grade from elementary through high school, were given peeks inside Hive and Scene Unseen. Local youth dancers from the McCallum Theatre’s Studio Project also had the opportunity to reprise work from the Palm Desert Choreography Festival.

The night was a huge success, complete with a standing ovation from the audience as Jennifer Backhaus joined the company onstage for their final bow. Thanks to the McCallum Theatre and all who joined us, the company presented an impressive and stunning evening of dance, and showcased the dancers’ exceptional range of emotional and physical performance beautifully.