White Bird Presents: Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Jaw-dropping choreography and incredible athleticism!

Group shot 2024 photo courtesy of whitebird

White Bird is thrilled to welcome back crowd-favorite, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, for their 2025-26 season. Known for their jaw-dropping choreography and incredible athleticism, Complexions returns with an epic program featuring a selection of engaging, iconic pieces, including Dwight Rhoden's exhilarating new work featuring the music of U2, "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD." The performances will take place at the Newmark Theatre from October 2-4.

Since Complexions’ founding in 1994, co-founders and artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmon Richardson have instituted an instantly recognizable synthesis of contemporary and classical dance, celebrating diversity, artistry, and individuality as the heart of the company. Richardson is a Tony Award Nominee, Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and former principal dancer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, and Frankfurt Ballet. Principal choreographer Rhoden has created over 100 ballets for Complexions and other prestigious companies, including the San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet.

Complexions will perform six uniquely powerful pieces choreographed by Dwight Rhoden. In the hypnotic full-company piece, “This Time with Feeling,” poised dancers stretch out into a single captivating line set against frosty lights and lush fog. An instant spark between two strangers comes with highs and lows, beautifully depicted in “First Comes Love,” a vibrant duet bursting with chemistry. Choreographed in 2000, the powerful trio, “Gone,” embodies the anguish and passion of Civil Rights Activist Odetta’s accompanying ballad, “Another Man Done Gone.” A crowd favorite since 1995, the sublime pas de deux, “Ave Maria,” set to the music of Giulio Caccini, balances urgent passion and measured reverence. Matching the thunderous music of Hans Zimmer, dancers in gauzy white garb double as boisterous and unapologetic percussion artists in “Mercy.”

Complexions’ new stirring, nuanced work, “FOR CRYING OUT LOUD,” set to the music of U2, exemplifies the fundamental values of the company through Rhoden’s trademark dynamic choreography. Exceptional dancers push the bounds of feasible physicality with dazzling leaps, lifts, slides, and twirls in this electrifying fusion of poignant rock and passionate ballet. With powerful and sensitive movement, “FOR CRYING OUT LOUD” is a raw, emotive journey of communal and individual identity, proudly exclaiming Complexions’ long-standing message of unity and empathy.

As part of our commitment to community engagement, Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s visit includes an Intermediate/Advanced Dance Workshop. White Bird and Complexions Contemporary Ballet present a dynamic workshop for dancers ages 13+, led by Associate Artistic Directors Jillian Davis and Joe Gonzales. Hosted by Oregon Ballet Theatre, the session includes a barre warm-up, Complexions repertoire, and a Q&A. Attendees of Friday’s performance on October 3, 2025, will have the opportunity to join in conversation with members of Complexions Contemporary Ballet immediately following the show.