Ballet ignites the stage with EMBER Series 26

Art

Mar 2

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Deos Contemporary Ballet

Deos Contemporary Ballet returns this March 21–22 with EMBER Series 26. Onstage for one weekend only at St. Cecilia Music Center, this year’s EMBER Series honors the legacy of groundbreaking choreographers while amplifying women’s voices onstage and behind the scenes.

At the heart of the program is the 40-minute world premiere of Trojan Women, choreographed by Deos Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director Tess Sinke and inspired by Euripides’ ancient tragedy.

“The focus is on what happens to the innocents of a conquered people,” said Sinke. “This play could be set in pretty much any conflict throughout history, including today, and you would see similar crimes against women and humanity.”

Rather than ancient dresses, the dancers appear in modern slip dresses of linen and silk, bringing the story into the 21st century. The ballet centers on the stories of Helen of Troy, Hecuba, Andromache, and Cassandra, supported by a Greek Chorus corps de ballet.

The performance will also feature Dennis Spaight’s Crayola, a historic and playful neoclassical ballet that originally premiered in 1979 with Oregon Ballet Theatre. Performed entirely in silence, Crayola draws attention to the percussive sounds of pointe shoes while incorporating American Sign Language to create an intimate and unconventional connection with the audience.

Also returning to the Deos stage is Lamentation Variations, presented in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company of New York City as part of the international GRAHAM100 celebration. Comprised of three modern solos inspired by Martha Graham’s iconic Lamentation, the piece explores grief, hope, and resilience, emotions that resonate deeply across generations.

Rounding out the program is a dynamic range of styles and storytelling, including the lively neoclassical ballet Reel Around the Sun, inspired by Irish Riverdance, alongside other works that showcase Deos Contemporary Ballet’s versatility and artistic curiosity.

Learn more at https://www.deosballet.com/2025-2026-season/ember-series-26.

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