In recent years, diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords in business circles. Companies and organizations hire people, schedule meetings, or create departments to put these terms into practice.
But since 1994, a world-renowned dance company has been doing diversity and inclusion in a different way, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a mix of methods, styles and cultures. In doing so, they create the conditions for people to unite across borders.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
They are known as Dyed Contemporary Balletand they’re coming to town this spring as part of Fort Wayne Dance Collectiveannual guest artist residency program.
Input Fort Wayne sits down with Logan Bloir, Marketing & Communication Manager at Dance Collectiveto learn more about the upcoming visit and his team’s work to make the arts more inclusive.
Logan Bloir
IFW: Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.
KG: I have lived in Fort Wayne since 2018 when I started attending Indiana Tech. I have since completed my Bachelor of Science in Digital Graphics and Design and am currently pursuing my MBA with a major in Marketing, also at Indiana Tech.
Although I am not a dancer myself, I enjoy watching dance and movement arts live. I got involved with FWDC as a Marketing Intern in December 2020, and was thrilled to see how the organization pivoted their programming to continue serving the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2021 I was promoted to my current position and couldn’t be happier to be part of such an amazing group of artists.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
IFW: For those who don’t know, please give us a brief summary of Dance Collective’s mission and work in the Fort Wayne community, and how their work is intertwined with diversity and inclusion in the region. .
KG: FWDC’s mission is to inspire and empower people of all ages and abilities through movement and rhythm. FWDC has four outreach programs that work specifically in the Fort Wayne community and Allen County area: Dance for Community, Dance in Education, Dance for Diverse Abilities, and Dance for Health. Our extensive outreach program reaches people who would otherwise not be exposed to the arts. These programs promote health and well-being while allowing voters to explore movement, rhythm and music in creative and engaging ways. FWDC’s outreach students range in age from preschool to seniors with a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities. Our organization understands the importance of movement and rhythm, so we believe everyone should have access to these arts.
IFW: Tell us about your annual guest artist residency program and how it supports your mission.
KG: Every spring since 1989, FWDC has brought a guest dance company to Fort Wayne to inspire, educate, enhance and entertain the community. These guest companies reinforce our belief that dance is for everyone. By seeing a variety of demographics represented on stage, we hope to inspire and empower the Fort Wayne community to pursue and/or support the arts of movement.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
IFW: This year, Dance Collective welcomes Complexions Contemporary Ballet. What makes this band special?
KG: Complexions Contemporary Ballet represents one of the most recognized, diverse, inclusive and respected performing groups in the world. The company’s main innovation is that dance should be about removing boundaries, not reinforcing them. Complexions transcends restrictive traditions by creating an open, ever-evolving dance form that reflects the movement of our world, and all of its constituents, as an interdependent whole.
Diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility are key values shared by Complexions and FWDC. After a two-year hiatus from the Guest Artist Residency program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt Complexions was the perfect company to share their artistry with the Fort Wayne community.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
IFW: How can audiences interact with Complexions while they’re here?
KG: Complexions will be in Fort Wayne Monday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 4, 2022. During their stay, the community will have the opportunity to engage with the company through masterclasses, live performance, and discussion. Masterclasses with Complexions will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on May 2 (beginner/intermediate) and May 3 (intermediate/advanced) at the Embassy Theater, and cost $25 each to attend.
On May 4, Complexions will perform “Woke” and “Love Rocks” at the Embassy Theater beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $35 for adults and $25 for students/veterans. Immediately after the performance, the public will have the opportunity to attend a discussion with the artists of Complexions to learn more about their organization, their performances, etc.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
IFW: How do you see Dance Collective and the performing arts world as a whole evolving to be more diverse and inclusive?
KG: As Fort Wayne and the performing arts continue to diversify, FWDC aims to be representative of the communities we serve. From our staff to our artists to our students, we embrace and celebrate unique perspectives, experiences and abilities. I would like to see FWDC and other performing arts brands continue to open up possibilities by fostering diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. By waking up to future possibilities, organizations can commit to expanding their reach to diverse audiences.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is a world-renowned dance company, “reinventing” human movement from the ground up to incorporate a blend of methods, styles and cultures.
IFW: What do you see as the challenges to increasing inclusivity in the performing arts in Fort Wayne, specifically, and what are the opportunities for future growth?
KG: A major challenge we see in the performing arts is doubt. Many people limit themselves thinking they don’t have the skills to become a dancer. FWDC continues to be a safe space where all individuals can express themselves in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Our non-competitive and experimental atmosphere allowed students to learn creatively while fostering a love for dance and the movement arts.
