El Norte article, October 30, 2005, by Dora Isabel Franco:
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Mercury Baroque reprise Contemporary Baroque, a FREE program at Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park
CONTACT:
Carole Miller
Company Manager
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
713-652-3938
miller@dwdt.org
Mercury Baroque
Deborah Lugo
Operations Manager
713-533-0080
dlugo@mercurybaroque.org
The Miller Outdoor Theatre presents Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Mercury Baroque Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Mercury Baroque, two of Houston’s newest and brightest performing arts companies, are reprising Contemporary Baroque, in a FREE performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park, March 17th and 18th, Thursday and Friday, at 8:00 p.m. This program is sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Outdoor Theatre Advisory Board. A sensuous blend of 18th century music with 21st century dance, Contemporary Baroque premiered on January 7th and 8th at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall to two sold out houses. Marene Gustin of the Houston Press, said, “Contemporary Baroque – the long-awaited collaboration between dance darling Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and the super-cool historical music group Mercury Baroque - showed us once again that Houston can have a contemporary pickup company that’s as good as anything in New York, and that Antoine Plante’s idea of a professional baroque ensemble will also fly.” The Houston Press voted Dominic Walsh Best Dancer in 2003 and DWDT Best Modern Dance Company in 2004. Contemporary Baroque features four world premieres by four of the top choreographers in contemporary dance including native Houstonians Ayman Harper of The Forsythe Company and Mario Zambrano formerly of Nederlands Dans Theater II and Batsheva Dance Company, as well as Lauri Stallings formerly with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Dominic Walsh. Walsh, artistic director of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, said, “We’re harmonizing past andpresent in a uniquely innovative way. This collaboration has stimulated these up and coming choreographers to take a fresh look at baroque music.”
Featuring music by the baroque period’s most well-known composers, Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach, the evening will feature solos by the following highly accomplished artists: Violinist, Noel Martin, Gilles Plante on the recorder, and counter tenor, Gerrod Pagenkopt. Antoine Plante, artistic director of Mercury Baroque, said, “Collaboration excites the creative spirit, it should be a special experience for everyone. When two high energy companies collaborate, it breaks new ground for Houston audiences.” This is Walsh’s first season as full time director of the company, and the third season for his company. Last spring, Walsh retired from a 17-year career as one of Houston Ballet’s premier principals. Besides guiding his own company, Dominic Walsh has created new work and appeared as guest artist both nationally and internationally. The season will close on May 20 and 21, 2005 with Encore! an evening of the company’s most celebrated works. For tickets call 713.315.2525 or visit www.thehobbycenter.org. Mercury Baroque conductor, Antoine Plante, a native of Montreal, is a founder and the artistic director of the organization which is in its fourth season of five concerts in Houston. Mercury Baroque is a professional orchestra specializing in baroque music of the 17th and 18th century, using period instruments and historically accurate performance methods. Additional information on Miller Outdoor Theatre performances and each of these organizations can be found at their websites: www.milleroutdoortheatre.org, www.DWDT.org and www.MercuryBaroque.org.
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Dominic Walsh Dance Theater Closes 2004-05 Season with Encore!
Media Contact: Julie Lambert goodThinking! Marketing & PR Strategies 713.355.9011 (off) 713.294.9034 (cell) goodthinker@houston.rr.com
Houston, TX (March 7, 2005). Dominic Walsh Dance Theater (DWDT) will present Encore!, an evening of the company’s most celebrated works, to culminate its highly successful 2004-05 inaugural season on May 20 and 21, 8 PM, Wortham Center, Cullen Theater. “Encore! is a celebration of the company’s achievements since our world premiere in February, 2003. With this show, we look back at DWDT’s accomplishments since its inception. The show will have something for everyone,” says Walsh. Some of the company’s achievements include being named Best New Dance Company-The Houston Chronicle, 2003 Ultimate Houston; Best Dancer, Dominic Walsh-Houston Press, Best of Houston, 2003; and “One of 25 to watch in 2004” by Dance Magazine. Encore! includes choreography by Walsh and international choreographers whose innovative choreographic voices add variety to the Houston dance landscape. Walsh feels their contributions have allowed DWDT to introduce Houston to new and unique dance styles and philosophies being explored around the dance world today. The initial program includes the following with additional repertoire to be announced at a later date: Flames of Eros. Created for Houston Ballet by Walsh, this piece won the prestigious Choo-San Goh award for choreography in 1998. It was reprised at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in 1999 and was also performed at DWDT’s world premiere to rousing standing ovations. Katharsis, with live music by the Terrence Karn Consortium. Katharsis was created by Walsh and Terrence Karn for A Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance, 2002 and reprised in the company’s world premiere in February, 2003. A real crowd pleaser, the piece provides a humorous, metaphorical demonstration of how art can manipulate its creator. Bed Fears, Dream Piles. This abstract piece was created by Houston native, Ayman Aaron Harper, now member of The Forsythe Company under the direction of William Forsythe. It opened DWDT’s November, 2003 show, The Miller’s Daughter. Molly Glentzer of the Houston Chronicle said, “Walsh brought bravura energy to the [piece].” 2 & 1 for Mr. B. Created in honor of George Balanchine by Spaniard Gustavo Ramirez Sansano to an original composition by Luis Felipe Serrano and Alejandro Delgado, this duet premiered in Cannes at the Les Etoiles de Ballet 2000 dance festival and was reprised at the IX International Ballet Festival of Miami 2004 prompting Tony Guzman, Miami Sun Post to write, “It drew the evening’s first huge ovation replete with lusty bravos.” DWDT will also perform this piece at Dance Salad Festival (March 24-26, 2005, 7:30 PM, Wortham Center, Cullen Theater). Admission to Encore! is $45, $36 and $18 with student and group discounts available. For tickets call 315.515.2525 or visit www.thehobbycenter.org. There will be a question and answer session after each show. On opening night, May 20, a reception will follow the performance. Bailey Banks & Biddle has generously donated an exquisite Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace to DWDT, which will be given away in a raffle fundraiser. The winner will be announced at the May 20 reception. If you wish to purchase raffle tickets, please visit our website at www.dwdt.org. The 2005-06 Season begins with an appearance at the prestigious 2005 Vail International Dance Festival this summer. In addition, Walsh has been invited to create full-length ballets for the New National Theatre Ballet, Tokyo and Asami Maki Ballet, Tokyo. For additional information and photos call 713.652.3938 (DWDT) or visit www.dwdt.org.
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater Adds Very Special Original Work to Encore!
Media Contact:
Julie Lambert goodThinking!Marketing & PR Strategies
713.355.9011 (off)
713.294.9034 (cell)
goodthinker@houston.rr.com
Houston, TX (April 21, 2005) –– Dominic Walsh Dance Theater announces the addition of For The Two of You, an original work choreographed by Walsh for his dear friends and company members Julie Gumbinner and Lucas Priolo as a wedding gift. He will collaborate with Antoine Plante, artistic director of Mercury Baroque, to create a very personal and special piece, which will premiere at Encore!, May 20 and 21, 2005 at the Wortham Center, Cullen Theater. In November 2003, the dancers were performing the lead roles in Cinderella at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Just before the show, Lucas proposed to Julie. An announcement was made to the audience about the engagement prior to the performance. As the couple awaited their encore, Lucas produced a pillow which carried a ring of his personal design. When the curtain opened, Lucas fell to one knee and presented Julie with the engagement ring. The audience was incredibly moved at the romantic display. The dancers will be married on July 2nd in the company of family and friends in Florida. This is the second collaboration between Walsh and Plante on original work. In January 2005, the two organizations produced Contemporary Baroque which ran at The Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall to two sold out performances. The two artists have formed a symbiotic working relationship and have found that their two art forms are quite complimentary. “It is easy for us to work together. We share the same sensibility and approach about creating art,” explains Plante. The music to accompany For the Two of You was originally composed in 1721 by Italian Baroque composer, Giovanni Bonocini. It incorporates the delicate sounds of harpsichord, cello and counter tenor. “Encore! is a celebration of the company’s achievements since the world premiere in February 2003. With this show, we look back at DWDT’s accomplishments since its inception. The show will have something for everyone,” says Walsh. Some of the company’s achievements include being named Best New Dance Company-The Houston Chronicle, 2003 Ultimate Houston; Best Dancer, Dominic Walsh-Houston Press, Best of Houston, 2003; and “One of 25 to watch in 2004” by Dance Magazine. Encore! includes choreography by Walsh and international choreographers whose innovative choreographic voices add variety to the Houston dance landscape. Walsh feels their contributions have allowed DWDT to introduce Houston to new and unique dance styles and philosophies being explored around the dance world today. The initial program includes the following: Flames of Eros. Created for Houston Ballet by Walsh, this piece won the prestigious Choo-San Goh award for choreography in 1998. It was reprised at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in 1999 and was also performed at DWDT’s world premiere to rousing standing ovations. Katharsis, with live music by the Terrence Karn Consortium. Katharsis was created by Walsh and Terrence Karn for A Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance, 2002 and reprised in the company’s world premiere in February 2003. A real crowd pleaser, the piece provides a humorous, metaphorical demonstration of how art can manipulate its creator. Bed Fears, Dream Piles. This abstract piece was created by Houston native, Ayman Aaron Harper, now member of The Forsythe Company under the direction of William Forsythe. It opened DWDT’s November 2003 show, The Miller’s Daughter. Molly Glentzer of the Houston Chronicle said, “Walsh brought bravura energy to the [piece].” 2 & 1 for Mr. B. Created in honor of George Balanchine by Spaniard Gustavo Ramirez Sansano to an original composition by Luis Felipe Serrano and Alejandro Delgado, this duet premiered in Cannes at the Les Etoiles de Ballet 2000 dance festival and was reprised at the IX International Ballet Festival of Miami 2004 prompting Tony Guzman, Miami Sun Post to write, “It drew the evening’s first huge ovation replete with lusty bravos.” There will be a question and answer session after each show. On opening night, May 20, a reception will follow the performance. Bailey Banks & Biddle has generously donated an exquisite Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace to DWDT, which will be given away in a raffle fundraiser. The winner will be announced at the May 20 reception. If you wish to purchase raffle tickets, please visit our website at www.dwdt.org. The 2005-06 Season begins with an appearance at the prestigious 2005 Vail International Dance Festival this summer. In addition, Walsh has been invited to create full-length ballets for the New National Theatre Ballet, Tokyo and Asami Maki Ballet, Tokyo. Admission to Encore! is $45, $36 and $18 with student and group discounts available. For tickets call 315.515.2525 or visit www.thehobbycenter.org. For additional information and photos call 713.652.3938 (DWDT) or visit www.dwdt.org.
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Dominic Walsh Dance Theater Commemorates 2004-05 Season and Anticipates 2006-06
CONTACT
Company Manager, DWDT
281.499.9841 (office)
713.560.6982 (cell)
carmil622@hotmail.com
Houston, TX (July, 2005) -- After being named Best New Dance Company - The Houston Chronicle, 2003 Ultimate Houston; Best Dancer, Dominic Walsh-Houston Press, Best of Houston, 2003; and “One of 25 to watch in 2004” by Dance Magazine, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater had every reason to expect its inaugural full-time season to be a success. The season opened in September at the prestigious IX International Dance Festival of Miami, where DWDT appeared with some of the most accomplished companies in the world. Performing a tribute to George Balanchine, 2 & 1 for Mr. B., the critics agreed DWDT is a competitor on the international stage. Tony Guzman of the Miami Sun Post raved, “It drew the evening’s first huge ovation replete with lusty bravos.” During the fall, Walsh continued a busy schedule of choreography and guest appearances throughout the United States and internationally while maintaining a Houston-based presence for his company. Most notably, Walsh created Alchemy, a new ballet performed to an original score by Houston’s Two Star Symphony, for the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. Jack Anderson of Dancing Times reported “Walsh’s choreography created a real sense of hallucinatory fantasy.” Mr. Walsh also choreographed a new work for Quad Cities Ballet. In addition, he traveled to Tokyo for a guest appearance in the New National Theatre Ballet’s production of La Fille Mal Gardee. The company began its home season with an appearance at The Tenth Annual Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance where “Dominic Walsh and Lisa Ballo (en pointe) danced with passion through Walsh’s The Itch and Walsh was virtuosic with Paola Georgudis in Mario Zambrano’s edgy, melancholic Bio-Lin,” Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle. It then expanded production of the 3rd annual Illumination Project, a benefit performance in honor of World AIDS Day, to a larger venue - The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. In January, the company presented Contemporary Baroque, a program of four world premieres by young, innovative choreographers (including Mr. Walsh), presented in collaboration with Houston’s Mercury Baroque, a professional orchestra that specializes in Baroque music. The program played to two sold-out performances at The Hobby Center and a very well attended reprise on March 17 and 18 at The Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. The show was a sensuous meeting of the 18th and 21st centuries. Marene Gustin, Houston Press confirmed, “Dominic Walsh Dance Theater showed us once again that Houston can have a contemporary company that’s as good as anything in New York.” Later in the month, the company appeared in Nancy Henderek’s, Dance Salad Festival, Houston’s own international weekend of dance. In each of the three evening’s performances, DWDT garnered an enthusiastic reception. Of Walsh’s Bello, Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle wrote, “Counter Tenor Gerrod Pagenkopf sang Handel’s arias like an angel, while Walsh, Sara Webb and Paola Georgudis poured emotion into the movement,” and The Houston Press said, “Dominic Walsh and Paola Georgudis portrayed pathos and passion in Walsh’s Once de Septiembre…and Walsh and Ian Casady showed sinewy bravado in Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s 2 & 1 for Mr. B.” For the remainder of its inaugural season, the company devoted time to its collaboration on April 30, 2005 with Musiqa, Pierrot and Beyond, with two world premieres choreographed by Mr. Walsh and Virginia Hendricksen - and its season finale, Encore! – A celebration of the company’s most beloved works on May 20 and 21, 2005 at the Wortham Theater’s, Cullen Theater. An exciting surprise provided a romantic element to this show: Walsh choreographed a new piece for Julie Gumbinner and Lucas Priolo in honor of their friendship and to celebrate their upcoming wedding. Julie and Lucas, formerly of Houston Ballet, now dance with Texas Ballet Theater. On opening night, a reception in the Wortham Center’s Grand Foyer followed the performance. An exquisite Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace, generously donated to DWDT by Bailey Banks & Biddle, was given away in a raffle fundraiser. A question and answer session followed the May 21 performance. The 2005-06 season is shaping up to be Dominic Walsh Dance Theater’s most ambitious to date. It began in August with a tour to the influential Vail International Dance Festival with a performance of Katharsis. Next, Walsh will set Bello, his tribute to dancer Mark Arvin, on Ballet Florida in February, 2006, and he has been invited to create full-length ballets for the New National Theatre Ballet, Tokyo and Asami Maki Ballet, Tokyo. Later in the season, Walsh will once again collaborate with Antoine Plante to choreograph Mercury Baroque’s 2005-06 season opera.
The 2005-06 season will culminate with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater’s most extensive project to date. Walsh will collaborate with Mercury Baroque and Rob Bundy of Stages Repertory Theatre to present a new version of Romeo & Juliet, a full-length evening of ballet and theater that explores the nuances of this famous Shakespearean play. In this unique production, some of the characters will be actors; others will be singers; and the remainder will be dancers. Each will have a different and unexpected part to play in the whole. The shows will take place at the Wortham Center – Cullen Theater on May 19 and 20, 2005. More possible touring and local performance dates are anticipated. For additional information and photos call 713.652.3938 (DWDT) or visit www.dwdt.org.
New work by Dominic Walsh, A Call to the Soul, explores repentance, forgiveness as prelude to Jewish High Holy Days Free performance by Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
HOUSTON—T’Kiah Lanefesh: A Call to the Soul, a new work of contemporary ballet by Dominic Walsh, explores the universal themes of repentance and forgiveness. It debuts in a free performance to mark the Jewish holiday Selichot on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. in the sanctuary of Congregation Emanu El, located at 1500 Sunset Boulevard. “This collaborative work is the culmination of a long-time dream of Rabbi Roy Walter of Congregation Emanu El to bring the interpretive and spiritual power of dance to the broader community,” said Walsh, artistic director of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater. “Rabbi Walter’s enthusiasm for contemporary ballet and passion for this faith is highly infectious, inspiring me to research the Jewish religion and its unique music through dance.”
A Call to the Soul will be presented as a prelude to the Jewish High Holy Days, which are a time of self-examination. The work will be performed by Dominic Walsh, Paola Georgudis, Lindsey McGill, Domenico Luciano, Tessa Victoria, Andrea Shelley and Courtney Benavides. It is set to an arrangement of traditional Hebrew melodies, including the Kol Nidrei for Cello & Orchestra, Op. 47 by Max Bruch. “Dominic is a rare talent, as at 34 years old, he is still young enough to perform the works he choreographs and is thus able to bring to them personal intensity and passion,” said Rabbi Walter. “There is something about Walsh’s choreography that is different from what I have seen before. It moves me, spiritually. His personal involvement with each work makes his dance itself a kind of self-examination, a theme we emphasize during the Holy Days. This work will explore the theme even further and will augment our time of reflection beautifully.” Founded only three years ago, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater has already received international acclaim. According to Dance Magazine, "At last, Houston has a contemporary dance company on par with its symphony, opera, and ballet companies." This performance, which lasts approximately 35 minutes, will be free to the public and a reception hosted by Emanu El Sisterhood will follow. There will be a Selichot service at 10:30 p.m. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Congregation Emanu El request a donation of a non-perishable food item to help feed the hungry in the community. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater will present an open rehearsal of T’Kiah Lanefesh on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., including a question and answer session with Walsh and the dancers. This event will take place in Studio 3 of the Wortham Theater Center, accessible through the stage door entrance and parking is available at the Lyric Center lot at Preston and Smith. Selichot marks the official beginning and the spiritual introduction to the Jewish High Holy Day season. This penitential service sets the mood for the coming days. Its beautiful liturgy, accompanied by stirring music, is an inspiring religious experience. The work was commissioned by the Congregation Emanu El Foundation Performing Arts Fund. Congregation Emanu El is located at 1500 Sunset Boulevard. For more information, visit www.dwdt.org. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater—is a contemporary ballet company producing and performing new works on par with Houston’s symphony, opera and ballet companies, according to Dance Magazine. Walsh presents innovative, high-quality contemporary ballet, expands the creative repertoire by supporting the creation of new works, and advances international creative dialogue by bringing the work of well-known choreographers from across the globe to Houston. By bringing together talented dancers, musicians and designers along with progressive choreographers from Australia, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States, the company challenges and educates artists and audiences by producing thought-provoking and visually stunning performances in Houston and beyond.
Internationally renowned Dominic Walsh Dance Theater to perform at Festival Extremadura in Monterrey, Mexico
Information: www.dwdt.org Press Information: Lydia Baehr 713-208-3421 Erin Blatzer 832-228-2994 or pr@dwdt.org
HOUSTON -- Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, ranked one of the 25 international dance companies to watch by the prestigious Dance Magazine, will perform three of their acclaimed works on Oct. 29, 2005 as part of Festival Extremadura in Monterrey, Mexico. "I have been involved in dance all my life, first as a dancer, then as a choreographer, and now as a festival producer, so that makes me very picky when I am looking for artists, but when I first saw Dominic Walsh's work, I was amazed! It is so clean and very versatile," said Hester Martinez, producer for Festival Extremadura. "I became a festival producer in order to promote the art of dance. This year, our 8th edition, I wanted to invite someone I was sure would make a difference in the festival. I am so happy Dominic Walsh Dance Theater will be here to advance this goal." Artistic Director Dominic Walsh and company dancers Lindsey McGill, Domenico Luciano and Paola Georgudis will perform the following original works: Bello is based on the experience of a man examining his own timeline through his relationships with himself and the influential women in his life. Performed to two of Handel’s arias, this work is dedicated to Mark Arvin, a friend of Walsh’s who passed away a month before it premiered. Bio·lin reflects the lifeline of two people, who are examining the weight and struggles of their relationship as they continue down their path together. Duo is a light, abstract piece inspired by company dancer Lindsey McGill that highlights her unique talent and conveys the feel of an inside joke between the dancers. Originally a piece for two women, it will be performed by McGill and Domenico Luciano at the festival. “Experiences like Festival Extremadura are so important artistically, because they provide us with the opportunity to share our vision and talent with other companies,” said Walsh. “It is essential for my dancers to meet other artists and be exposed to what people are doing around the world. This is our first international tour as a group, and it will be an amazing experience to see what is out there and share our collective voice.” Walsh will also conduct a Master Class on classical ballet technique while in Monterrey, on Friday, Oct. 28. Attendees will include professional dancers as well as intermediate and advanced students from Escuela Superior de Musica y Danza de Monterrey, home of the Ballet de Monterrey, an important dance conservancy. The 8th Extremadura International Contemporary Language Dance Festival is an annual event that brings teachers, dancers and choreographers together, along with many of the most important international contemporary dance companies. This year’s festival will take place in two of Monterrey’s most important theaters – Teatro de la Ciudad and el Teatro del Centro de las Artes. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is a contemporary ballet experience featuring a unique choreographic style ranging from classical to progressive. Dominic Walsh, a world-renowned principal dancer and choreographer, created DWDT to build upon and expand the vocabulary of the masters of contemporary dance. By bringing together the world’s greatest choreographers and the finest dancers, musicians and designers, the company aims to educate, challenge, and entertain audiences and artists alike with thought-provoking and visually stunning performances.
Please also read: El Norte article, October 30, 2005, by Dora Isabel Franco:
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater's Domenico Luciano to perform lead role in National Ballet of China's premiere of Carmen
HOUSTON -- Domenico Luciano, of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, was personally chosen by dance legend Roland Petit to perform the lead role of Don José in the National Ballet of China’s premiere of Carmen, Petit’s most famous work. The ballet will premiere Nov. 10 – 12, 2005 at the Tianqiao Le Chaguan Theater in Beijing. In choosing Luciano to perform the role of Don José, Petit has placed him in an elite class. Petit’s stringent standards are legendary. Only very few ballet companies have ever been allowed to perform Carmen, and the role of Don José has previously been performed by Mikhail Baryshnikov. "I have to say that there is a lot to learn from Roland. It's not only the steps and technique but it is also about the theatrical side of being on stage and telling the story. His different works have their own specific style, which is something uniquely difficult about dancing his work,” said Luciano. “I feel fortunate and proud to have been chosen to dance in Petit’s masterpiece. It is a challenging role, but by the end I stop thinking of the technical difficulties and enjoy the character.” Petit’s staging of the French opera Carmen, the south Spanish tale of the Gypsy Carmen and her lover Don José, distilled into 45 erotically charged minutes and danced to the opera score by Georges Bizet, made him an international star when he was only 25. He went on to found the Les Ballets de Paris, choreograph a number of Hollywood movies, and create the Ballet de Marseilles in 1972, where he has remained since. Luciano first worked with Petit at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy, for their premiere of Ma Pavlova, on June 16 – 22, 2005. Luciano's next Houston performance will be with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater for Acis and Galatea, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This fully staged baroque opera relates the pastoral tale of two lovers who overcome death through the beautiful music of Georg Friedrich Handel. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is a contemporary ballet experience featuring a unique choreographic style ranging from classical to progressive. Dominic Walsh, a world-renowned principal dancer and choreographer, created DWDT to build upon and expand the vocabulary of the masters of contemporary dance. By bringing together the world’s greatest choreographers and the finest dancers, musicians and designers, the company aims to educate, challenge, and entertain audiences and artists alike with thought-provoking and visually stunning performances. Now in its fourth season, the company continues to garner accolades – in 2004, DWDT was named one of 25 International Companies to Watch by prestigious Dance Magazine.
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater appoints new executive director
Public Information: www.dwdt.org Press Information: Lydia Baehr 713-208-3421 Erin Blatzer 832-228-2994 or pr@dwdt.org
HOUSTON -- Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh McBurnett as the company's new executive director. "We feel fortunate to have found Leigh. With 10 years of experience in development in Houston at the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as such strong recommendations from her colleagues, she has the expertise we are looking for", said Dominic Walsh, artistic director. "She has a wonderful attitude and a calm yet thorough approach to the position. We are excited to move up and onwards with Leigh." Previously, McBurnett served the development department of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for ten years. As assistant development director for the last five of those years, she was responsible for the museum's annual giving program, including Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Rienzi, and the Glassell School of Art. "Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is poised to become a major force in the artistic community, both in Houston and beyond", said McBurnett. "I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of the philanthropic community and helping the company build on its remarkable successes." Through her membership in the Junior League of Houston, Leigh has volunteered at Texas Children's Hospital, DePelchin Children's Center, the Children's Museum of Houston, and the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science. McBurnett is also a member of Dress for Success Houston's Women of Wardrobe. McBurnett grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and received a BA in Art History from Tulane University. Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is a contemporary ballet experience featuring a unique choreographic style ranging from classical to progressive. Dominic Walsh, a world-renowned principal dancer and choreographer, created DWDT to build upon and expand the vocabulary of the masters of contemporary dance. By bringing together the world's greatest choreographers and the finest dancers, musicians and designers, the company aims to educate, challenge, and entertain audiences and artists alike with thought-provoking and visually stunning performances. Now in its fourth season, the company continues to garner accolades – in 2004, DWDT was named one of 25 International Companies to Watch by prestigious Dance Magazine.
