The celebrated Limón Dance Company returns to The Joyce Theater in New York City from November 5-10, 2024, showcasing a transformative program that blends modern dance masterpieces with bold contemporary choreography. This performance season celebrates the company’s 78th year and invites both longtime fans and newcomers to experience the deep emotional power and technical brilliance of early modern dance.
Doris Humphrey’s Two Ecstatic Themes
Kicking off the evening is the 1931 choreographic gem by Doris Humphrey. This compelling solo, divided into "Circular Descent" and "Pointed Ascent," captures the human emotional spectrum through intricate movement. Humphrey's exploration of the Apollonian-Dionysian dichotomy makes this piece timeless in its emotional depth and choreographic innovation.
Limón’s The Traitor
Originally choreographed in response to the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s, The Traitor returns with a fresh perspective. The tragic story of Judas is portrayed against a haunting score by Gunther Schuller, and this season’s premiere features a mixed-gender cast, expanding the narrative’s inclusivity and resonance.
Reviving Scherzo
After a 45-year hiatus, José Limón’s lively Scherzo will reappear on stage, blending athletic movement with rhythmic complexity. This quartet, performed to the beats of a drum, is a vibrant celebration of physicality and musicality that will leave audiences breathless.
A New Voice in Dance: Kayla Farrish’s World Premiere
Limón’s legacy continues with a groundbreaking world premiere by Bessie Award-winning choreographer Kayla Farrish. Inspired by Limón’s works Redes and El Grito, Farrish’s piece examines themes of unity, identity, and collective consciousness. With this new commission, Farrish establishes a dialogue between the past and the future of dance, making this premiere one of the most anticipated performances of the year.
Limón’s Missa Brevis: A Tribute to Resilience
The centerpiece of the season is Limón’s 1958 masterpiece Missa Brevis. Originally inspired by the resilience of the Polish people post-WWII, this emotionally charged work embodies hope amidst destruction. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, this year’s reconstruction will be accompanied by a remastered recording of Zoltán Kodály’s "Missa Brevis en Tempore Belli" and will showcase the strength and endurance of the human spirit.
A Legacy of Artistic Expression
Led by Artistic Director Dante Puleio, a former long-time member of the company, the Limón Dance Company continues to honor the timeless vision of its founder, José Limón. A pioneering figure in modern dance, Limón's works have shaped the art form for decades, fusing dramatic storytelling with groundbreaking choreography.
“This season, we not only celebrate Limón’s unparalleled contributions to dance but also encourage our audience to reflect on the deeper meanings of these works—resilience, identity, and civic duty,” Puleio shares. “Dance, like democracy, thrives when we participate fully in the collective experience.”
About Limón Dance Company
Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company has been a leading force in American modern dance for nearly 80 years. With a rich repertory that includes both classic works and fresh commissions, the company’s performances continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
Secure your seats now and witness past, present, and future fusion in a series of breathtaking performances. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of modern dance or a newcomer to the art form, this season promises to be a powerful reminder of the profound ways in which dance can move us—literally and figuratively.
Join Us for Opening Night!
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM Location: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, NYC Tickets are available now for purchase via The Joyce Theater website: Buy Tickets.
Show Dates
Tuesday, November 5: Preview Performance at 7:30 PM Wednesday, November 6: Opening Night at 7:30 PM Thursday, November 7: 7:30 PM (with a special curtain chat after the show) Friday, November 8: 7:30 PM Saturday, November 9: Matinee at 2:00 PM and Evening Performance at 7:30 PM Sunday, November 10: Matinee at 2:00 PM
A Journey Through Modern Dance Masterpieces
The Limón Dance Company will bring to life a dynamic repertoire that spans decades of dance history, featuring both iconic works and exciting new commissions.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Marvin Gloria
- Image courtesy
- The Joyce Theater
