I have been a dance fan for 42 years and I've seen some the best companies perform in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan. Last night (2/9/12) in Houston, I was completely enthralled by one of the best dance performances I've ever seen. DWDT's dancers are among the very best, and best looking, in the world. Wow!
I often describe DWDT as a Cirque-type company with a classical grounding. The dancers are astounding athletes, and Dominic provides inspiration to everyone involved with the company. Serving on the Board, and having done audience market research has given me a life experience that I'd never had had otherwise.
DWDT has pushed the boundaries of dance in America. It is so great to see a company here give us such thought provoking, artistic, and daring work to see. I think Dominic Walsh and his amazing dancers are so unique, because in all they do, they truly move you, and that is a gift you get to take with you!
My wife and I have watched DWDT grow over the last several years and are ardent fans. If you like looking at silk material flowing in the wind and can appreciate the human body as a piece of art then seeing anything that Dominic Walsh does will please you.
When I met Dominic Walsh three years ago, although familiar with his work as a classical dancer for the Houston Ballet, I had limited knowledge of his subsequent endeavors as a choreographer, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater founder, and artistic director. Since I do not live in Houston, I never had the opportunity to see the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater (DWDT) perform until February 2008. I have been a fan and supporter since and have been involved with (DWDT) in various ways as a donor, patron and volunteer. This has afforded me the opportunity to not only see the finished product when the company performs but to observe and participate in some of the behind the scenes activities. Dominic Walsh and the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater are consistent in their efforts to push past the difficulties of operating a nonprofit when contributions to the arts are low and all of us involved in the arts are struggling to find ways to make the arts accessible to everyone in our communities. The commitment shown by this organization to doing this is extraordinary and includes an annual free performance, affordable ticket prices and open classes daily in their studios. Most recently I traveled to Houston to attend the performances of Romeo and Juliet. The production was brilliant and demonstrated again what a few dedicated individuals with a clear vision can achieve, and it reminded me of the obligation we all have to preserve and protect the arts. The DWDT organization is reaching out to the community not only through its performances but also by holding events that allow people to meet the dancers, watch the company rehearse and observe Dominic coaching and teaching. These activities are critical to making the arts accessible and necessary but add to an already overloaded schedule. In the dance world, there are those individuals and dance companies that push the boundaries and transcend what has been previously defined by those that came before them while always remembering and honoring the history of the art. These people are the ones that we so desperately need to encourage, protect, support in order that they may have the resources to fulfill their vision as these are the people who are instrumental in preserving the beauty of dance and establishing the relevancy of arts in our world today, and in the future. As many communities suffer from a lack of high quality, relevant art, and dance, it is critical for those of us fortunate enough to have access to organizations such as The Dominic Walsh Dance Theater to protect and support them in any way possible.
DWDT is always exciting, refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking. Don't blink because you'll miss an innovative and surprising twist in the choreography. The Company consists of the most interpretive dancers who understand Dominic's vision.
My best friend is a choreographer and classically trained dancer. I am an athlete and have no dance talent whatsoever; however, I have had the privilege of watching Jenny's "process" since we were in our teens. She has taught me to appreciate beauty in movement and to admire artistic ingenuity even though I don't have a clue as to the names of the steps nor the significance of the performances as I watch them. That being said, every performance of DWDT I attend (and I have been to almost a dozen) evokes an emotional response that I can't put into words, but humbles me in its beauty, originality, and creativity...from the staging to the choreography, it is unlike any experience I have ever had in a theater environment. I describe it to friends as classical ballet and theater meet Cirque du Soleil. It is my hope, that more Houstonians and visitors to our underrated city take the opportunity to attend a DWDT ballet.
Every performance of DWDT invites me to feel something new. Every aspect and detail is thought provoking, beautiful, emotional, and highly skilled from the choreography, to the dancers, the costumes and the sets. I look forward to each new experience that Dominic Walsh and his dancers produce. They deserve international recognition for their art!
Dominic Walsh is a genius when it comes to reinterpreting the "classics" in a relevant, provocative and beautiful way. His original works are equally brilliant, although it is his story-telling which best showcases his talents. His work has a depth and his dancers a precision that can not be found anywhere else in the U.S.
I was not big into the art of dance... until I saw my first DWDT performance. I was hooked after that and am now a supporter of this company. It is great to have a local group of international caliber in Houston. DWDT brings a different kind of experience especially to people who may not be so inclined initially to appreciate this art form. The city is fortunate to have this group as it also serves as an ambassador for Houston. H-town is not just an oil town; it's an arts town.
From a sheer entertainment perspective, I'm not sure you can find anything that really compares in Houston. Refreshing and impressive at once. The dancers, the choreography, the music, the set design - all so amazing! Romeo & Juliet blew us away. We really make every effort to attend every performance.
5 stars for my favorite dance company is Houston. They are constantly creating unique & inspiring work, plus they truly care about their community & collaborate with other artists regularly. And, not to mention, they are just so darn talented!
I first met Dominic Walsh while dancing with him at the Houston Ballet. Since those years, he has created his own dance company, which is a group of intelligently trained and exquisite dancers who perform contemporary works that speak about what it means to be a human being. Mr. Walsh brings a focused energy into the daily rehearsal process that results in a stunning product onstage. His movement is a philosophy and a lifestyle, much more than memorized dance steps. Mr. Walsh's personal motivation is infectious. I believe that I may have danced my best moments under his direction. I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in his vision.
I love DWDT. He has brought back the experience of the Theatre. I enjoyed the energy of the dancers. Watching the company is a true "Art" experience".
Easily one of Houston's best arts organization, DWDT consistently provides creative content while involving the community in all that they do. Company members never cease to amaze me with their professionalism, talent, and interest in connecting with audience members.
I'm a dancer with DOMINIC WALSH DANCE THEATER, and I'm so thankful to have found a Company that gives me the opportunity to experience the most amazing dance work of Dominic Walsh as well as the guest choreographer he brings in to work with the Company. I choose to develop my dance career with this Company because pushes me to higher level more and more everyday giving me at the same time great gratification as an artist. I feel very lucky and honored to be part of it!
When I think of the word sublime, I think of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater. Dominic Walsh is truly a creative genius and his ability to express his ideas to the world through the art form of contemporary ballet creates for the viewer a transformational experience. This experience is not to be missed.
DWDT blows me away every time I see this great unsung company!!! I fly from San Francisco to see them perform in Houston at least once or twice a year. I just experienced the Mozart Trilogy the last time I came to a performance and it was spectacular. This is the most important contribution to the evolution of dance as an art form. I will continue to fly to Houston to see the great work of this revolutionary company.
The first time I saw DWDT perform, I knew that it was no ordinary company. From choreography, to the dancing quality, DWDT exceeded everyone's expectations I have beed to all their shows since 2008, and they amaze me every single time. What they do is more than dance, they inspire, educate and take dance to the next level. It's my favorite company EVER.