Pure “synergy” – Dallas Voice

Members of the Pegasus Contemporary Ballet Company (photography by Pegasus Season)

Choreographer Thang Dao brings his personal story to dance in “Synergy”

RICH LOPEZ | Editor
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Choreographer Thang Dao will premiere his new piece, 7 Percussive Thoughts in a Melody, commissioned by Pegasus Contemporary Ballet this week. The piece is part of the second annual PCB synergy which takes place on June 21 and 22 at the Moody Performance Hall. The fact that Dao’s piece is also premiering during Pride month is a bonus for the New York-based gay choreographer.

At synergyhe will present his new piece “7 Percussive Thoughts in a Melody”.

“It’s an exploration of rhythm identity and in some ways a metaphor,” he said by phone from Barcelona. “This is a deeply personal piece because it reflects me as a gay, Asian choreographer. The title speaks of the fusion of different elements working together, so they are different facets of my own experience.”

With his piece he hopes to elicit an emotional response from the audience.

Thang Dao

The fact that he is also allowed to present it during Pride is a bonus.

“It’s so rewarding to have this in Dallas. Working with this young company is already hopeful, but I think having it happen during Pride, where it’s being celebrated outdoors, is a testament to how far we’ve come and how far we’re still going,” he said.

Dao works as a freelance choreographer and educator. He trained in dance at the Juilliard School and the Boston Conservatory. Companies he has choreographed for include Ballet Austin, Ailey II, BalletX, Philadanco, Taiwan National University of the Arts, Jacob’s Pillow, Missouri Contemporary Ballet, and the Boston Conservatory.

Pegasus Contemporary Ballet is the only contemporary ballet company in Dallas that also performs with live musical accompaniment.

For synergyDao has worked with percussionist and producer Christopher “Chill” Hill. After Dao contacted PCB founder and artistic director Diana Crowder for this show, she offered him a list of Dallas musicians he could collaborate with. When he heard Hill’s piece “Knock Knock,” Dao just knew.

“I thought this composer had such an interesting mix of sounds,” he said. “He has this blend of jazz, hip-hop and electronica that created this perfect soundscape. I’m so excited to be working with an exceptionally talented musician.”

Hill had to write the music while Dao’s ideas for the piece were maturing. For Dao, the combination of music, dancers and his own craft worked quite smoothly.

“That energy was so important. Chill (Hill’s nickname) created this beautiful soundscape for the dancers to play in and I find it really open and inspiring. They helped me develop movements and ideas for it. The first time we met we had a section finished and that’s quite an accomplishment for me,” he said.

This is the second year for PCBs synergy where three pieces showcase the collaboration between choreographer and musician. Other performing musicians include Grammy-winning jazz violinist Scott Tixier and techno composer and producer Declan James. Guest choreographers include Daniel Palladino of the Dallas Black Dance Theater and freelance artist Michelle Thompson.

“synergy “After having tremendous success last season, we knew this was something that needed to be brought back,” Crowder said in a press release. “We hope audiences take away an appreciation for the creativity and collaboration that happens as a result of artistic partnerships. Synergy exists to introduce audiences to new art forms and genres through accessible, engaging performance that highlights the vibrancy that occurs when different artistic mediums meet in new ways.”

Tickets are available at PegasusBallet.org.