Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Explores Queer Narratives in Reimagined The Nutcracker – Receives LGBTQIA+ Grant
Las Cruces, NM – Las Cruces-based Dark Circles Contemporary Dance is thrilled to announce the next chapter in its mission to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the arts with the upcoming film project, “Queering the Second Act.” This groundbreaking project, featuring new choreography by queer choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, is set to reimagine the beloved classic ballet, The Nutcracker, by highlighting the celebration of eccentricity and ‘queerness’ of the original fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffman.
DCCDUSA is thrilled to feature a stellar cast for this film project, including the talented dancers (and Peugh’s husband) Chadi El-Khoury, Gavin Stewart, and Vanessa Owen, who will bring their unique artistry and energy to the project. The exceptional pianist and Las Cruces native Marco Jimenez will accompany the film, adding a live musical dimension to this innovative interpretation. Logan Sage will provide videography.
DCCDUSA is proud to announce the receipt of an LGBTQIA+ Grant for the project from the Charles T. Townley and Victor T. Roberts Fund through the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. This grant acknowledges and supports DCCDUSA’s commitment to presenting diverse narratives and perspectives within the dance and Las Cruces communities.
“Ballet was my first love, and The Nutcracker was the gateway drug,” laughs Joshua L. Peugh, Artistic Director of DCCDUSA. “Dark Circles strives to foster an inclusive environment for all, and The Nutcracker provides an interesting and strangely appropriate vehicle for accomplishing that in an entertaining, unexpected, and accessible way.”
Despite criticism from other dance organizations, DCCDUSA remains steadfast in its mission to present LGBTQIA+ perspectives and narratives. The company believes that sharing diverse stories on stage can inspire empathy and contribute to building a more inclusive Las Cruces community.
DCCDUSA recently performed at Southern New Mexico Pride’s event, “Pride on the Plaza,” reaching over 3,500 individuals before premiering “Ten-Gallon,” which showcased a groundbreaking queer western romance, with seven out of the nine contracted artists identifying as LGBTQ+.
“Queering the Second Act ” continues that work featuring two male-identified dancers replacing the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. This work challenges barriers within the dance community, particularly in embracing male/male partnering and LGBTQ+ narratives, reinforcing our dedication to assertively amplifying diverse voices and stories.
“Queering the Second Act ” will be released digitally for screening as pay-what-you-can, giving 14-day unlimited access to on-demand screening.
For more information and updates, please visit Dark Circles Contemporary Dance’s official website: www.dccdusa.com.
About Dark Circles Contemporary Dance
Dark Circles Contemporary Dance is a trailblazing dance company known for pushing the boundaries of movement and storytelling. Led by visionary choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, the company challenges convention and inspires audiences through its unique artistic approach. With a commitment to collaboration and innovation, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance continues to redefine the possibilities of contemporary dance on both local and global stages.
About Joshua L. Peugh
Joshua L. Peugh (he/him) is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Co-founder of Fair Assembly. A graduate of Southern Methodist University and a former dancer with Universal Ballet (under the direction of Oleg Vinogradov), he has created work for festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America, winning awards for his choreography in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. He was the recipient of the Grand Prize at the McCallum Theatre’s 18th Annual Choreography Festival, and Dance Magazine chose him as one of their “25 to Watch.” Joshua served as choreographer for legendary soprano Kathleen Battle’s concert Underground Railroad – A Spiritual Journey and was the 2018 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence. He has created over 50 new works for Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, BalletX, Ballet Memphis, The Big Muddy Dance Company (My Dear Watson), BODYTRAFFIC, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Collage Dance Collective, Company E, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Theater Center (Colossal), Dance Lab NY, DanceWorks Chicago, Eisenhower Dance, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, MADCO, METdance, Missouri Contemporary Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Verb Ballets (Romeo and Juliet), and Whim W’Him, among others.