Celebrating its 80th Season, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of dance since its inception in 1946. José Limón has a special place in American culture for a social awareness that transcended distinct groups to address how we all search for commonality. With this ethos, the company continues to commission works by critically acclaimed and emerging international voices 50 years after Limón’s passing. His works continue to influence the evolution of the art form with their arresting visual clarity, theatricality, and rhythmic and musical life.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Chaconne (1942) Choreography: José Limón, Music: J.S. Bach, Chaconne from Partita #2 in D Minor. Performances at Windhover will feature live accompaniment by violinist Scott Moore.

The Chaconne as a dance form originated in Mexico during the Spanish occupation. Bach employed the strict musical form of the Chaconne but enriched it with powerful emotional implications. Limón has tried to capture in his dance both the formal austerity and the profound feeling of the music. Limón’s Chaconne was originally created to elevate the presence of the male dancer in a solo he choreographed for himself. First performed December 27, 1942 at the Humphrey-Weidman Studio Theater, New York City, by José Limón.

A Suite of A Choreographic Offering (1964) Choreography: José Limón, Music: J.S. Bach, Musical Offering

A Choreographic Offering is a memorial bouquet to Limón’s mentor and modern dance pioneer, Doris Humphrey. This work, in loving memory of Doris Humphrey, is based on variations, paraphrases, and motifs from her dances. Choreographed by José Limón it was first performed by the Limón Dance Company August 15, 1964, at the American Dance Festival.

Join (2025) Choreography: Azure Barton, Composer: Ambrose Akinmusire

Aszure Barton, in collaboration with Grammy-nominated composer Ambrose Akinmusire, has taken José Limón’s vivid, poetic description of a lost Doris Humphrey work to create a new world of spellbinding movement and transcendent storytelling.

approximate program run time: 1hr 40 min.

* program subject to change

Can’t make it to the show? Want to get a behind-the-scenes look? Join us for a free open rehearsal and brief Q&A on Saturday, August 15 at 2pm. No reservation is necessary for the open rehearsal.