By Walter Rutledge
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is one of the heartland’s preeminent dance companies. The company is fifty-six years young and has remained rooted in sharing the experiences of Americans of African decent through movement. This 2016 conversation with DCDC Artistic Director Debbie Blunden- Diggs took place during the company’s performances of Rainbow Round My Shoulder as guest artists with the Paul Taylor Dance Company at State Theater in Lincoln Center.
The company received a Bessie Award (The New York Dance and Performance Awards) that same year for Outstanding Revival for Rainbow. Blunden and I discuss the importance of keeping masterworks like Rainbow alive and on stage for the next generation of balletomanes. Her comments and commitment still ring true as DCDC become the first African American modern dance company to perform one of Taylor’s signature masterwork Esplanade during the company’s 2024 Joyce Theater season October 2- 6.
(Excerpt from article originally posted on March 26, 2016)
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) will perform Donald McKayle’s Rainbow Round My Shoulder tonight with Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance at the Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. This is the second season of the new initiative by the Taylor Company to showcase works by emerging choreographer and modern dance masters during their New York City season. O&A NYC Magazine talked with DCDC Artistic Director Debbie Blunden- Diggs about the work and the New York City performances.
Debbie Blunden- Diggs Rainbow Round My Shoulder
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Theater will be at the Joyce Theater thru Sunday October 6th. For tickets and addition information visit www.joyce.org.
Esplanade- DCDC
Man has created boundaries for race, religion, and culture. If we can get past that, we can realize that there is much more in life which connects us.”- Jeraldyne Blunden (DCDC Founder)
