Northrop Presents
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Relaxed Matinee: Sunday, March 21, 3 p.m., Pick Your Price
2026-27 Northrop Season
A globally celebrated leader in diverse and inclusive dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet brings three decades of “gamechanging” artistry to its Northrop debut — “forging a path for what ballet can be” beyond historical barriers (The Guardian).
Visionaries Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson harness a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and highlight their stunning cast of dancers to create a limitation-shattering repertoire. Nonstop kaleidoscopic motion meets raw athleticism and sleek precision, where powerful dancers command the stage with fierce grace and technical brilliance that will leave you breathless.
The robust program begins with a series of short works that span 31 seasons of the company. Concluding with a kinetic homage to jazz, Rhoden’s “Midnight Riff” celebrates the iconic women of jazz, featuring music by Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and more.
Make a Night of It!
Add Encore Gala tickets, which go on sale July 14, 2026, to your evening on March 20. Mingle with members of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and fellow arts lovers at our annual fundraiser! This special event enhances your experience of Complexions with a jazzy pre-show party and a post-show soiree with the artists.
Make an Afternoon of It!
If a laid-back afternoon is more your speed, enjoy a Relaxed Matinee on March 21. During a Relaxed Matinee, house lights and sound levels are lowered, and audiences are warned of any surprises. Attendees can come and go as needed. Relaxed Matinee tickets are Pick Your Price.
Top image: Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Related Links, Quotes & Reviews
“Companies like Complexions are game-changing: they’re forging a path for what ballet can be instead of what it historically has been.” — The Guardian
“If there is one thing that Complexions knows how to do well (and, let’s be honest, they do many things quite well), it’s their choreographic exploration of rock ‘n’ roll and popular music.” — Hollywood Soapbox
“The genius of legendary Co-Founders, Co-Artistic Directors Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden cannot be underestimated.” — BroadwayWorld
“Quite simply put, absolutely wonderful.” — BroadwayWorld
To Help You Decide
Create Your Own Package
Our flexible Create Your Own package lets you choose your experiences from any three or more in-person events from the 2026-27 Northrop Season! Limited time: Subscription packages are on sale only through Sept. 24.
Subscribers enjoy:
- Savings of 20% when you buy three+ Northrop Season events*
- The highest discount of the year — no sale or discount will be greater
- Best seats — be among the first to choose / exclusive discount for Price Zone 1 seats
- Partial payment plans
- A newly added bonus — also get 20% off tickets to more Northrop Season performances purchased any time throughout the year!
- Flexibility at no extra cost — get unlimited free ticket exchanges
- Our appreciation for supporting Northrop programming and Centennial Commissions! Your purchase helps make a difference.
*Some exclusions apply.
You might enjoy this performance if you love(d):
- Dance Theatre of Harlem
- BalletMet
- Alonzo King LINES Ballet
- “10,000 Dreams”: A Celebration of Asian Choreography
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
A Northrop premiere! This is Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s first appearance on the Northrop stage.
Add to Your Package
Know Before You Go
Event Information
- Seating: Reserved
- Saturday Performance Begins: 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday Relaxed Matinee Begins: 3 p.m.
- Pick 3 or More Events and Save
If you need assistance, please call 612-624-2345, email umntix@umn.edu.
Planning Your Visit
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Acknowledgments
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
