““My dance soul has been reinvigorated!!!””
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Contemporary West Dance Theatre has been hailed as the company that is bringing culture to Las Vegas as its first contemporary/modern dance theatre.
Unlike any other dance company, CWDT is known for its sheer passion, energy, drive, and commitment to making the audience experience a range of emotions through the language of dance. CWDT’s audiences leave the theater feeling a sense of excitement, joy, and awareness of dance and its perplexities with an enlightened view of the art of dance and the dancer. Our repertoire is unlike any other dance company and is totally unique to CWDT. Not only do we have a tailor-made repertoire for the company, we have unique individual artists, who bring life and color to movement.
History
Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT), formerly known as the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, is a multicultural nonprofit organization that was founded in March 2007 by Bernard H. Gaddis and Charmaine Hunter. CWDT is Las Vegas’ premiere contemporary modern dance company, named by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as one of the “Fab Four” arts organizations in Nevada. The company has a dance methodology that integrates classical and modern paradigms with athleticism that gives audiences a more profound dance experience.
CWDT dancers are passionate, relatable, and highly skilled and have been bringing virtuoso performances to the stage that have excited and inspired audiences around the world for over a decade.
With well over sixty ballets, CWDT continues to build its vault with works by both well-renowned and up-and-coming choreographers. Consistent with the CWDT brand, the repertoire is made of sophisticated modernist choreography that combines tangible spiritual elegance with grace, which has proven highly impactful and connects strongly with their audiences.
Forging new growth in the community, CWDT offers local arts and education outreach programming, and both national and international touring performance opportunities for dance artists. The company has also recently embarked on the journey to becoming an accredited conservatory in the fine art of dance.
Photo Gallery
PRESS
"My heart soared with emotions so powerful I was surprised. I do not remember ever being so moved when watching a dance performance."Each number was a work of art. In one set, six ladies did a dance routine with chairs that were superlative on many levels. The execution was perfect. The multi-level choreography was intricate and divided into several parts. It was brilliant."
- LV Review Journal
“a champion of multiculturalism in dance… company brings a rousing, sexy and emotional blend of old and new to the stage.”
- Kristen Peterson, Las Vegas Weekly
“a wonderful show perfect for concert hall or showroom stage. It proved that live, talented people still provide the best entertainment of all.”
- Hal De Becker, The Las Vegas Review-Journal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Edward Schoelwer, Red Shell Mgmt
Tel + (646) 495-1564 / eschoelwer@redshellmgmt.org
Photographs attached
CONTEMPORARY WEST DANCE THEATRE JOINS ROSTER OF RED SHELL MGMT
Las Vegas-Based Contemporary Dance Company Ramps-Up For More Touring
Edward Schoelwer, President of Red Shell Mgmt, is proud to announce that Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT) has joined the Red Shell Mgmt roster. Formerly known as Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre, CWDT was founded in 2007 by Bernard H. Gaddis (a Principal Dancer-alumnus of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre) and Charmaine Hunter (a long-time Dance Theatre of Harlem Principal Dancer and former Ballet Mistress). CWDT is known as Las Vegas Valley's premier contemporary dance company because it combines the American classical and modern dance traditions with vigorous athleticism and tops it off with a dash of the theatricality that has made Las Vegas famous.
Named by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as one of the “Fab Four” arts organizations in Nevada, CWDT is a repertoire dance company that tours nationally and internationally and is dedicated to perpetuating multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion on stage, in the studio, and everyday life. This point of view is reflected in the composition of the artists in the company and the selection of repertoire featuring classic works by Alvin Ailey, Ulysses Dove, Rennie Harris, Milton Myers, Ronen Koresh, Donald Byrd, and new works by the artistic director.
Among the first Artists in Residence at Las Vegas’ Charleston Heights Arts Center, CWDT was voted “Best Dance Company to Represent Las Vegas” two years in a row by the Las Vegas Weekly Magazine, and its Founder and Artistic Director Bernard H. Gaddis was recently Awarded Best Choreographer in Las Vegas by Desert Companion Magazine.
CWDT’s Founding Artistic Director Bernard H. Gaddis writes, “Contemporary West Dance Theatre is pleased to appoint Edward Schoelwer and Red Shell Mgmt with the responsibility of arranging our tours. Given his extensive experience in our field, we are confident that he will help us reach greater visibility. And we are excited to join Red Shell as it poises itself to expand."
Says Edward Schoelwer, “Since the moment I started to follow Contemporary West Dance Theatre, I have admired the way the company makes concert dance fun and entertaining. They are serious artists, well trained and risk-taking--but their audiences always leave the theater having had a very good time. After nearly a decade of watching them ripen the moment has come for us to combine forces.”
Red Shell Mgmt is a resource for presenters and promoters of cultural attractions who want to learn more about and engage select touring projects and dance companies with a legacy of excellent artistry and educational and social missions. Associated with Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) from 1990 - 2020, Edward Schoelwer founded Red Shell in 2018. Limón Dance Company, Collage Dance Collective, Rhapsody in Black, NYTB/ChamberWorks, and now Contemporary West Dance Theatre make up the boutique roster. To learn more about Red Shell Mgmt and its roster visit, www.redshellmgmt.org.
Let the light of the touring artist replace the darkness of despair!
TESTIMONIALS
“The LVCDT [now known as Contemporary West Dance Theatre] is the finest contemporary dance company in the country. Nobody else comes close. You can’t do better than Bernard Gaddis and whatever he is associated with.”
REPERTORY
Alahambra
Choreography: Avree Walker
Ballet Type: Contemporary Ballet
Music: Karl Jenkins
Number of Dancers: 14
Running Time: 10 Minutes
Synopsis: The Alahambra was so-called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, (qa’lat al-hamra’ means red castle,) is an abstract contemporary ballet suite. This timeless work draws influence from the vibrant culture of Spain, anchored in the tradition of an elite monarchy.
Vespers
Choreography: Ulysses Dove
Ballet Type: Contemporary Modern
Music: Mikel Rouse
Number of Dancers: 6
Running Time: 17 Minutes
Synopsis: Inspired by memories of Ulysses Dove’s grandmother, her energy, and the small wooden building where she met with other women off worship. Set to a driving percussion score by Mikel Rouse, six women in black dresses assemble and reassemble themselves in and around wooden chairs. Choreographed in 1986.
Mood Azule
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Modern/Jazz
Music: Dave Bruebeck, Hipnosis & Marc Frank
Number of Dancers: 12
Running Time: 18 Minutes
Synopsis: Mood Azul is a fun Jazzy fast-paced ballet! (Despite its icy hue, the hottest color of the flame is blue.) (Mood Azul) This ballet is fiery, sassy, and sure to get the audience moving in their seats.
Dunia
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis/Avree Walker
Ballet Type: African/Modern
Music: Rupert Gregson-Williams, Gotan Project
Number of Dancers: 12-14
Running Time: 29 Minutes
Synopsis: Dunia (Earth) is a ceremonial drum used in various religious rituals and marriages. Bata is a marriage that takes place between two young adults this ballet transcends Latin, African, and Muslim cultures.
Take Five
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Contemporary/Jazz
Music: Sharon Jones, Nick Waterhouse, Leela James, Booker T & the MG’s, Mel Torme
Number of Dancers: 8
Running Time: 30 Minutes
Synopsis: To understand America, Brooklyn in the late 50’s and 60’s is a very good place to begin. 'All you had was your turf, there was nothing else. All you had was this pride in being an hombre, in being bad, and taking care of your people. It was like you were trying to say to the world, ''This is me, man, I'm alive, you dig? and I got somethin", and I live in this community, and I'm somebody.' This ballet homage to the days of close-knit communities that made a powerful impact on American Culture. Premiere 2016.
Ebony Concerto
Choreography: Milton Myers
Ballet Type: Neo-Classical/Ballet
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Number of Dancers: 7
Running Time: 11 Minutes
Synopsis: “Ebony Concerto'' (1991), set to Stravinsky's 1945 score for clarinetist Woody Herman. Milton Myers' inventively asymmetrical choreography reflected the music's nervous, bluesy mood with movements that also mirrored its linear structure. The gorgeous dancers of CWDT complement the choreography with strong, secure dancing that showcases the company’s combined classical Contemporary technique and jazz style. This ballet can be done live with an orchestra.
“JOY”
Choreography: Milton Myers
Ballet Type: Neo-Classical Ballet
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach
Number of Dancers: 9
Running Time: 14 Minutes
Synopsis: Joy by New York choreographer Milton Myers explodes on the stage with energy and exuberance as eleven dancers move through space at lightning-fast speed, showcasing their technical prowess. Tempered in the middle with a slow and tender romantic trio, the dance is a virtual roller coaster ride of beautiful dance, athleticism, and unabashed joy to the music of Bach. This ballet can be done live with an orchestra.
Steel & Bones
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Contemporary Modern/Ballet
Music: Michael Wall, Eric Serra, and Jacob’s Piano
Number of Dancers: 8
Running Time: 20 Minutes
Synopsis: Steel & Bones is One of CWDT’S newest works premiering Spring 2021. This ballet explores a person’s willingness to compromise. Steel is a material that does not bend or yield and Bones although strong will yield and move. Set to the driving scores this ballet is powerful and visually stunning and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Shrouded
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Contemporary/Ballet
Music: Arvo Pärt, Dead Can Dance
Number of Dancers: 10
Running Time: 16 Minutes
Synopsis: Shrouded is a ballet about the passing of individuals and ending up in purgatory. (Purgatory) a time when one’s soul (spirit) passes and re-experiencing traveling through their lifetime to arrive at their final destination and making peace with the choices one made while living. A heartfelt beautiful ballet set to the beautiful music of composers Arvo Part & Dead can Dance.
Liaison
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Neo-Classical Ballet
Music: Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Oliver Davis
Number of Dancers: 8
Running Time: 24 Minutes
Synopsis: Liaison touches on relationships set back in the 18th century. Liaison is a fun, witty ballet full of dalliances and exciting, quick neo-classical ballet steps. The ballet has beautiful elaborate costumes set in 1774. This ballet has a small number of props two victorian chairs, a chandelier,
Bad Blood
Choreography: Ulysses Dove
Ballet Type: Modern/Ballet
Music: Laurie Anderson, Peter Gabriel
Number of Dancers: 6
Running Time: 15 minutes
Synopsis: In Bad Blood, emotional passion and kinetic energy encapsulate the powerful yet extremely tender war between the sexes, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with a daredevil display.
With music by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel, Bad Blood is the second work that the CWDT company has commissioned. Ulysses Dove was hailed as one of the most exciting choreographers to emerge in the latter half of the twentieth century, Dove is renowned for a style that merged the influences of his choreographic mentors, Alvin Ailey and Merce Cunningham.
Fraternus
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Contemporary Modern
Music: Hans Zimmer, Steve Jablonsky, Arvo Pärt
Number of Dancers: 6 males
Running Time: 17 minutes
Synopsis: Fraternus for seven men set to a powerfully rhythmic music compilation. The title is a Latin term meaning brotherly love. The ballet evokes strength and Masculinity. There is also a relentless element in the ensemble of men that embodies the Ancient Greek warriors' evocative of love and controlled religious passion performed by the men of CWDT.
Flight Time
Choreography: Avree Walker
Ballet Type: Contemporary Jazz
Music: Frank Sinatra
Number of Dancers: 12
Running Time: 18 Minutes
Synopsis: “How would you like to be remembered?” Flight Time is an abstract exploration of six iconic songs of a jazz artist, Frank Sinatra (New Yorker). Sinatra’s genius music style, coupled with the elegant flair of modern and contemporary Jazz movement, creates a sensational tribute to the life and career of a dazzling gentleman and leading headliner (Rat Pack) in Las Vegas! This Ballet is part of CWDT’s VEGAS Collection.
Dreamtime
Choreography: Elisa Monte
Ballet Type:
Music: David Van Tieghem
Number of Dancers: 6-9
Running Time: 17 Minutes
Synopsis: In the animist framework of Australian Aboriginal mythology, The Dreaming is a sacred era in which ancestral Totemic Spirit Beings formed The Creation. Many Indigenous Australians also refer to the Creation time as "The Dreaming." The Dreamtime laid down the patterns of life for the Aboriginal people. The Dreamtime is the Aboriginal understanding of the world, its creation, and its great stories. The Dreamtime is the beginning of knowledge, from which came the laws of existence.
Shards
Choreography: Donald Byrd
Ballet Type: Contemporary
Music: Mio Morales
Number of Dancers: 12
Running Time: 28 Minutes
Synopsis: In 1988, Donald Byrd originally created Shards for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. To create this abstract work, Byrd looked at both classic ballets like Sleeping Beauty and influential modern dance by major African-American choreographers of the time – Mr. Ailey, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle – and deconstructed the language these choreographers used and recombined it with his own sensibility as a rising young artist.
As Donald Byrd explained in a 2007 interview: "If you think of shards in a kind of genetic way, the inside of each gene — a shard perhaps of the body — has the capacity to reproduce the whole organism again. You clone from the cell. And so there’s the idea that with one shard of a shattered mirror, what’s imprinted in the shard is the last thing the mirror saw. The mirror can see all kinds of things, but in this case, it’s the 'Rose Adagio' from the ballet Sleeping Beauty or the clump of dancers in 'I Been ‘Buked' [in Revelations]. It’s an Escher-like way of thinking about it, that things kind of turn in on themselves and create a kind of infinity."
Night Creature
Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Ballet Type: Ballet/Jazz
Music: Duke Ellington
Number of Dancers: 12-14
Running Time: 16 Minutes
Synopsis: Alvin Ailey’s Night Creature is a bubbly champagne cocktail of a dance, a perfect fusion of Ailey’s buoyant choreography and Duke Ellington’s sparkling music. At once wistful and sassy, it beckons viewers into a nocturnal world populated by jazz babies and night owls.
Ellington said that “night creatures, unlike stars, do not come OUT at night – they come on, each thinking that, before the night is out, he or she will be the star.” This large ensemble work is full of such stars — strutting, leaping and slinking through a variety of dance idioms as they flaunt and flirt with each other and the audience. They hold their hands like paws, as if they’re cats on the prowl, then slide seamlessly into balletic allegro jumps, Martha Graham-like contractions, and Lester Horton layouts. It’s the definitive dance homage to the exuberance of The Duke’s sophisticated symphonic work. This ballet can be done live with a jazz orchestra.
“Simply Ella”
Choreography: Bernard H. Gaddis
Ballet Type: Contemporary/Jazz
Music: Ella Fitzgerald
Number of Dancers: 12-14
Singers: 1-2 Female and Male
Musicians: minimum 6 Piece Jazz Band
Running Time: 31 Minutes
Synopsis: CWDT offers a tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Choreographer Bernard Gaddis offers ten beloved songs by the incomparable songstress. This ballet can be done live with a jazz orchestra and vocalist or recorded music either one will be a sure delight for audiences everywhere. Unseen Footage of Ella Fitzgerald’s Life.
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer sometimes referred to as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella. She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. This Ballet is part of CWDT’s VEGAS Collection!
Our Time
Choreography: Don Bellamy
Ballet Type: Modern
Music: Bret Gold, Choco Valdes, Ibrahim Ferrar
Number of Dancers: 12-14
Running Time: 16 Minutes
Synopsis: Celebrating the wonderful culture of Cuba, this ballet is fun and steep in the tradition of Latin dances. Dance is intimately connected with Cuba’s culture. Men twist, and dip women in intimate and suggestive poses. The rhythm beats a rapid, dynamic pulse that keeps couples twirling around the dance floor for hours. Dancing is a very important part of Cuban life – it’s an expression of joy and sensuality, and offers locals a release from the daily grind. Music venues and discos fill up at night with locals and foreigners alike. As the live music gets going, people sip drinks at the bar and hit the dance floor to unleash some seriously smooth moves. Cuba’s dance scene is spectacular.
EDUCATION ON TOUR
Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT), formerly the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, is a multicultural nonprofit organization founded in March 2007 by Bernard H. Gaddis and Charmaine Hunter. These former principal dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem (respectively) created Las Vegas’ first premiere contemporary modern dance company, named by the Las Vegas Review Journal as one of the “Fab Four” arts organizations in Nevada. The company has a dance methodology that integrates classical and modern paradigms with athleticism that gives audiences a more profound dance experience. CWDT dancers are passionate, relatable, and highly-skilled, and have been bringing virtuoso performances to the stage that have excited and inspired audiences around the world for over a decade.
CWDT offers a Pre-Professional University Residency, which focuses on providing the essential business tools to transition dancers from training to career. Included in this curriculum are masterclasses, lectures, one-to-one interfacings matching students to company members, hands-on engagement with the administrative inner-workings of the company, and opportunities to dance excerpts from the CWDT current repertoire.
Future Opportunities with CWDT:
Summer Intensives Scholarships
Apprenticeships
Possible company positions
Artist Internships
Benefits of CWDT Residencies:
Master Classes
Lectures
Choreographic Workshops
Working with Acclaimed Directors
Working with professional dancers
Understanding and navigating ones dance career
L e c t u r e s
CWDT offers lectures to universities on topics ranging from navigating one’s entry into the professional world to pedagogy and dance history. We are also able to curate lectures in series that can address the variety of shifts within our constantly evolving dance landscape.
M a s t e r C l a s s e s
Ballet
Modern
Jazz
Contemporary
CWDT offers codified master dance classes in various techniques for pre-professional university students that challenge the students to dance outside of their comfort zone and to focus on technique, performance quality.
P e r f o r m a n c e s
CWDT is a repertory company with over 60 ballets in their repertoire which ranges from Neo-Classical, Modern, Jazz, Hip-hop, and Contemporary works by legendary and current choreographers. We can tailor fit our performances to the needs of the Presenter.
C h o r e o g r a p h i c Wo r k s h o p s
CWDT choreographic workshops provide a study of choreography craft as a communicative performing art form. CWDT focuses on the art and form of dancemaking, and exploring ideas and meaning of choreographic works within the company’s repertoire.
book Contemporary West Dance THEATRE
To inquire about booking Contemporary West Dance Theatre please submit the form below or contact Edward Schoelwer directly at eschoelwer@redshellmgmt.org or 646-495-1564.