Dimensions Dance Theater Premiere of "Healing to Joy"

Oakland's powerhouse Dimensions Dance Theater (DDT) presents the premiere of Healing to Joy, a new evening-length work by Haitian-American choreographer Laurie Fleurentin and Dimensions Founder Deborah Vaughan October 12 with composer/performer Jeff Pierre and guest spoken-word artist and poet devorah major. The premiere performance marks the 51st season of Dimensions Dance Theater, one of the country's longest-standing and most respected Black dance companies with a dual focus on creating and presenting relevant, contemporary choreography and traditional dance from many African cultures and dance of the African Diaspora. Dimensions presents a reminder of the fundamental importance of practicing culture to unite, uplift and educate community and foster positive social change. The evening will begin with author, ritualist and educator Luisah Teish to open the space. Healing to Joy embodies a collaboration between traditional Haitian dance and music and contemporary dance, and is planned as the first of two parts, with the complete work to be premiered in 2025.