Contemporary West Dance Theatre

I have now had the pleasure of attending two shows this dance company has shown. Over the holidays I was lucky enough to see the performance of A Cool Yule - Christmas Spectacular and most recently I attended their Black History Month show.They are celebrating 18 years of excellence here in Las Vegas. Both shows were incredible and the dancers talent was phenomenal.The company was formed in 2007 with Bernard Gaddis and Charmaine Hunter. They offer so much in terms of dance styles. Some of their numbers are choreographed by well- renowned artists like Alvin Ailey and other famous choreographers. Their director Bernard Gaddis also contributes new and exciting works. Mr. Gaddis himself has had a wonderful career in dance including being a principal dancer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for seven years and was mentored by Ms. Judith Jamison the artistic director. This is just a small bit of information about this inspirational director's career. He has done so much more.All of the dancers are well trained and very powerful. I was particularly impressed with the Black History Month performance. The house was filled and all of the attendees really enjoyed the show ending with a standing ovation. I was saddened to hear the company will be moving to Philadelphia as this city will be providing more financial support for this company. I wish our city would do more to support arts and culture. They will still provide performances here in Las Vegas.I am looking forward to their next performance which will be in May. Ticket prices are $20 so very reasonable to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a show. If you have an opportunity I highly recommend attending one of their performances.

I first saw this company in September of 2008 as the closing weekend show of Super Summer Theatre at Spring Mountain Ranch. That one performance was enough to hook me on this company and I have been attending ever since. Most of their shows are free for the public and the performances take place over three days--Friday, Saturday, and Sunday matinée. In 2008, the company was known as the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre. Within the last few years, the company changed their name to the Contemporary West Dance Theatre.Sometimes they do works that were choreographed by famous people. Most of the time, they do work choreographed for them. They also do work that the founder/director of the company, Bernard Gaddis, has choreographed. Seeing original works like this is what makes their shows exciting and something which takes you into a different world. For example, the opening number was a world première of "The Art of War" by Mr. Gaddis. It was magnificent!For this Spring series, there were two guest choreographers--James Jeon and Avree Walker. Jeon's "Untitled" and Walker's "Nina" were both excellent!It's always an enjoyable experience. Do take the opportunity to go and see a show the next time around.

This dance company blew me away. I wasn't expecting much because I'm jaded being from New York but, wow how wrong was I to understand estimate them. They are a powerful and professional troop deserving of any broadway stage. and you can't beat the price, usually free performance's at West Lake Meade Public LI tart, performing Arts Centercatch a show whenever you can. you won't regret it!

Before I moved out to Las Vegas to join Nevada Ballet Theatre, I made it a mental point to go out and support all local art in Sin City, especially any performing art. I love modern and contemporary dance, and believe it is very necessary to drive the art form of dance forward. Luckily, I found out about Contemporary West Dance Theatre (formerly Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre) and decided I would go attend a performance of theirs. I was completely blown away by the performance and have made a list as to why you should attend one of their shows:1. The dancers are INCREDIBLE artists! CWDT houses a variety of artists, with ranging backgrounds, bodies, abilities and ages. Each dancer had their own uniqueness which made them all so interesting to watch. They all perform with such fire and passion that you're just left dumbfounded as to how they are not performing in larger spaces for a wider audience!2. The CHOREOGRAPHY is nothing short of spectacular. Yes, the dancers could be good... but is the choreography? It is! Bernard (the director) choreographs works that speak to most of the audience member. It was wonderful to hear people laugh, cry and hoot-and-holler during last nights performance. He even gave a wonderful and insightful speech, mid-performance about a historical dancer and how he, himself got into being a dancer. His choreography is very fluid and gorgeous to watch. He pushes his dancers to their limits and reels in the audience with powerful moments. I ate up every minute of the performance.3. IT IS FREE!!!! Currently, they perform at their home theater in the West Las Vegas Library Theater. Because of their partnership with the library, all of their performances are free and open to the public. Anyone, and everyone, should attend - simply, because they can! There really is no reason as to why you haven't gone yet, other than the fact that you didn't know! This is definitely an organization worth supporting, even if it is just by attending a performance or two. Believe me, you will not be disappointed! :)