Twisting in Graceful Turns

Arts Lab Desert Peaks is a transformative two-week workshop designed to provide young dance artists with a unique opportunity to participate in a creation process with renowned choreographer and Las Cruces native Joshua L. Peugh. The third annual workshop with Dark Circles Contemporary Dance in Las Cruces is from July 24 to Aug. 5.

The event welcomes 14 professional dancers from esteemed companies such as The Big Muddy Dance Company, Verbs Ohio Contemporary Ballet, SERES Danza, and others. In addition, pre-professional dancers from across the country, as well as from Colombia and Mexico, will be part of this event.
The program aims to cultivate artistic growth by enabling participants to engage in a collaborative creative process, take technique classes from New York City-based choreographer and educator Mike Esperanza, learn repertory and contribute to developing a world-premiere ballet. Under the guidance of choreographer Peugh, participants can refine their skills, expand their artistic vision and explore new horizons in contemporary dance.

The culmination of the creation process will be showcased through two free and open-to-the-public performances on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the stage at Plaza de Las Cruces, coinciding with the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. These performances aim to captivate and inspire audiences, providing a unique opportunity for the community to witness the transformative power of contemporary dance, according to a press release from the dance company. The first performance begins at 9 a.m., followed by an encore presentation at 10 a.m.

“Dark Circles Contemporary Dance fosters innovation and excellence in contemporary dance within the Mesilla Valley,” the release said. “Through Arts Lab Desert Peaks, the organization aims to position Las Cruces as a vibrant center for artmaking, ultimately establishing the city as a destination for artists and world-class dance. By hosting these talented artists for two weeks, the workshop also contributes to the region’s economic development, creating new opportunities for local businesses and the community.”

Furthermore, the culminating performances in a shared community gathering space will entertain and stimulate viewers and emphasize the universality of movement as a language accessible to all communities, regardless of race, class, ability or gender.

“Dark Circles Contemporary Dance hopes that the audience will leave the performances with a deeper understanding of the power of movement as a unifying force and a source of inspiration,” the release said.
Arts Lab Desert Peaks seeks to provide a supportive environment for participating artists, encouraging their professional development, fostering networking opportunities, and facilitating community building. By dedicating their full attention to their craft, dancers can immerse themselves in their art and fully embrace the creative process.

Arts Lab Desert Peaks is sponsored in part by the New Mexico State University Department of Kinesiology and Dance. For more information about Arts Lab Desert Peaks and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance, please visit www.darkcirclescontemporarydance.com.