Sounds of Hazel
November 24
The illustrious Dance Theatre of Harlem opens the Washington Performing Arts 2022/23 Season with the world-premiere ballet, Sounds of Hazel, and a program also including the Stevie Wonder-inspired Higher Ground, and other signature works. Commissioned by Washington Performing Arts, the dynamic new work Sounds of Hazel honors the remarkable life and legacy of mid-20th Century Trinidadian-American piano recording artist, bandleader, and stage and screen star, Hazel Scott. Once the darling of Café Society, Scott’s fervent civil rights activism and alleged political affiliations led to her persecution at the height of McCarthyism. Though her career suffered irreparable damage, Scott’s classical training and natural talent continued to astonish the world, and her expatriate Paris home became a gathering place for prominent Black musicians and artists.
Sounds of Hazel features a creative team of contemporary Black female artists, including Dance Theatre of Harlem’s founding member and artistic director Virginia Johnson, choreographer Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and composer Erica Lewis-Blunt.
Presented in partnership with CityDance.
Health and Safety
Masks are currently required for all patrons, including during the performance, except when actively eating or drinking in the lobby. Look for updates on our website and in your email as your performance date approaches. Thank you for understanding!