"Loris Beckles joyously marks his dance company's three decade milestone: 30 years and counting!"
In Dallas, dance artist Loris Beckles honors his late partner, Andre R. George, three decades after their arrival in the city. George, a member of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, established his own company, Nova: A Dancers' Company, before his untimely death from AIDS complications. Instead of returning to New York, where he performed with Alvin Ailey junior companies and the groundbreaking choreographer Eleo Pomare, Beckles decided to stay and carry on George's legacy.
For over three decades, Beckles has made his mark as a dance instructor, fostering talent at the South Dallas Cultural Center and Greiner Middle School. Some of his students have since graced bigger stages, a testament to his skilful mentorship. Additionally, he has presented performances of his choreography, as well as guest artists, and revived work by Pomare and other distinguished Black dance-makers, such as Donald McKayle.
Renamed Beckles Dancing Company, the ensemble is celebrating its anniversary with a pair of performances at the Latino Cultural Center. The shows encompass 13 pieces, primarily choreographed by Beckles himself, including First Arabesque, a solo he created for Blue Mercury Dancing Company in New York, set to a Debussy piano composition. Guest artist Tristan Rodney will perform this piece, encapsulating the essence of Beckles' original performance.
The anniversary program will also include pieces by Pomare, McKayle, Anthony Wade Jr., and Randall Anthony Smith. Loris Beckles, a humble, soft-spoken man, downplays the significance of the milestone, stating that too much fuss is being made. Despite his weakened immune system due to HIV, he is grateful for the opportunity to pass on the knowledge he's gained, not just as learned data but from the "soul."
Born in Guyana and brought to the United States as a teenager, Beckles discovered his passion for dance after attending a performance by a Venezuelan ballet company. He joined NYU modern dance classes, performed at school recitals, and eventually earned a dance degree from Adelphi University. His professional journey began with Syracuse Ballet Theatre, where his four years of study provided the technical foundation and work ethic crucial for his future endeavors.
Lela Bell Wesley, a current member of Beckles' company, will perform alongside guest artists Claude Alexander III, Jennifer Mabus, Michelle Gibson, Lacy and Layla Brent, Tina Mullone Griffith, and other company members as part of the anniversary celebrations. The performances take place on May 30-31 at the Latino Cultural Center, with tickets available through becklesdancingco.org and ticketdfw.com/event/thirtieth-anniversary-gala-celebration.
The community of Dallas celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Beckles Dancing Company, a renowned dance ensemble that fuses education and entertainment, offering classes and performances under the guidance of Loris Beckles. The anniversary program features a blend of original choreography by Beckles, as well as works by esteemed choreographers such as Eleo Pomare, Donald McKayle, Anthony Wade Jr., and Randall Anthony Smith.
Loris Beckles, a dance instructor and choreographer with a passion for nurturing talent, continues to share his knowledge in local schools and the South Dallas Cultural Center, extending his reach beyond the company as a beacon of education in the community.
