photo by: Jonathan Thorpe

Ulysses Dove’s powerful and evocative ballet, Vespers, takes center stage, showcasing the extraordinary athleticism and grace of six female dancers. Created in 1986 for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company with support from the National Choreography Project, Vespers premiered at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1987 and has since become a cornerstone of modern dance repertoire.   Inspired by Dove’s childhood memories of attending services at his grandmother’s church, Foster Chapel Baptist Church, Vespers explores the spiritual energy and profound emotions he experienced there.  He sought to translate not the visual aspects but the visceral feeling of those services, emphasizing the power of prayer and the vibrant spirit of the congregation.

Dove’s vision for Vespers goes beyond mere representation.  He explained that the work reflects the strength and resilience of women, particularly inspired by his grandmother.  He aimed to portray the essence of her spirit and the spirits of other women he knew through the six dancers.  Rather than depicting age as a limitation, Dove translates it into a dynamic energy, capturing the powerful “Amen” of his grandmother as a force of nature.  This vibrant energy is mirrored in Mikel Rouse’s compelling electronic score, its percussive rhythms driving the dancers’ insistent movements across the stage, punctuated by the stark imagery of rows of chairs.

The ballet unfolds as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. As Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, notes, “Ulysses Dove is one of the most innovative dance storytellers in modern ballet history.”  Vespers exemplifies Dove’s unique choreographic language, a blend of fierce athleticism and profound grace.  It is a work that resonates deeply with audiences, offering a powerful and moving experience.  This performance honors the legacy of Ulysses Dove, a visionary artist whose work continues to inspire and challenge. We are deeply grateful to Alfred Dove, whose unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting his brother's extraordinary contributions to the world of dance ensures that his artistic vision continues to resonate.

Choreography
Ulysses Dove

Staging
Alfred Dove

Music
Quorum by Mikel Rouse
Mikel Rouse's Quorum, the music for Ulysses Dove's Vespers, is available on Apple Music.
Performed by Mikel Rouse. © 1983 Mikel Rouse. All rights reserved. Published by Club Soda Music (ASCAP).

Costume Design
Ulysses Dove

Lighting Design
Jack Mehler, Original Lighting by William H. Grant III