Synergy 2024

Synergy 2024 brings dancers and musicians together live on one stage for an exhilarating evening of performance. Pegasus Contemporary Ballet presents three world premiere choreographic commissions, each created in collaboration with an acclaimed Dallas-based musician spanning the genres of American Techno, Jazz Violin, and Percussion Soundscape. This vibrant evening of music and dance is emblematic of Pegasus Contemporary Ballet’s collaborative, unique, and exceptional contribution to the Dallas arts scene.

Piloted in 2023 with three different pairings of artists, audiences left rave reviews such as:

“I was absolutely blown away by the event! I had high expectations having known who the music collaborators would be, but the performance was above and beyond what I anticipated.”

“Favorite show ever!!”

Witness the creativity and talent that takes the stage when Dallas’s musicians and contemporary ballet dancers join forces.

Friday June 21, 2024 at 8 pm
Saturday June 22, 2024 at 8 pm

Artists announced! Synergy 2024 features collaborations between:

Grammy Award-winning Jazz Violinist Scott Tixier and Choreographer Michelle Thompson

Scott Tixier is a 5-time Grammy award-winning French jazz violinist and current Professor at the University of North Texas. He has performed, recorded, and toured with jazz legends and music icons such as Stevie Wonder, Kenny Barron, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, Ed Sheeran, Cassandra Wilson, Coldplay, Chris Potter, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Natalie Cole, Anthony Braxton, Ariana Grande, Adele and many others.

Michelle Thompson a professor at SUNY Purchase, a freelance choreographer in New York, and was the Artistic Director of New York based Spark Movement Collective from April 2020-March 2024. No stranger to musical collaboration, Michelle has worked closely with Grammy award-winning musician Johnny Butler and creative partner Caleb Patterson. Michelle’s collaboration with composer Catherine Davis was given an award by the Austin Critics’ Table for excellence in a Site-Specific work.

Percussionist and Producer Christopher “Chill” Hill and Choreographer Thang Dao

Christopher “Chill” Hill is a drummer and producer whose unique style blends elements of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, and acoustic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes, lush textures, and inventive production. Chill’s drumming is characterized by its intricate rhythms, tight grooves, and improvisational flair.

Thang Dao received his formal dance education from the Juilliard School and Boston Conservatory. His works have toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia with acclaimed reviews. His ballet Stepping Ground, choreographed for Ballet Austin, received the Audience Choice Award all four nights. Dao was the recipient of the 2008 Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship, the 2009 Special Project Grant, the 2012 Vilcek finalist for Creative Promise in choreography, and was the recipient of the 2022 #launchPAD residency, an initiative of Works & Process at the Guggenheim. He has choreographed for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Ballet Austin, Ballet Austin II, Ailey II, and Ballet X among many others.

Techno Composer and Producer Declan James and Choreographer Daniel Palladino

Declan James’ productions are known for their experimental, genre-bending qualities, integrating a wide variety of influences that range from Electroclash to Dancehall into a pummeling techno sound that Resident Advisor has called “futuristic and transfixing” all at once. With the recent launch of VOIDWARE, a record label and recurring party based in his hometown of Dallas, alongside both domestic and international touring schedules, Declan is proving to play an important role in the next generation of American Techno producers.

Daniel received his dance education while attending Victoria School of The Arts, Shelley’s Dance Company, and The Kore Dance Studio. Daniel has attended many summer study programs including The Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Springboard Danse Montreal. Daniel attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia on a full tuition scholarship, obtaining his BFA in dance. Post-graduation, Daniel joined Dallas Black Dance Theatre in August 2022.