“There’s a sense that when someone is struck by the sudden lightning of loss, he or she stands on the threshold of the spirit world.” Along with members of Black Box Dance Theatre, local dancers participate and perform in Michelle Pearson’s newest work: THIRST. Commissioned by ADF in 2023, Pearson brings beauty and humanity to the painful feelings of want and longing associated with deep loss.

Black Box Dance Theatre is a non-for-profit Raleigh, NC based company with expertise in making dance relevant, inspirational, and natural for all bodies and persons. Formed in 2013, Black Box Dance Theatre acts as a catalyst for meaningful human interactions, powerful storytelling, and transformative art making. Artistic Director, Michelle Pearson, is a master facilitator and true ambassador of creativity. She is joined by an extremely talented cohort of artists in bringing excellent movement programs into the real world. Partnerships include the US Department of State, the USO, Dance Complex of Boston, National Science Foundation, NCSU, the American Dance Festival, William Friday Fellowship, United Arts of Wake County, the NC Museum of Art, the NC Arts Council, and numerous Arts Organizations throughout NC. BBDT believes the best way to understand something differently/deeper/authentically is to embody it and be MOVED by it.