Name: The Hard Nut
Start: 2022-12-04T14:30:00
Location: Detroit Opera House

Detroit Opera

Mark Morris Dance Group

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Dances to American Music: Soul of America, a captivating performance by one of the country’s leading dance companies. Choreographed by the legendary Mark Morris, this program blends jazz, classical and folk music by iconic American composers, including George Gershwin, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, James P. Johnson and John Luther Adams. Morris brings his unique creativity and musical precision to life, fusing dance and live music to honor the vibrant spirit and diversity of America’s artistic heritage.

Dances to American Music: Three Preludes, Northwest, Pizzica, You've Got to Be Modernistic

University of Washington

The Mark Morris Dance Group’s “Dances to American Music” is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of American music and dance, presented as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring choreography by the legendary Mark Morris, this dynamic program includes Going Away Party (music by Bob Wills), Three Preludes (music by George Gershwin), Northwest (music by John Luther Adams), and You’ve Got to be Modernistic (music by James P. Johnson). Mark Morris has captivated global audiences with his profound humanity, humor, and the unique ability to fuse live music and dance into an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Dances to American Music: Dancing Honeymoon, Three Preludes, You've Got to Be Modernistic, Pizzica

McCarter Theatre Center

Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble returns to The Joyce with Dances to American Music, a three-program repertory series highlighting Morris’s lifelong devotion to music. 

Soul of America (Program A) features live music of Jazz innovators James P. Johnson and George Gershwin, American Mavericks (Program C) is set to the expansive scores of West Coast composers Henry Cowell and Lou Harrison, while American Heartbeat (Program B) includes a full program of early recorded music by American Country legends Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, The Louvin Brothers, and George Jones.