We speak this afternoon with Deborah Vaughan, Artistic Director and Founder of DIMENSIONS DANCE THEATER about the premiere of a new work, HEALING TO JOY OCTOBER 12, 2024. This new work by Haitian-American Choreographer Laurie Fleurentin and Ms. Vaughan explores the transcendent power of joy to empower unity and growth. The work includes composer/performer Jeff Pierre and guest spoken-word artist and poet devorah major. The premiere performance marks the 51st season of Dimensions Dance Theater, one of the country’s longest-standing and most respected Black dance companies with a dual focus on creating and presenting relevant, contemporary choreography and traditional dance from many African cultures and dance of the African Diaspora. Dimensions presents a reminder of the fundamental importance of practicing culture to unite, uplift and educate community and foster positive social change. The premiere performance of Healing to Joy will be given Saturday, October 12, at 6 pm at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts in Oakland and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Tickets, priced at $15-$25 may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-to-joy-tickets-984554678547