We are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our mission to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the arts with the upcoming film project, "Queering the Second Act." This groundbreaking project, featuring new choreography by queer choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, is set to reimagine the beloved classic ballet, The Nutcracker, by highlighting the celebration of eccentricity and 'queerness' of the original fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffman.
DCCDUSA is thrilled to feature a stellar cast for this film project, including the talented dancers Chadi El-Khoury, Gavin Stewart, and Vanessa Owen, who will bring their unique artistry and energy to the project. The exceptional pianist and Las Cruces native Marco Jimenez will accompany the film, adding a live musical dimension to this innovative interpretation. Logan Sage will provide videography and Eugenia P. Stallings costume design.
"Queering the Second Act" will be released digitally for screening as pay-what-you-can, giving 14-day unlimited access to on-demand screening December 21 through January 3.
REGISTER FOR ACCESS TODAY!
CAST
CHADI EL-KHOURY (he/him), A native of Beirut, Lebanon, graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, with a B.A. in Theology, Sociology, and Applied Research Methods. He then pursued a B.F.A. at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance. He was a resident artist for Charlotte Street Foundation's Urban Culture Project (2013) and has had choreographic residencies with DCCDUSA, Modern Night at the Folly Festival, AROVA Contemporary Ballet, and Youth America Grand Prix. He joined DCCDUSA as a dancer in 2014 and assumed the role of Executive Director in the fall of 2015. Chadi's corporate background includes over 13 years of experience. In addition to his leadership role with DCCDUSA, Chadi is working towards an M.B.A. in Business Analytics from Southern Methodist University. He is also a Director overseeing Provider Collaboration Business Development at Elevance Health.
VANESSA OWEN is originally from Amity, Pennsylvania and she received her B.F.A. in Dance from Wright State University. She has danced professionally with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, the Kennedy Center’s production of Children of Eden, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Company E. Vanessa performed regularly at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and worked extensively through the State Department touring as a Cultural Ambassador during her time with Company E. These tours took her to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Cuba, Israel, Palestine, Republic of Georgia, Azerbaijan, China, and Uruguay where she taught, performed, and choreographed contemporary dance and musical theater productions.
Vanessa was awarded a McDowell Regional Artist Grant, a Fellowship in Choreography by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival, and her choreography has been presented at Wright State University, the Women in Dance Conference, YES! Dance Invitational, Velocity DC, Agora Dance, Shenandoah University, McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival, Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, CHOP SHOP Contemporary Dance, Richmond Dance Festival, Versatility Dance Festival, Palm Desert Choreography Festival, Austin Dance Festival, Stavna Ballet and Company E.
GAVIN STEWART, originally from Tulsa, OK, started his training at Tulsa Youth Ballet and received his BFA from UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Gavin has danced professionally with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, MOVE: the Company, Richmond Ballet II, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, Company E and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Company. During his time with Company E, he performed regularly at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and worked extensively through the State Department touring as a Cultural Ambassador. These tours took him to Kazakhstan, Sweden, Turkmenistan, Russia, Cuba, Israel, Palestine, Azerbaijan, and Uruguay where he taught, performed, and choreographed contemporary dance.