NCMA Dance: Regard, with choreographer Alyssa Mitchel and featuring Carolina Ballet

Regard (2023) is a collaborative dance performance that celebrates authentic, soulful connections between people. The dance was inspired in part by the ideas of Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, whose publication I and Thou differentiates between relating to others as members of categories and relating to others by opening ourselves up to those with opposing views.

In drawing on Buber’s ideas, Regard speaks to all those who wish to transcend the divisions that have become prevalent in our society. The performance also explores the relationship between artists and critics and draws upon the personal experiences of Jewish painter R. B. Kitaj as well as the choreographer and artists. This performance features the talented dancers of Carolina Ballet and includes three sections from the original production: Close, Far and Somewhere in Between; Inner Critic; and Trust. The production includes projections of the original murals designed by ORLUarts. For more information on Alyssa Mitchel and Regard, visit https://www.alyssaevemitchel.com/regard.html.

Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Ballet