Dear Friends and Supporters,
As you know, during the next few months I’ll be sharing some stories with you that show how Parsons Dance has managed to exist for 40 years. I’ve decided to start with one that points to something I learned in the late Eighties when I was in my late twenties. The company was in its infancy when we were invited to perform at the Carlton Dance Festival, an event taking place in Brazil that featured internationally acclaimed companies. Included in the festival was a competition allowing audiences to vote for which company they liked best. You’ve probably guessed that Parsons Dance won the competition. Our prize: a multi city tour throughout Brazil.
The last stop on the tour was Rio, where we appeared at the historic Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro. After the show, Milton Nascimento, the legendary Brazilian singer, composer, and instrumentalist, came backstage to say that he loved the company and wanted to create a piece for me. I was incredibly excited but was honest with him. “I have no money,” I said. “No money necessary,” Nascimento replied. “I’m giving it to you.” Milton then composed and recorded with his musicians an original piece of beautiful music, and I appropriately named it Nascimento, which became one of the most popular works in our repertory and led to many Brazilian tours in the years to come.
David Parsons with Milton Nascimento pictured in the Brazilian press
Nascimento’s generosity changed my life. From him I discovered the great satisfaction that comes from being generous, something that happens when one reaches out to artists like me who need a break and also to those who are at the top of the heap. A great reason for my company’s success comes from establishing relationships with those who value treating each other well.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the incredible talent of the many collaborators who have enhanced my work. Among these are gifted costume designers like William Ivey Long, Santo Loquasto, and Christine Darch. Lighting designers like Burke Wilmore and Christopher Chambers, and, of course, Parsons Dance co-founder Howell Binkley who will be the subject of an upcoming story. Joining this list of artists are musicians/composers Phil Woods, Allen Toussaint, Dr. Billy Taylor, Jon Mackey, Kenji Bunch, and so many others.
To wrap this up, I will simply say that you cannot do it alone. You can’t keep a company going for 40 years without people who help.
Warmly,
Dave