Thang Dao’s latest choreographic work, Cloaked, is a testament to his evolving exploration of contemporary dance and his ability to transform abstract concepts into deeply resonant movement. Created as part of the Creative Movers Choreographic Initiative (CMCI), the piece delves into the themes of concealment, vulnerability, and the duality between exposure and protection.
In developing Cloaked, Dao was inspired by the notion of the “cloak”—both literal and metaphorical—as a means of navigating the complexities of identity. The central question that drives the piece is: What do we choose to reveal, and what do we keep hidden? These reflections form the conceptual core of the work, which Dao has skillfully translated into a unique choreographic language.
Collaborating with the Joffrey Concert Group has offered Dao an invaluable platform to bring his vision to life. With a company of 18 highly skilled and versatile dancers, Dao found the process to be dynamic and deeply collaborative. The four-week creation period, which allowed for a 40-hour rehearsal process, became a space for experimentation and discovery. Dao’s initial ideas were shaped by the dancers’ artistry, resulting in a piece that is both personal and expansive. Their technical proficiency and emotional depth enabled Dao to push the boundaries of his choreography, creating moments that transcended his original vision.
The challenge of choreographing a work for a full company while maintaining a cohesive narrative was one that Dao embraced. Cloaked features intricate group formations and spatial dynamics that emphasize both individual expression and collective unity. The dancers transition between moments of revelation and concealment, embodying the layers of identity that Dao sought to explore. The piece is imbued with a sense of masking and unmasking, as the dancers shift between states of power and fragility, blending into and breaking away from the group.
Dao was able to take full advantage of the resources provided by the CMCI, including rehearsal space and a stipend, allowing him to focus entirely on the artistic process. The initiative’s support enabled Dao to realize his vision without the usual logistical constraints, giving him the freedom to fully immerse himself in the work.
As Cloaked prepares to debut at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater from February 14-15, 2025, Dao looks forward to sharing his latest creation with audiences. He hopes that viewers will engage with the piece on a personal level, reflecting on their own experiences with the metaphorical “cloak”—the protective layers we all wear in our daily lives—and the moments when we allow ourselves to be truly seen.
Working with the Joffrey Concert Group has reaffirmed Dao’s belief in the power of dance to express complex human emotions and ideas. Through Cloaked, he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance, demonstrating the profound impact that artistic support and collaboration can have on the creative process.