BLKDOG

October 17–19

Tickets from $25

See more and save! This performance is included in the 2024-25 Season Subscription ($225), 6-Show Dance Package ($140), 6-Show Experimental Package ($140), and Flex Package (from $165). Learn more.

“Seva is a supreme dance-maker who has honed Hip-hop dance into his own expressive, communicative form”
— The Guardian

“A hold-onto-your-seat, stay-gripped, whirlwind journey…unlike anything witnessed on stage to date.”
– The Voice

The breakout winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production, BLKDOG brilliantly blends visceral theater and wide-ranging dance styles to invent a breathtaking movement language that unites Hip-hop, Popping, Breaking, Krump, and House. In an evocative, otherworldly landscape created with visionary stagecraft, director and choreographer Botis Seva creates an emotionally-charged performance that powerfully confronts socio-political issues and provides haunting commentary on how the youth of today navigate a world that was not built for them.

Vital and gripping, BLKDOG transcends cultural boundaries and ignites conversations on a global scale. Its ability to resonate with audiences from different backgrounds and regions is a testament to the universal themes and artistry embedded within it. Featuring a pounding score that mixes original music with spoken word, BLKDOG asks how we can find peace in a world where self-discovery can lead to self-destruction.

Trigger Warning:
BLKDOG is recommended for teens and up due to depictions of violence including sexual assault. It also uses theatrical haze and a loud sound score.

GO DEEPER

FREE MASTERCLASS

Saturday, October 19
11AM – 12:30PM at Nashville School of the Arts

Join rising choreographer Botis Seva and members of his London-based dance company for a blended Hip-hop and contemporary movement masterclass experience!

ARTIST TALKBACK

Thursday & Friday,
October 17 & 18

Following the performance
at OZ Arts

Thursday and Friday night ticket holders are invited to stay after the performance for a special talkback with choreographer Botis Seva and dancers of his company.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Preview: Dancing in an Emotional Washing Machine

by Brian Seibert

BLKDOG makes its U.S. debut in New York one week before coming to Nashville! Read this comprehensive preview to learn more about the powerful new work.

“‘Botis’ political, theatrical and experimental take on hip hop might just make him the next big thing”
— Evening Standard

“A major new talent…piercing”
– The New York Times

ABOUT THE CHOREOGRAPHER

Botis Seva is a unique and seminal choreographic voice rooted in Hip-Hop dance theatre but inspired by a freefrom approach to choreography. His work is grounded in real life and captures his own stories, as well as those around him, whilst borrowing techniques from film, text, visual art, and other dance languages to continuously reinvent his approach to creativity and the stage.

Botis’ passion from a young age was music, he’d spend time at his local youth club making beats and MCing. When he was 15 years old he was introduced to dance at secondary school and it was here Botis decided to pursue a choreographic career outside of mainstream educational pathways. He founded his Hip-Hop dance theatre company Far From The Norm at age 19 in Dagenham, London, with friends that shared his passion for experimenting with the Hip-Hop form.

In his early choreographic years, Botis honed his craft and skills through mentorship and artistic development opportunities with Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells. Since then, he has been the recipient of numerous awards including Bonnie Bird Choreography Fund, Marion North Mentoring Award (2015), Copenhagen International Choreography Competition (2016), Choreography 30 Hannover (2016), Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production for BLKDOG (2019), nominations for Black British Theatre Award and Dance Critics National Dance Awards (2022), CHANEL Next Prize (2022) and Carmen Mateux Best Choreographer Award (2023).