Domingo Estrada Jr. ’07. Photo credit: Beowulf Sheehan
The School for Classical & Contemporary Dance (SCCD) will build on its rich history of professional collaboration through a yearlong residency with the internationally acclaimed Mark Morris Dance Group.
Led by alumnus Domingo Estrada Jr. ’07, the residency will immerse students in the company’s legacy, culminating in performances of two distinct Mark Morris works: “Numerator,” a modern piece in the fall, and “Pacific,” a ballet in the spring.
“SCCD had and continues to have a profound impact on my life and career,” Estrada said. “Entering the dance department as a novice with very little classical, technical training, my teachers and mentors helped shape my mind, spirit and body into a well-trained, pre-professional artist with a greater confidence to pursue a career in dance and the arts.”
A Shared Lineage of Dance Excellence
Estrada brings a wealth of experience to the residency, having performed with both the Mark Morris Dance Group and Bruce Wood Dance Dallas, companies founded by dancers who trained with the acclaimed choreographer Lar Lubovitch.
SCCD Director Brad Garner also shares ties to that artistic lineage. Over his three-decade career in performance, choreography and interdisciplinary collaboration, he has worked with numerous artists connected to the companies of Lubovitch, Morris and Wood.
Estrada performing in a Mark Morris Dance Group production. Photo credit: Andrea Mohin
“It’s a neat connection and there’s an interesting dance family tree happening,” Garner explained.
Estrada, now based in Fort Worth, recently retired from Bruce Wood and performed at SCCD’s 75th Anniversary Concert last fall. Shortly after, Garner met with him to discuss teaching opportunities at SCCD, a conversation that evolved into something more.
“He’s taught around the world, especially in Brooklyn, where the Mark Morris company and school are based,” Garner said. “We talked about staging a Mark Morris piece, starting with just one.”
Together, they curated a list of potential works, considering cast size, length and the season’s overall repertoire. Garner ultimately presented “Numerator” and “Pacific” to the modern and ballet faculty committees, respectively — both were met with enthusiasm and support.
Honoring a Visionary Choreographer
Mark Morris was the only American choreographer invited to direct the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie and its resident company in Brussels, succeeding dance icon Maurice Béjart.
Though considered a rising star — and a bit of a wild child for his outspoken views — Morris took the helm from 1988 to 1991, bringing a bold new vision to the company.
“The arts always have these revolutions, and it starts with the rebellion of things before it,” Garner said.
Morris’ choreography centers on musical visualization, placing music at the forefront and inviting audiences to truly listen. In keeping with this philosophy, Morris insists on live music for every company performance, a commitment SCCD will honor by partnering with the TCU School of Music for both “Numerator” and “Pacific.”
Estrada, one of the company’s most trusted répétiteurs, has previously staged both “Numerator” and “Pacific,” and will do so again during the residency. He also performed in the original cast of “Numerator,” the same performance that Garner saw years before they met.
“Bringing Domingo back as a faculty member feels like a full-circle moment,” Garner said. “As a TCU alum and former Mark Morris dancer, he embodies the kind of artistry we value — musical, refined, and rooted in both ballet and modern dance. His presence connects our students to a powerful lineage and strengthens our ties to the professional dance world, both nationally and here in North Texas.”