Christel DeHaan’s life epitomized the American Dream. Born during World War II in Germany and immigrating to the United States in 1962, she started typing and ironing services upon her arrival in Indiana. In 1974 she co-founded RCI, the company that pioneered vacation exchange and became the leader in its industry. When she became the sole owner of RCI in 1989 Christel led the company’s global expansion, creating over 30 international offices. At the time she sold the company in 1996 to NYSE-traded HFS, RCI had over 4,000 employees.
Christel’s passion for life, for causes, for people and for the arts, music and nature was underscored by a deep commitment to excellence in all that she did. She made a difference as an employer, as a community leader and as a philanthropist. The Christel DeHaan Family Foundation (CDFF) has made grants supporting over 700 arts, education, child welfare and human needs organizations. In 1998 she founded Christel House, a public charity that helps children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.
Through her careful planning, the work of Christel House will continue. Currently serving nearly 6,000 students, Christel House uses a holistic approach which ensures that a child’s basic needs are met, and then provides top-quality education, character development, career-planning, and ultimately, job placement. As a thoughtful and strategic philanthropist, Christel DeHaan desired CDFF to close following her death and corpus assets be provided to designated organizations through Legacy Gifts. The Foundation closed in 2023 after awarding millions of dollars in grants over its lifespan.
Through these efforts, Christel DeHaan will be remembered for providing educational opportunities to children in Indianapolis and around the globe, and for strengthening arts and cultural institutions in Indianapolis. Christel’s philosophy of life was, “to care, to share, to make a difference,” and nothing could summarize her life more clearly.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (GHDT) is eternally grateful for the vision, generosity, and legacy of Christel DeHaan. GHDT is honored to be a recipient of a Christel DeHaan Legacy Gift. This gift is in the form of an endowment that will be managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Because of Christel’s passion for the arts and especially the work of Mr. Hancock, our organization is strengthened, enriched, and inspired. We are humbled that Christel DeHaan selected GHDT to continue her legacy of philanthropy for generations to come.
If you are interested in contributing to this endowment fund for GHDT, please contact us.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre announces their 2023-2024 performance season with the presentation of culturally inspired new artistic works as well as the return of audience favorites including Pinocchio, La Llorona, and The Wild Wild West at two venues, The Tarkington and The Florence.
Entering into GHDT’s 26th season, Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock will continue his legacy of eloquent and passionate storytelling through music and dance. Presenting a thread of everyday universal truths told through a selection of mystical and magical tales, the artists of GHDT will provide a backdrop this season for uniting audiences through inspirational and entertaining experiences.
LEGENDS AND FAIRYTALES
The Tarkington
October 27 – 28, 2023 – 7 pm
An audience favorite, LA LLORONA, is a work derived from a Mexican legend about love and spirits. It will captivate the audience through imagination and layers of theatrical nuance. A new work, ANGELS AND DJINN, will use Turkish classical and folk music, stunning costumes, movement and lighting to help tell these meaningful stories which will engage audiences and make deep emotional connections.
THE NUTCRACKER
The Florence
Weekends December 1-10, 2023
This magical student production performed up-close in the new Florence black box theatre, is a reimagined, retelling of GHDT’s contemporary holiday classic. Celebrating the magic that can happen through small acts of kindness, GHDT’s performance reminds us of the true spirit of giving and will touch the hearts of each audience member. THE NUTCRACKER is an annual family favorite.
THE WILD WILD WEST
The Florence
Weekends February 10-25, 2024
GHDT brings the American Old West into the black-box cabaret setting for a fun theatrical experience giving a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood. Complete with cowboys, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this interactive performance will feature renowned music from popular TV and movie Westerns with costumes of yesteryear.
FABLES AND FOLKLORE
The Tarkington
April 5-6, 2024 – 7 pm
Join GHDT for the highly anticipated return of the popular PINOCCHIO! In Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock’s adaptation of PINOCCHIO, the lonely Geppetto, an inventor of “Steampunk” dolls and robots, longs for a real human child which results in consequential adventure. Two World Premieres created by Mr. Hancock will also be performed. GOLEM, drawn from Czech folklore is the story of a clay golem created by a rabbi to protect the Jewish ghetto of Prague from persecution. And the final tale featuring original music by GHDT collaborator and composer Cory Gabel, XOCHITL AND HUITZILIN will tell the Aztec story of young love, separation and reunification.
SAGAS AND SUPERSTITIONS
The Tarkington
June 7-8, 2024 – 7 pm
Known for their masterful global storytelling, Executive Artistic Director and Choreographer Gregory Hancock and the artistic dancers of GHDT will bring to the stage two world premieres this June. SUPERSTITIONS, a new work in the creative process willdraw its inspiration from the stories and superstitions of the Roma and other Eastern European cultures resulting in a vibrant celebration. In addition, a to-be-announced new work will close the final concert of GHDT’s 26th season. Through brilliant theatrical dance, vibrant costumes and beautiful cultural music, GHDT will continue to transport audiences through meaningful and heartfelt storytelling experiences.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident, professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
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For additional information about this performance, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844-2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net . For interview/media information, Ivy Heazeltine, iheazeltine.ghdt@gmail.com. For information about Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, visit www.gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Photo Credit: Joe Phillips Pictured: GHDT Company Dancers
With over 150 pieces spanning 25 years, Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock selected and designed this production with works that still resonate with him in a deep and meaningful way. With a variety of musical styles and electric and passionate movements with varied and connected themes, GHDT and Mr. Hancock invite you to peek into the heart of their artistic work to guide you to find our connection to each other through our shared human experiences.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre – Director’s Choice
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident, professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
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For additional information about this performance, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844- 2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents ILLUMINATION at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, April 7-8, 2023.
GHDT’s 25th Season Celebration continues with ILLUMINATION, a collection of dances as well as excerpts from larger original theatrical dance works curated by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock, which are inspired by faith, hope, and light. Spanning years of his creative work, Mr. Hancock has selected these dances to celebrate the diversity of our world through stories of unwavering faith and commitment. Audiences will experience a retrospective glance at a grouping of introspective and beautiful dances that have brought GHDT to where it is today. During this season of holiness and reflection, GHDT takes audiences on an emotional journey of awakening, connectedness, and peace. Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present the annual student production of The Nutcracker at Pike Performing Arts Center, Friday, December 2, 2022 at 7PM and Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 3PM and 7PM. GHDT’s popular, full-length contemporary version features the talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT, students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers who will fill the stage with color and excitement!
Picture by: Lydia Moody
The Nutcracker follows the same overall story line as the classical version, but is uniquely different with a modern twist. This enchanted production portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless person. GHDT’s The Nutcracker presents a wide range of world and cultural music and is a holiday family favorite. Add joy and cheer to your season and experience the magic of GHDT’s The Nutcracker!
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, October 28-29, 2022.
Back by popular demand after The World Premiere in October of 2021, this critically acclaimed, full-length contemporary ballet, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, will return to The Tarkington stage with all its beauty and grandeur. This original, autobiographical work created by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock will present to audiences an emotional and truth-seeking story about a boy from Kansas who sets out on a journey down the Golden Path to India. Looking for meaning and purpose in life after devastating losses and challenges, he encounters deities from the Hindu pantheon who impart wisdom, compassion and courage. Through the blend of cultural themes, theatrical dance and unique music, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME will transport the audience through a maze of inspirational experiences ultimately discovering that home is really a place in the heart. This concert is a perfect way to launch Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals of India.
Photo Credit: Vernon Jones Pictured: Abigail Lessaris
“The combination of music, costumes, lighting, and sound in Hancock’s work made for a sensory experience that was, at times, staggering, yet left me feeling I had witnessed a theatre event that was truly astonishing in its breadth and scope,” comments Tom Alvarez, concert reviewer and publisher of “On the Aisle,” November 2021.
The powerful score of music will combine the sounds of America and India using American pop, folk and gospel music along with classical, devotional and film genres of India. Diverse dance styles, costumes and lighting will enhance the ambience and authenticate the journey. Original artwork of picturesque India created by local artist Madhuchhanda Mandal will provide a stunning theatrical backdrop for the production.
“The result is a tour de force art piece, rendered in dance, color and emotion. It is, without doubt, one of the most gorgeous theatre offerings I have ever seen,” writes Ken Klingenmeier, blogger for “A Seat on the Aisle,” November 2021.
As a world traveler, Mr. Hancock draws on his experiences to create art that inspires others through the international languages of dance and music and strives to create works of beauty and emotion that cause audiences to respond on a spiritual level. “The arts are a powerful tool that contribute to global connectiveness and commonality which runs through all mankind,” said Mr. Hancock.
“To say that Hancock is a risk-taker and visionary is an understatement. Add to that a cultural ambassador for all he has done to educate, inform and inspire audiences, as he builds bridges of understanding through his art, world view and sensibilities that benefit us all,” Alvarez states.
Photo Credit: Joe Phillips Pictured: Thomas Mason
This concert is sponsored by OrthoIndy and Drs. Mihir and Chandrika Patel, MD.
For additional information about this performance, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844-2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net. For interview/media information, Ivy Heazeltine at iheazeltine.ghdt@gmail.com. For information about Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, visit www.gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Our grand opening weekend of our newly renovated Black Box Theatre, The Florence.
Seating is limited! Join us for a tour of the new theatre and performance!
“My mother worked tirelessly and sacrificed so the company could survive and flourish. She would be thrilled to see this happening for the company. We are working to create a special performance space that is reflective of my mother’s passion for the arts and her belief in the transformative qualities of art. The theatre is named after her.”
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will celebrate their 25th Anniversary Season by presenting highly entertaining, past and present artistic works from GHDT’s 25 years of dance theatre repertoire!
Known for masterful productions with moving storytelling, theater and dance, this season, GHDT will tell the company’s story through repertoire created in early years as well as recently produced works. Mr. Hancock has curated the archives to share his choreographic and thematic stories with audiences. Sweeping musical scores, electric and thrilling dance combined with emotional and poignant theatre await audiences as GHDT explores and celebrates its journey over 25 years.
Season tickets will be available for the four concerts at The Tarkington beginning July 29, 2022 by calling The Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box office at 317-843-3800.
25th SEASON CELEBRATION The Tarkington August 26 & 27, 2022– 7 pm This production has been curated by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock to link together theatrical tales from throughout GHDT’s rich 25-year history and will tell the collective story through moving, poignant and memorable theater, thrilling movement, and beautiful music.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME The Tarkington October 28 & 29, 2022 – 7 pm Returning to the stage this October is an original, full-length autobiographical work created and choreographed by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock. A unique adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” this adventure will travel through the exotic world of India with a boy from Kansas. On his quest for enlightenment, he will encounter characters from the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses.
THE NUTCRACKER Pike Performing Arts Cente December 2 & 3, 2022 This magical student production portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of another homeless person. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
NEW WORLD DANCES The Florence Weekends February 11 -26, 2023 This collection of original works by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock was created during the pandemic and performed mostly for film on unique stages throughout the community. These masterful works will now be presented for live audiences for the first time at GHDT’s new black box theatre, The Florence.
ILLUMINATION The Tarkington April 7 & 8, 2023 – 7 pm Throughout the many works in GHDT’s repertoire are those rooted in faith, love, connection, and hope. During the spring season of holiness and reflection, Mr. Hancock has collected works of faith and light to tell our common spiritual search for the divine.
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE The Tarkington June 9 & 10, 2023 – 7 pm With over 150 pieces spanning 25 years, Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock selected and designed this production with works that still resonate with him in a deep and meaningful way. A variety of musical styles, electric and passionate movement with varied and connected themes, GHDT and Mr. Hancock invite you to peek into the heart of their artistic work to guide you to find our connection to each other through our shared human experiences.
Photo Credit: Joe Phillips Pictured: GHDT Company Dancers
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident, professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
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For additional information about these performances, contact Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 317-844-2660 or ghdt@sbcglobal.net For interview/media information, Ivy Heazeltine, iheazeltine.ghdt@gmail.com
Dear Loyal Donors and Patrons of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre,
We have some exciting news!
We have received a sizable contribution to assist GHDT with a Black Box Theatre enhancement project valued at $255,000 for the company rehearsal space at The Academy of GHDT during 2022. This capital project will enable GHDT to produce performances in a complete black box theater space to make each performance a unique, up-close and personal experience, to generate more revenue, to allow us to transition to efficient energy usage, and ultimately, to serve more patrons. GHDT will have a greater flexibility for supplementing our performance schedule beyond our performance season at The Tarkington.
Included in the project will be:
A new ¾ wrap-around black curtain system for walls along with blackout curtains for theatre entrance. Curtain system will allow for wings and back stage cross over.
A new state-of-the-art theatrical lighting system including all new lights, console, and accessories using energy efficient LED lighting to provide visual effects and color advantages.
A new 3-Level Manual Telescopic Riser System with 51 permanent retractable seats allowing for comfort and better viewing. Aisle handrails provided for additional patron safety.
We would like for you to be part of this project! Help us invest in our future!
For all elements of this project to be completed, we need to raise a minimum of $55,000 through donations and fund-raising activities by March 1, 2022.
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we would like to recognize the generosity of our major gift donors of this project. Those donors who contribute at least $1,000 or more will have their name added to a permanent wall plaque at The Academy, as well as performance program recognition, and naming rights bestowed to a seat in the new seating addition for the estimated life of the chair. There are only 51 seats to be named.
All donations in any amount are welcome for this project. Donations can be easily made by sending a check or through the GHDT website at gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org, click on donate button. Please note Capital Project. Checks are encouraged (as credit card fees are not applied). Mailing address: GHDT Capital Project, 329 Gradle Drive, Carmel, IN 46032.
The devoted members of the GHDT Board of Directors have committed financial support for this project and will be contacting you directly about your level of interest in assisting us with a gift.
Please fill out a registration form and liability waiver for each dancer. Masks are optional and to be used at the dancer’s discretion. Tuition and forms can be brought to our studios or mailed to: 329 Gradle Drive, Carmel, IN, 46032.
We are excited to spend our summer with you!
Behind the Curtain: July 6th- July 9th, 2022 Ages 7-10 from 12:30 pm-4:00 pm Ages 11-21 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm Dancers will discover the inner workings of how a performance is created from start to finish. Each day includes a technique class followed by instruction in choreography and production. The final day of the workshop will include a performance for friends and family!
Broadway Bound: July 16th- July 17th, 2022 Ages 5-12 from 10:30 am-2:00 pm A two day workshop for young actors and movers, this camp includes dance of various styles, drama, music, and art! A great way to introduce your young way to the stage, they will get a taste of everything, all while enjoying the top hits from Broadway.
Internship Week: July 18th- July 22nd, 2022 Ages 16+ from 9:30 am-3:00 pm Dancers get the unique opportunity to experience life in a professional company. Each day begins with a technique class, followed by rehearsal alongside Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre company members. Rehearsal time will include current repertoire and a look into what a day as a dancer looks like.
Ballet Intensives: July 23rd and 30th, 2022Modern/Jazz Intensives: July 24th and 31st, 2022 Ages 11-21 from 9:30 am-3:00 pm These single day workshops will allow dancers to refine and enhance their technique. Experienced faculty and rigorous classes will push each individual to the next level. Dancers may choose any combination of days, or take all 4 days to get the ultimate results!
