Desmond Richardson coming to Kingsbury Hall

SALT LAKE CITY — Kingsbury Hall CEO Greg Geilmann prides himself on keeping abreast of what's hot in the dance world.

So when he learned that Desmond Richardson was retiring as a performer with the Complexions Company, he jumped at the chance to showcase the tall, sinewy dancer and his company in Salt Lake City.

When he was approached about hosting the world premiere of the company's "Places Please" show, he was over the moon.

"We're thrilled. This is one you do not want to miss," Geilmann said. "I've been working on this one since last January. We're very proud of having this company come in."

Geilmann said Richardson is a tremendous talent, "so tall and muscular but so in control." The company dancers are lyrical, sensual and beautiful to watch, he said.

"They're so easy to watch, for young people who have an interest in dance, for anyone, really," he said. "It's a great fit for Uah audiences."

Richardson, a recent soloist on Fox network's "So You Think You Can Dance" television show, insists that he is not retiring in the usual sense but freeing himself up for other opportunities.

"I'm not retiring!," Richardson told the Deseret News. "First of all, transitioning is a more appropriate word. It's time to stop touring and do other things that still pertain to the company."

He will be heading the Arts in Education segment of Complexions as well as handling individual projects on the side.

"You'll see me again in time," he promised.

Richardson said it's appropriate to "end" in Salt Lake because he's been to Salt Lake City many times and has even taught in the area. "I find the talent of dancers is extremely high in Utah," he said.

He wants to leave his audience with a sense of his commitment to excellence.

"It's about poetry, always wanting to create something to watch," he said.

Described by The New York Times as "one of the great modern dancers of his time,” Richardson is celebrated for combining classical ballet with many other styles of dance and music, making modern dance more enjoyable and accessible to everyday people.

Richardson and Complexions co-founder Dwight Rhoden both have unique career paths that paved the way for them to re-define dance.