OF LOVE AND DUST
A NEW Dance Film
"A work of great expression with a variety of styles that reflect the strength and talent of its creator, Suki John..."
Viengsay Valdes, Artistic Director, National Ballet of Cuba
Of Love and Dust is a narrative dance film that transforms the vast landscapes and architecture of the Southwest into a living canvas, weaving an epic love story through magical realism, original music, cinematic movement, and a deeply embodied female perspective.
Director/Choreographer Suki John (2025 Chita Rivera Award winner for Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film) combines sparkling humor, contemporary dance, and the story-telling magic of cinema. Joel Diamond’s enchanting composition weaves Latin American rhythms into a lush new score.
Of Love and Dust is inspired by the vistas and architecture of the Southwest, the perseverance of Texas Women, and by Gabriel García Márquez’ beloved novel, Love in the Time of Cholera.
Excerpt performed by students of the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance at Texas Christian University. Film projections by Roma Flowers.
“Suki’s ability to tell a story, along with her integrity, wisdom, and grace, make her work inspired and informative. Working with her is always delightful, deeply provocative and creative, and I endorse her to the highest degree.”
Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre
Choreographer Notes
Through dance, film, and music, Of Love and Dust explores the possibility of love in many forms -- across age, generations, gender, class, race and politics. The story is told through the perspective of a willful woman who is manipulated -- but never vanquished by -- her patriarchal culture. A white girl and brown boy connect, are forcibly separated, and reunite in old age. In the interim the characters experience the solace and vagaries of love between friends, cousins, spouses, hookups, and even a beloved pet. Love – while fickle and complicated – is possible.
“Suki John, the clever and hard -working Americanchoreographer, uses drama, rich characters, and the aura of magical realism in her new creative work Of Love and Dust, transferring the essence of the novel Love in the Time of Cholera into high creative flight with a simple but strong combination of movements and gestures.”
Miguel Cabrera, Historian of the Cuban National Ballet
“Of Love and Dust is the brainchild and original creation of Suki John who has choreographed an affecting, sophisticated and moving piece set to Joel Diamond’s haunting score. Accessible and universal, Of Love and Dust is deeply engaging and will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.”
Jonathan Herzog,
Broadway Producer; Voter for the Fred Astaire, Chita Rivera & Tony Awards
To learn more, contact Suki John