Future gradually reinterpreted his famous album DS2, stepping into the ballet world with Grand Marnier and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Ebony Williams and won a one-night performance from the Ballet called DS2 Remixed: The Ballet was held on September 19 in Brookloklyn.
The show will be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), a 166-year-old institution that combines classical art with the Democratic Republic.
The performance will turn Future’s 2015 mixtape and his first album into a full ballet that includes a custom wardrobe from all-black professional dancer and designer Laquan Smith.
“DS2 changed the game for me,” Future said. “Ten years later, you still feel energy everywhere. Seeing the mixtape I made turned into a ballet with Big Manil, right here in New York City? It’s different. It’s legendary.”
Williams became the first black woman to dance with Cedar Lake modern ballet and appeared in Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” video where he will direct the choreography.
Her background in concert dance and pop culture makes her perfect for bridging the gap between hip-hop and ballet.
Performance marks an ongoing collaboration between Future and Grand Marnier, the company chose for BAM to support the history of black art and the development from classical performance to contemporary experiments.
“This is a bold piece that really excites us because it creates organic opportunities for real engagement, audience fostering and growing our growing community,” said Mari Ogino, Director of Strategy at BAM. “We are honored to work with Grand Marnier on this landmark show that brings innovation and representation together.”
Sonia Lessuck Pirolo, marketing director for Campari America Cognacs and Champagnes category, said the campaign reflects the brand’s philosophy.
“Just like DS2 broke the traditional rap pattern ten years ago, Grand Marnier has been at the intersection of tradition and destruction,” Pirolo said. “This performance achieves this goal entirely with two seemingly different art forms, creating a cultural moment that respects the legacy of both while pushing creative boundaries without fear.”
DS2 Remix: Ballet will debut on September 19 at Howard Gilman Opera House in BAM.
