Patti Rutland Jazz
Patti Rutland Jazz started as a multi-genre, professional dance company located in Dothan, Alabama. It was founded in 1989 by choreographer Patti Rutland. The company produced 3 main stage shows per year as well as a show in their black box theatre. Guest artists for Patti Rutland Jazz include . The company has won awards at the Jazz Dance World Congress, including the esteemed Gold Shoe Award. In 2018, Patti Rutland retired as artistic director and named Christina Green Hicks as her successor.
Performance
Patti Rutland Jazz produced full length contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop theatrical dance productions each year in their home city of Dothan. These performances have taken place at many venues including, the Dothan Civic Center, Dothan's historic landmark theatre,, and Wiregrass Church. Patti Rutland Jazz has also toured at appeared at various dance festivals such as in Atlanta and in Huntsville. In June 2008 the PRJ company made its New York debut at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.In addition to concert work, Patti Rutland Jazz also produces an annual Christmas show titled "Santa's Workshop", an original work by Patti Rutland Simpson. Santa's Workshop is registered with the Dramatists Guild of America, represented by and available nationwide for theatre companies and dance studios.