A New Season for Dance
Paul Taylor Dance Company
COME SEPTEMBER, a promise of something new returns, including a tap on the cultural reset button after a hot lazy summer.
Although arts organizations still struggle with depleted budgets, staff, and incentive, our commitment to supporting them must not waver as they are the essential lifeline not only for our society, but for the collective soul. So get out your calendars and choose to attend some of these great dance events.
Here’s a preview of the 2010–2011 season:
Charleston Concert Association
CCA is bringing three dance companies to town. It is wonderful that this organization has remained so committed to dance through the years.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company (above) on November 3 at the Gaillard Auditorium. This is a personal favorite and, with the recent finish for the Merce Cunningham Company, Taylor is the last pillar of the modern dance heritage that is left standing. Hailed as the “greatest choreographer in the world,” Taylor continues to turn out works that are relevant, irreverent, and full of style. Be sure to catch this stellar company for a terrific evening of dance.
Ballet Grand Prix
Ballet Grand Prix Excerpts from the most invigorating ballets performed by winners of the Youth America Grand Prix alongside renowned principal dancers of the ballet world. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Ballet Grand Prix is the “highlight of the New York ballet season.” February 22.
Romeo and Juliet with the Russian National Ballet Theatre on March 7. Under the artistic directorship of Elena Radchenko, the ballet theatre is declared to be one of the best in the world. The story of the star crossed lovers translates beautifully to ballet and should not to be missed.
Buy tickets online at www.charlestonconcerts.org
Robert Ivey Ballet
Fall Concert. On October 29 through 31, Robert Ivey Ballet will present its fall concert at the Sottile Theatre. New choreography by Olga Wise, Lori Hull, Douglass Smoak, Jon-Michael Perry, Angela Agudo, and Robert Ivey will light the stage in classical ballet, modern, and jazz mediums. The Company in Residence at the College of Charleston utilizes the talents of its students and faculty. The season’s mission is to provide audiences with dance that is “Inventive, Invigorating, and Intriguing!”
Peter and the Wolf is an Ivey tradition which is the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to the world of ballet. Performances at the Sottile will run from December 2 through 4.
Tickets for all shows can be purchased by calling 556-1343.
Charleston Ballet Theatre
CBT looks to have a healthy season with several musically inspired productions and a few family friendly ballets.
little Alice
Ballet Unplugged Live! on October 14 features the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s Yuriy Bekker and friends accompany CBT in a one night only benefit program. The chamber music of Brahms, Shubert, and Vaughan Williams will accompany four different ballets that showcase the talented company.
Alice in Wonderland will be performed at the Sottile Theatre on October 16 and 17. Jill Eathorne Bahr’s unique and colorful adaptation of the classic story interweaves ballet, acrobatics, mime, and theatre in a kaleidoscope for the senses.
Rocky Horror has become a CBT Halloween tradition when dance and film join in a wild adaptation of this cult film. The performance will be held at the CBT Black Box Theatre on October 22-30.
Angeline Ballerina
The Nutcracker will be presented at both the Gaillard Auditorium and The North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Set in the Low country in the 1860s, this classic continues to delight audiences young and old.
The Ellington Experience will be a collaboration with the legendary Charleston Jazz Orchestra. New choreography by Bahr will highlight Duke Ellington’s most brilliant tunes. Audiences will be introduced and reminded of the scope of the musician’s prolific career. At the Sottile on February 11 and 12.
Angelina Ballerina Goes To The Circus is part of CBT’s children’s series and will be shown on Jan 29 and 30.
Purchase tickets online at www.charlestonballet.com
Thanks for the ‘heads up’. Most of them sound great.