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October 13-15, 2011 A powerful performance with electrifying contemporary works and extreme classical ballet. For Director’s Choice Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux chose three ballets: William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,which Bonnefoux calls a contemporary masterpiece; Mark Diamond’s steamy and sensuous Bolero, which Bonnefoux adds also has a “bit of humor;” and a new work by Sasha Janes, Rhapsodic Dances, which Bonnefoux says is a current take on a romantic, classical ballet. Inside the Ballets William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated
In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, is a dynamic, physical work for nine dancers by legendary choreographer William Forsythe. The work demands extraordinary talent and precision and is set to music by Thom Willems. During the ballet there are two golden cherries hanging “in the middle, somewhat elevated.” Last performed by NC Dance Theatre in 2000, Bonnefoux is excited to bring In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated back, and company members say they are very much looking forward to learning the ballet. “I'm really excited to explore contemporary ballet in a new and stylistic way, in the way William Forsythe envisions movement,” said dancer Melissa Anduiza. “I look forward to interpreting Forsythe’s movements, and committing to a new style while also having the ability to make it my own.” The New York Times proclaimed, “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is Mr. Forsythe at his fierce finest.” The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Everyone who sees William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is knocked out.” Sasha Janes’ Rhapsodic Dances Sasha Janes, who spent eight seasons dancing with NC Dance Theatre, recently transitioned to the role of full time rehearsal director. This season his ballet Rhapsodic Dances makes its Charlotte premiere at Director’s Choice. He is also presenting a ballet for Innovative Works in November and is choreographing Dangerous Liaisons next spring. Rhapsodic Dances debuted this August at the Chautauqua Institute, where Dance Theatre has a residency each summer. The ballet, set to “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, is full of quick, challenging movements. Costume designer Summer Collins is creating new costumes for the 10 dancers in the work, including stunning tutus for the female dancers. “I think it’s really going to push the dancers’ classical ballet technique,” said Janes. Reviewer Jane Vranish wrote, “Janes showed that he has a full comprehension of ballet technique and the vision to embrace a higher standard, hopefully an indication of things to come.” Mark Diamond’s Bolero
Set on a hot summer afternoon in a south of the border village, Bolero begins with the male dancers in siesta. As the ballet unfolds, the women dance with a growing intensity that entices the men awake and to their feet. Artistic Director Bonnefoux described Bolero saying, “It’s very steamy and sensuous, with a little bit of humor.” Choreographer Mark Diamond, who choreographed the piece in 2006, said Ravel’s “Bolero” inspired him to create this piece. When Bolero was last performed in Charlotte in February 2008 reviewer Kate Dobbs Ariail wrote, “Diamond excels at story-telling, and he’s made a story to fit the sensuous throbbing and escalating intensity of the music. Filled with humorous moments, this narrative supplies the basis for lots of sexy sequences for the women, and swaggering macho outbursts from the men…” Tickets
Performances
Venue Knight Theater Sponsors
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Watch Videos of In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated on YouTube
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