From the Spanish-style classic “Paquita” to the comedic “Deacons’ Shuffle,” this year’s Ballet Showcase presented by the Brigham Young University Department of Dance is an eclectic collection of contemporary and classical works. It will take place March 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. in the Dance Studio Theatre, 166 Richards Building.
Tickets at $6 are available at the Harris Fine Arts Center Ticket Office, (801) 422-4322, byuarts.com or at the door.
“The wide variety of pieces is the strength of the program,” said Ballet Showcase company director Kalise Child. “It’s a great concert with beauty, artistry and entertainment all wrapped up together in an eye-popping spectacle of movement and messages.”
“’Paquita’ is loved by everyone for its exciting movement, music and Spanish flair,” she said. Marius Petipa’s choreography set to music by Minkus in 1881 has been restaged by Child. “It’s one of my personal favorites,” said Child. “The dynamic music and precise movement make ‘Paquita’ an ageless ballet classic, and it’s challenging and artistically rewarding for the dancers and the audience.”
A comedy ballet, “The Deacons' Shuffle,” follows the adventures of three young men trying to impress three lovely ladies at a church dance and was inspired by the drama and overall hilarity of high school situations, according to choreographer Allison Zobell.
“It’s been a lot of fun to put together because it has involved so much collaboration,” said Zobell. “All the dancers have really gotten into their characters, and some of their personal touches keep me laughing straight through rehearsals. I'm also lucky enough to have a pianist, Alex Crandall, who will be performing onstage with the dancers, which I think will make the piece extra fun for the audience.”
Kerri Deshler choreographed “Alter Ego,” which weaves both the beauty of classical ballet and the creativity of modern dance through a ballerina's contemporary alter ego who dances back through a mirror, reflecting each style with its own unique quality and beauty.
“One Chance, One Choice” dwells on the importance of “enjoying the journey” of life, said choreographer Cassidee Gates. “My senior project is about realizing we are not alone. People and experiences come and go with a blink of an eye so it is important to enjoy the journey. We need to cherish our relationships and remember not to take one moment for granted,” she said.
“Baroque Images,” also choreographed by Child, is an exploration of Baroque music and designs. Since Baroque designs are frequently used within our modern world, the piece also mixes classical and contemporary movement in interesting and fascinating ways, said Child.
For more information, contact Kalise Child at (801) 422-1895 or (801) 486-0366 or Lynne Thompson at (801) 225-1775.
Writer: Lynne Thompson
