November 3
– 8, 2009
Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre
- Apollo
by George Balanchine
- Lines Squared - A World Premiere by Jessica Lang
NEW VIDEO
Preview of Lines Squared and an interview with Jessica Lang
The work of modern artist Piet
Mondrian inspired the newest commission for Richmond Ballet from choreographer
Jessica Lang. Mondrian is a modern artist who is probably best known for his
grid-like paintings featuring bold color blocks between black vertical and
horizontal lines. Mondrian’s influence extended to the fields of
design and architecture, and Lang knew that Mondrian could also serve as the
inspiration for an interesting dance. Her new work, entitled Lines
Squared, had its beginnings during Lang’s student days at
The Juilliard School when she “danced” a report on Mondrian
for an art survey class. Later, she participated in an American Ballet Theatre
outreach project that focused on a number of visual artists, for which she
choreographed a three-minute section on Mondrian.
Lang chose the music of Thomas Metcalfe and John Metcalf for the new ballet, which has five sections, each representing a different color and mood. While the piece initially appears very physically structured, “it arrives at an emotional place,” says Lang. Richmond Ballet Production Director MK Stewart has designed sets for Lines Squared that reference Mondrian’s linear style, and Richmond Ballet Costume Director Tamara Cobus has created costumes for the work that reflect the artist’s dramatic color sense.
Created in 1928, Apollo is George Balanchine’s oldest surviving ballet. It was his first great success and marked the beginning of his lifelong partnership with Igor Stravinsky, who conceived of and composed the score as a ballet. In this quintessential example of Balanchine’s spare, neoclassical choreographic style, the young god Apollo is visited and instructed by three muses – Calliope, Muse of poetry; Polyhymnia, Muse of mime; and Terpsichore, Muse of dance and song. Paired with this Balanchine classic is an eagerly awaited world premiere.
Igor
Antonov in Apollo. Choreography by George
Balanchine.
(c) The George Balanchine Trust. Photography by Suzanne
Grandis.
Studio 1 is performed in Richmond Ballet's Studio Theatre.
Purchase Tickets NOW or by Phone at 1.800.982.2787 or In Person at the Richmond Ballet Box Office Monday - Friday 11:00AM - 6:00 PM. More ticket information...
