“There’s no way to describe what it’s like to dance with your colleagues and to be able to share the space together. It really just amplifies the artistic experience,” said Ballet Tucson Company Artist, Jennifer Martin.
For up to eight hours a day, six days a week, Martin and others are hard at work perfecting their technique.
“This will be our second week of the season this year. We had some buildup classes beforehand to help us get in shape and make sure we are all ready for the season,” said Martin.
Ballet Tucson, one of Southern Arizona’s only professional dance companies, has brought art to life for the last 36 years.
“Dancers are used to performing all the time, training all the time and being on stage all the time. That has not happened in the last year and a half. COVID did not allow it at all,” said Ballet Tucson Associate Artistic Director, Margaret Mullin.
Ballet Tucson plans to perform five shows from October to April. Mullin said they are excited to bring back the famous holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
“There is really nothing that compares with the feeling of being on stage and giving the audience an experience. Our dancers live off of that. They thrive in that setting,” said Mullin.
Company artist, Kendra Clyde, has trained in ballet since she was five years old. When she hits the stage, she will live out a lifelong dream along with many others.
“It’s amazing. In this day in age, where COVID can make things unknown, we’re really grateful for this opportunity to dance again,” said Clyde.
To view a full schedule of Ballet Tucson’s upcoming live performances, click here.
As with any dance form, ballet continues to evolve. It takes on new forms and incorporates different types of music, costumes and sets.
During its “Made in America” concert, Ballet Tucson will showcase how varied the art form can be.
The winter concert—set for January 31 to February 2 at Pima Community College’s West Campus—will present George Balanchine’s piece “Serenade” along with premieres of Chieko Imada’s “Unsquare” and Mark Schneider’s “Recollections.”
Founding Artistic Director Mary Beth Cabana says the concert gives a taste of the company’s versatility as well as its innovativeness.
“We wanted everything to be different and have a lot of variety for the audience, in terms of not only the music they would be listening to but also visually what they are looking at,” Cabana says.
As the company’s assistant artistic director, Imada regularly choreographs pieces. Along with the work of Imada and Cabana, Ballet Tucson also works regularly with guest choreographers such as Schneider.
Created in 1934, “Serenade” is one of the most well-known pieces by Balanchine and was written shortly after he immigrated to the United States from Russia.
One of the signature pieces of the New York City Ballet, “Serenade” is set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C.” During her career as a dancer, Cabana performed in the show in the principal Russian Girl role. The piece highlights more than 20 female dancers, all of whom wear pale blue costumes.
In “Unsquare,” Imada blends classical ballet and jazz dance movements and evokes the innovative nature of jazz music.
The piece showcases the company’s prima ballerina Jenna Johnson, a Cincinnati-born dancer who worked with companies in Romania and California before moving to Tucson 15 seasons ago.
Cabana says Johnson and Imada have developed the piece’s choreography.
“There’s a give-and-take process when something is being created,” Cabana says. “Chieko will go into the studio and have a set outline of what she is doing. It’s pretty filled in, but then, when she gets in there, she is working with Jenna. She has an idea for something and Jenna naturally does something else better than what she had in mind. Or if something isn’t working, and Jenna just tries something, and it works well,
“Chieko will accept that as part of the choreography.”
The piece will also feature jazz music selections, scenic design from artist Lawrence Lee and geometric costumes with a flavor of the 1950s and 1960s.
In “Recollections,” dancers will perform to popular turn-of-the-century songs such as “Bicycle Built for Two,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze.” The piece will feature period costumes with parasols and skimmer hats, vocals from Katherine Byrnes and Rob Wright and onstage musical accompaniment.
“The dancers are right there, dancing to live music. It creates a whole different kind of energy and electricity for the dancers. I think it’s something the audience picks up on, too,” Cabana says.
Each year, the ballet company presents its winter concert as part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival, which works with different art organizations to provide a variety of musical experiences for audiences.
As part of its partnership with the song festival, the company incorporates live music into its winter concerts.
This year’s concert theme fits with the festival’s focus on American song.
Cabana says live music offers a different layer to the performances, for the audience members and dancers. The partnership has also helped the ballet company to expand on its audience.
Ballet Tucson is in its 34th season, 16 of which have been as a professional dance company. In its concerts, the company blends contemporary and classical ballet works.
The winter production will feature more 30 male and female dancers of different backgrounds and skill levels. They will perform in larger groups as well as in solos, duets, trios and quartets.
Professional company dancers and apprentices all take part in concerts.
Working with the company allows apprentices to continue to develop their skills and gain experience with a professional company.
“They are looking to take the next steps in their journey to becoming a full-time, realized professional dancer,” Cabana says.
Some of the dancers start out with the company’s school, Ballet Arts, and move up through the ranks.
Other dancers come in from different parts of the United States. Throughout the years, the company has also had dancers from other countries such as Japan, Mexico, Russia, Romania, England and Australia.
Dancers at different levels get a chance to take on major roles during the concerts.
Cabana says they are often drawn to the Tucson company because of its diverse repertoire.
“We attract good dancers from all over the place because of the kind of eclectic repertoire we do. This is an important thing for not only recruiting high-quality dancers into the company but then also with the dancers that are dancing with us to continue to develop them,” Cabana says.
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson Presents – SUGAR PLUM TEA 2019 BALLET TUCSON ANNOUNCES SUGAR PLUM TEA 2019
19th Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Ballet Tucson And Prelude to the Company’s Annual Production of The Nutcracker
On Sunday, December 8, Ballet Tucson will host its 19th Annual Sugar Plum Tea. There are few things more rewarding than experiencing the joy of tradition during the holiday season, and the Sugar Plum Tea has become a tradition for Tucson families. Confections of every kind will transform the ballroom at the Marriott University Park into a magical setting for this hallmark event. Join Ballet Tucson artists along with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and other characters from The Nutcracker ballet in celebrating the sights and sounds of the season. Festivities will also include a Ballet Tucson performance, holiday boutique and marketplace, silent auction of gifts and treasures, and a narration of The Nutcracker story by Ballet Tucson’s Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson.
Entertainment headliners to provide live holiday music will be Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and harpist Christine Vivona.
All proceeds benefit Ballet Tucson (Tucson’s professional ballet company).
Harpist Christine Vivona Photo by Taylor Noel Photography
About Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus:
The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus is dedicated to providing boys in the community an enriched educational experience through the study and performance of choral music. The Chorus endeavors to impart musical, social and leadership skills that build self-esteem and have a sustaining impact on its members. Representing and serving the community as an artistic and cultural resource are fundamental to the Chorus mission.
Under the leadership of Dr. Julian Ackerley, TABC has toured throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and South Africa. Complementing the concert tours have been collaborations with national symphony orchestras, radio and television appearances, partnerships with diverse arts and cultural organizations, and numerous recordings. Further credits include performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and another appearance at the White House for the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
About Christine Vivona:
Dr. Christine Vivona dazzles with her masterful elegance and spectacular style. She received her Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and her Doctorate of Music degree from the University of Arizona. She has performed with True Concord (Grammy Award Winner), Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Chandler Jazz Festival, and with legendary artists including Leonard Bernstein, Bernadette Peters, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, The Moody Blues, Christopher Cross, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, Trisha Yearwood, and Linda Ronstadt.
EVENT DETAILS:
Sunday, December 8 – 1:00 pm
Marriott University Park Hotel
880 E Second St
Tucson, Arizona
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson Presents “The Nutcracker”
Tucson’s own resident professional ballet company presents its beloved, traditional Victorian production of The Nutcracker at the Tucson Music Hall for 4 performances only on December 28-29, 2019.
Ballet Tucson’s production has become an annual Holiday tradition. Complete with spectacular sets, colorful costumes, dazzling choreography, and exceptional dancing, this production truly stands out from the rest! Ballet Tucson’s The Nutcracker is the perfect event to take loved ones to during Christmas week. Put tickets under your tree for the whole family and cap off the season in a delightful way.
Experience Clara’s journey as she encounters giant toy soldiers, swirling snowflakes and sweet confections from every corner of the globe. The ominous Mouse King and the heroic Nutcracker battle it out and just when all hope is lost, Clara hits the Mouse King with her ballet shoe. The Mouse King is distracted and the Nutcracker is saved from his demise. Out of a dream, Clara’s Nutcracker Prince magically appears to escort her into a fantasyland of delights, journeying through The Land Of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets.
Based on the famous E.T.A. Hoffman story and paired with the glorious Tchaikovsky score, Ballet Tucson’s professional dancers transport you to a wondrous realm. A cast of 50 local children appear in supporting roles and will warm the hearts of all attending this most festive production.
Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson leads the cast of 100 performers as The Sugar Plum Fairy. Her Cavalier is Principal Danseur, Vasily Boldin. Principal dancer Megan Steffens also performs as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Taylor Johnson and Shannon Quirk share the role of the Snow Queen and Isaac Hawkersmith and Charles Clark appear as their Snow Kings.
Tim Kolman dances the dynamic Russian Trepak dance.
Ballet Master Daniel Precup is Herr Drosselmeyer, the pivotal character who orchestrates all the magic.
Ballet Arts Professional Division students Abigail Lee and Riley Reynolds will alternate as Clara. Herr Drosselmeyer’s Nephew – who transforms into the Nutcracker Prince, is Clara’s escort. This year Axel Schulz and Tommy Lindgren are cast.
ABOUT THE CAST
Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson (Sugar Plum Fairy) is a founding member of Ballet Tucson joining the company at its inception in 2004. Previously she danced with the Oakland Ballet and the Romanian National Ballet. Her repertoire includes leading roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Carmen to name a few.
Megan Steffens (Sugar Plum Fairy) has danced with Sacramento Ballet and Company C Contemporary Ballet in San Francisco. Since joining Ballet Tucson she has appeared in a wide range of roles. This season she can be seen featured in Jekyll & Hyde, The Nutcracker, Serenade, and Unsquare.
Vasily Boldin (Sugar Plum Cavalier) is a Principal Danseur and Season Guest Artist for Ballet Tucson. He trained in St. Petersburg and has danced and guested with companies in Russia and the United States. His repertoire includes principal roles in Carmen, Jekyll & Hyde, Serenade and Donizetti Variations amongst others.
Taylor Johnson (Snow Queen) previously danced with the Tulsa Ballet before joining Ballet Tucson. She can be seen in leading roles in Jekyll & Hyde, In The Mood, Serenade and Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht Ballet.
Isaac “Ike” Hawkersmith (Snow King) is in his 2nd season with Ballet Tucson. He previously was a member of the Carolina Ballet. “Ike” can be seen in principal roles in The Nutcracker, Donizetti Variations, La Dame aux Camelias, and Concerto Barocco.
Shannon Quirk (Snow Queen) joins the company for a 2nd year having previously been a principal dancer for the Madison Ballet. Ms. Quirk dances leading roles in The Nutcracker, Donizetti Variations and Jekyll & Hyde.
Charles “Charlie” Clark (Snow King) is in his first season with Ballet Tucson. Most recently he was a principal dancer for the Minnesota Ballet. This season “Charlie” debuts in leading roles in The Nutcracker, In the Mood, Serenade and Jekyll & Hyde.
Tim Kolman (Trepak) is a versatile dancer who was formerly with the Rochester City Ballet. He can be seen in featured roles in Jekyll & Hyde, The Nutcracker, and Gemini.
PERFORMANCE DATE/TIME
Saturday, December 28 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 28 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 29 – 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 29 – 5:00 pm
LOCATION
Tucson Music Hall 260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS
General $30 – $58*
Seniors/Students/Military $26 – $40*
Groups (of 10 or more) $19 – $31*
Phone: 800.745.3000
Online: www.ballettucson.org
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson – Footprints at the Fox
Ballet Tucson announces 2019 Footprints at the Fox showcasing original works created within its “ChoreoLab” program designed to encourage and develop emerging talent.
ChoreoLab is an important Ballet Tucson initiative to support the next generation of dance makers, providing an opportunity for budding choreographers in the company to hone their art, develop their own voice, and realize their artistic vision. The overall concept is not only to foster and develop the next generation of choreographers but also to offer an opportunity for audiences to be exposed to new, youthful voices in dance. In particular, an outreach component has been created by Ballet Tucson and Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation to distribute tickets to children and families who might otherwise not be able to attend this performance and experience the beauty and importance of art in everyone’s lives.
Innovative and entertaining pieces in a wide range of dance styles including classical ballet, neo-classical, and contemporary will be presented. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece and the top three choreographers will each receive a cash prize.
For the 3rd year in a row, Ballet Tucson presents Footprints at the Fox, featuring new works created by nine young choreographers in an exciting, one performance only event at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre. Founding Artistic DirectorMary Beth Cabana has established “ChoreoLab”, a choreography laboratory for emerging choreographers. This program fosters the development of new, young voices in dance choreography. It also exposes participants to skills needed for future careers as Artistic Directors, Ballet Masters, Lighting Designers, Sound Designers, and Costume Designers. Ballet Tucson’s twelve apprentices lead the cast in nine pieces with company members added to support the performance.
The overall concept is not only to foster and develop the next generation of choreographers but also to offer an opportunity for audiences to be exposed to new, youthful voices in dance. In particular, an outreach component has been created by Ballet Tucson and Fox Tucson TheatreFoundation to distribute tickets to children and families who might otherwise not be able to attend this performance and experience the beauty and importance of art in everyone’s lives.
The audience will be treated to an array of unique creations and will vote for their favorite piece at the conclusion of the performance. Cash awards will be presented to the top 3 choreographers and announced on Ballet Tucson’s Facebook page.
Footprints at the Fox has become an extremely popular show for Ballet Tucson patrons. The interactive element of voting adds a fun and unique dimension to this event.
This year’s repertoire for footprints at the Fox:
1. Choreographer: Danielle Cesanek
Title of piece: L’air du Temps (Spirit of the Times)
Choreographer’s description: L’air du Tempsis a neo-classical style ballet that explores patterns, musicality and new relationships.
2. Choreographer: Casey Myrick
Title of piece: Lost and Bound
Choreographer’s description: The inspiration for this new work comes from the seemingly meaningless choices we make on a daily basis that can snowball over time into monumental changes to our lives. It is meant as an exploration of the impetus and impact of these small movements in our lives as they take us on journeys we may not be aware of until it is too late to change course.
3. Choreographer: Anna Lisa Wilkins
Title of piece: Allora (Let’s Begin)
Choreographer’s description: This work is an abstract view of the “now.” What if we were to break down a movement and look at the forces at play? The pull from one direction to another, the constant need for movement, but also the desire to remain still is explored. Past, present, and future are represented in 3 movements with an all-female cast.
4. Choreographer: Sierra Sebastian
Title of piece: Weighted
Choreographer’s description: Weighted is a contemporary dance work inspired by the poem The Weight of the World is Loveby Allen Ginsberg. The movement embodies the grounding impact of the weight that we carry and the endeavor to push past the norm.
5. Choreographer: Tim Kolman
Title of piece: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Choreographer’s description: Utilizing composer Gustav Holst’s Jupiter, this work serves as an exploration of the endless possibilities that the universe holds. Just as the composer’s music takes the listener to another world, this ballet was created to take the audience to a limitless world beyond the stars.
6. Choreographer: Jared Kelly
Title of piece: Excerpts from The Pass
Choreographer’s description: This ballet is constructed as a physical representation of the music. With inspiration drawn from ballet great George Balanchine, it follows his famous quote “See the music, hear the dance”.
7. Choreographer: Michelle Alexander
Title of piece: Horizons
Choreographer’s description: In every generation of ballet dancers, boundaries are pushed in new and inventive ways. This work traverses a mixture of contemporary and neo-classical ballet fro
m the ground up -literally and figuratively. As an artist, it is important to embrace the past, but also to explore what is on the horizon.
8. Choreographer: Jennifer Holoubek
Title of piece: La Terre Vue du Ciel (Earth from Above)
Choreographer’s description: In chaos, there is order. “What we call chaos is just patterns we haven’t recognized. What we call random is just patterns we can’t decipher.” -Palahniuk In chaos, there is beauty.
9. Choreographer: Violet Rose Arma
Title of piece: Starcrossed
Choreographer’s description: The answers cannot be found in the stars, but only within ourselves.
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson announces 2019-2020 Season
Ballet Tucson announces its exciting repertoire for the 2019-2020 season. Highlights:
– CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S FIVE MOVEMENTS, THREE REPEATS
– WORLD PREMIERES OF RECOLLECTIONS AND UNSQUARE
– BALLET TUCSON PREMIERE OF GEORGE BALANCHINE’S CONCERTO BAROCCO
– REVIVALS OF JEKYLL & HYDE, IN THE MOOD, AND GEMINI
– FALL CONCERT (WHEELDON & MORE)
For the Opening Night Gala/Season Opener, Founding Artistic Director Mary Beth Cabana has selected an exciting triple bill of works:
Jekyll & Hyde
Choreography & Concept: Chieko Imada, Mary Beth Cabana
Ballet Tucson’s fanciful “steampunk” rendition of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson dark Victorian novel.
Five Movements, Three Repeats (Ballet Tucson premiere)
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Choreographic superstar Christopher Wheeldon mixes modern dance with ballet in a beautiful piece that glows with inventiveness – dance alchemy transpires between the two styles that is both eclectic and riveting.
In the Mood
Choreography: Mark Schneider
Popular “big band” music is at the heart of this charming, swing-style revival.
FOOTPRINTS AT THE FOX
Footprints at The Fox (New Works Concert) returns for the 3rd year in a row in partnership with the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation. Come cheer on the next generation of dance makers at the historic Fox Theatre with engaging new works created by our professional company of dancers. Innovative, entertaining, moving and suitable for the entire family!
THE NUTCRACKER
Looking for something special to do with your loved ones over the Christmas holiday week? Ballet Tucson’s beloved production is the most elaborate in all of Southern Arizona, and performances will be presented December 28 – 29 on the grand stage of the Tucson Music Hall.
Join Clara on her magical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets with swirling snowflakes and dancing confections to make memories that will last a lifetime.
WINTER CONCERT (MADE IN AMERICA) . Ballet Tucson presents “Made in America” in partnership with the 2020 Tucson Desert Song Festival:
Serenade
Choreography: George Balanchine
Considered a masterpiece worldwide and a milestone in the history of dance, Serenade is the first ballet created in this country by George Balanchine. Regarded as the father of American ballet, Balanchine ignited a revolution with his distinctive modern approach to choreography.
Unsquare (premiere)
Choreography: Chieko Imada
Take a musical journey with American jazz innovator Dave Brubeck as Assistant Artistic Director Chieko Imada brings his most iconic compositions to life.
Recollections (premiere)
Choreography: Mark Schneider
Turn of the century American popular songs are performed live as part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival’s commemoration of American music. Mark Schneider serves up a delightful new work presented in period costumes and grand style.
SPRING CONCERT (DANCE & DESSERT 2020)
Concerto Barocco (Ballet Tucson premiere)
Choreography: George Balanchine
Concerto Barocco is the dance visualization of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Two Violins. As relevant today as it was on the debut program of New York City Ballet in 1948, Ballet Tucson dances this newest Balanchine acquisition with verve and panache.
Gemini
Choreography: Daniel Precup
Back by popular request – the company’s Ballet Master Daniel Precup stages his dynamic dance interpretation of the legend of Castor and Pollux and the formation of the constellation Gemini.
Other entertaining selections (TBD) from Ballet Tucson’s repertoire will be presented. Dessert tastings will be served at the conclusion of each performance.
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES:
Opening Night Gala/Fall Concert
Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Opening Night Gala – Thursday, October 31 at 6:30 pm (performance at 8:00 pm)
Friday, November 1 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 3 – 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tickets on sale September 1
Footprints at the Fox
Fox Tucson Theatre
Saturday, November 16 – 2:00 pm
Tickets on sale October 1
The Nutcracker
Tucson Music Hall
Saturday, December 28 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 29 – 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tickets on sale September 5
Winter Concert
Pima Community College – West Campus
Center for the Arts – Proscenium Theatre
Friday, January 31 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 1 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 2 – 1:00 pm
Tickets on sale December 1
Spring Concert (Dance & Dessert 2020)
Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Friday, March 13 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 14 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 15 – 1:00 pm
Tickets on sale January 2
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson’s Mary Beth Cabana is a Women of Influence Finalist!
Mary Beth Cabana, our Founding Artistic Director, is a finalist in the Arts & Culture Champion category at this year’s Tucson Women of Influence Awards! These awards honor the region’s most impressive women who make significant contributions to the Southern Arizona community.
We are so proud to have Mary Beth at Ballet Tucson and we wish her the best of luck!
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson Announces Its Spring Concert (Dance & Dessert 2019)
Highlights Include The World Premiere Of Daniel Precup’s La Dame Aux Camélias And The Ballet Tucson Premiere Of George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations
Violet Rose Arma, Jenna Johnson & Caitlin Calligan in La Dame aux Camélias Photo by Ed Flores
Ballet Tucson announces the exciting repertoire for its Spring Concert with four performances March 8 – 10 at Stevie Eller Dance Theatre.
LA DAME AUX CAMÉLIAS
Choreography: Daniel Precup
Jenna Johnson & Mauricio Vergara in La Dame aux Camélias Photo by Ed Flores
The world premiere of La Dame aux Camélias(The Lady of the Camellias) is the ballet interpretation of the novel by Alexander Dumas (the younger) published in 1848, with original choreography created by the Company’s Ballet Master Daniel Precup. The inspiration for Verdi’s opera La Traviata and numerous English language plays and films entitled Camille, it is the story of a celebrated courtesan who sacrifices her final days of happiness to protect her young lover.
Precup’s adaptation of La Traviata is set with a touch of Romanticism against a musical collage of composers contemporary to the characters who frequented the salons of 1840s Paris, France.
Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson will originate the lead role in this gripping one-act narrative ballet.
Shannon Quirk, Danielle Cesanek & Megan Steffens in Donizetti Variations Photo by Ed Flores
DONIZETTI VARIATIONS
Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Gaetano Donizetti
The Ballet Tucson premiere of Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations is the latest work to be specially granted to Ballet Tucson by the George Balanchine Trust. The immortal genius created Donizetti Variations in 1960 for Salute to Italy, a New York City Ballet program celebrating the 100th anniversary of Italy’s unification. It is set to ballet music from Donizetti’s opera Don Sebastian de Portugal.
Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), was an Italian composer who wrote more than 65 operas, in addition to sacred and chamber music. He worked with extreme rapidity for the greatest voices of his time and his works celebrated the beauties of Bel Canto singing, had great theatrical flair, and displayed ornate melodies and lyrical phrasing.
Donizetti Variations embodies the composer’s score incorporating the overt use of speed, clarity and dynamic energy. Balanchine’s choreography has a cheerful and sunny quality that is also in harmony with the music, and the costuming has an ornate peasant/folk style. The cast of 11 dancers consists of a lead couple and three trios made up of 1 male and 2 females. This ballet is “bravura” in technical approach and will be an exciting showpiece for the company and a thrill for Tucson audiences to see for the first time. Balanchine’s most famous motto “see the music, hear the dance” lives on in Donizetti Variations.
Shannon Quirk in Donizetti Variations Photo by Ed Flores
OTHER REPERTOIRE
In keeping with the diverse programming that audiences anticipate for “Dance & Dessert” performances each season, the company will perform a comedy offering by long-time Ballet Tucson collaborator Sam Watson.
This year, we will also include the winning piece from our Emerging Choreographers Performance (Footprints at the Fox) on this main stage program. Apprentice Violet Rose Arma (1st Prize Winner) will make her professional choreographic debut with A Convenient Contraposition – a stark, sculptural contemporary ballet.
An eclectic array of other short works will round out the program.
Dessert tastings will be served at the conclusion of each performance as the grand finale to our festive 2018-2019 season!
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES
Friday, March 8 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 9 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 10 – 1:00 pm
Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
1737 E. University Blvd.
TICKETS
General $45
Seniors/Students/Military $40
Groups (10 or more) $35
Phone: 800.838.3006
Online: BalletTucson.org
Comments Off on Ballet Tucson Announces Its Winter Concert Viva Piazzolla! As part of Tucson Desert Song Festival 2019 with special musical guests singer Carlos Zapién and Bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo from Italy for three performances February 1-3 at Pima Community College Center for the Arts (Proscenium Theatre).
Mauricio Vergara and Jenna Johnson in Viva Piazzolla! Photo by Ed Flores
Viva Piazzolla! portrays the emotionally charged life of legendary composer and nuevo tango godfather, Astor Piazzolla, through live music and dance. Chieko Imada and Mary Beth Cabana have created an original and exciting work in collaboration with Tucson Guitar Society and The Rogue Theatre. The choreography reflects the progression of Piazzolla’s musical compositions, moving stylistically from classic to contemporary “nuevo tango” music. Visual drama, lush movement, engaging dialogue, and passionate live music and song combine for a spectacular Winter Concert.
Ballet Tucson leads a stellar cast in this full-evening theatrical experience. Special guest artists include singer Carlos Zapién and Bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo from Italy incorporating guitar and bandoneon into the production. The unique sound of the bandoneon is synonymous with Astor Piazzolla.
Daniel Precup performs the lead role of Astor Piazzolla. Prima Ballerina Jenna Johnson and leading dancers Megan Steffens and Shannon Quirk depict the key women in his life. The entire company joins together to present rousing and colorful choreography making Viva Piazzolla! a feast for the senses and an event not to be missed.
About Bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo:
Giampaolo Bandini-Cesare Chiacchiaretta Duo, guitar and bandoneon, formed in 2002 pursuing the clear aim to propose Argentine music through the charm and magic of its most representative instruments. The duo immediately became an important point of reference in the international concert circuit thanks to their great communicativeness combined with extraordinary charisma. Invited by the most important festivals and theatres in the world, they have toured in Mexico, Romania, China, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Croatia, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Hungary meeting outstanding critical and audience approval.
Megan Steffens and Vasily Boldin in Viva Piazzolla! Photo by Ed Flores
The duo had the privilege to play Astor Piazzolla’s Double Concerto Hommage a Liegi conducted by Maestro Leo Brouwer at the Auditorium Paganini of Parma and for the Unione Musicale of Turin with the renowned Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra conducted by Pavel Berman. In 2004, they were awarded the 15th “Beniamino Joppolo” Città di Patti Prize (in the province of Messina, Italy) for remarkable artistic achievements in the field of music. In 2005, the duo made their debut in the prestigious Grand Hall of Saint Petersburg Academic Philharmonic achieving such great success that they were immediately asked to play for the following two years. Their peculiarity of living music to the full and without boundaries leads them to work together with prominent artists such as Arnoldo Foà, Elio delle Storie Tese, Amanda Sandrelli and musicians such as Fernando Suarez Paz, Michele Pertusi, Corrado Giuffredi, Danilo Rossi, Massimo Quarta, Enrico Bronzi, Franca Masu, Maria Estela Monti, Enrico Fagone and many others.
Their first CD Hombres de Tango sold more than ten thousand copies and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the critics. They have recorded for the most important radio and television broadcasters in Italy and abroad. Recently, a concert held in Brussels was broadcast via satellite in more than twenty countries. As teachers, they are requested by the most renowned academies and universities and hold classes at the institutes of higher education “Luigi Boccherini” in Lucca and “Tito Schipa” in Lecce as well as at the Summer Festivals of Gubbio and Portogruaro.
About Carlos Zapién:
Carlos Zapién was born in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. He began his studies at Conservatorio de Las Rosas in Morelia, Michoacán. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Oregon. Further studies took Zapién to the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart, where he earned the Soloist title under the tutelage of the
tenor Francisco Araiza and the soprano Dunja Vejzovic.
Megan Steffens, Caitlin Calligan & Taylor Carlson in Viva Piazzolla! Photo by Ed Flores
He has concertized in his native Mexico, Austria, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, and U.S. As a member of the Oregon Opera Ensemble, he has participated in diverse operatic productions, including La Cambiale di Matrimonio (Rossini), The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart). In 2007, he made his European operatic debut as Count Belfiore in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera with the Thuringian Philharmonic at the Ekhof Festival. Later he sang Schubert’s Mass in B flat Major at the Gasteig in Munich with the Bach Collegium of Munich. In Pisa, he took on the role of Alfred in Die Fledermaus with the Jenaer Philharmonic. In 2009, Zapién performed a Rossini Gala with the Reutlingen Philharmonic and appeared at the Schloss Solitude in Jommelli’s opera Didone Abbandonata with the Stuttgart Philharmonic. He has collaborated with conductors such as Hansjörg Albrecht, Glen Cortese, Miguel Harth- Bedoya, Frieder Bernius, Hermann Breuer, Jörg-Hannes Hahn, Jörg Halubek, Manfred Honeck and David Parry, to name but a few.
Mr. Zapién was named Artist in Residence at the Opera Studio of the Staatsoper Stuttgart in 2009, where he performed various roles from Il Trovatore to The Marriage of Figaro, and stayed in that house until 2012, where he created the role of the son of Medea in Fremd by Hans Thomalla, collaborating with Maestro Johannes Kalitzke (Opernwelt 2012) and sung the challenging role of Niko in Gegen die Wand (Faust-Preis 2011). Recent performances in Europe include the Oratorio Jonas by Carissimi, Brescianello’s La Tisbe, Bach’s Magnificat and the tenor role in Orff’s Carmina Burana.
In 2013, he was appointed Director of Music of the Cathedral of Saint Augustine, in Tucson,
Arizona.
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES
Friday, February 1 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 2 – 2:00 pm
Sunday, February 3 – 1:00 pm
Pima Community College – Center for the Arts (Proscenium Theatre)
2202 W. Anklam Rd.
TICKETS
General $45
Seniors/Students/Military $40
Phone: 800.838.3006
Online: www.BalletTucson.com
Comments Off on Tucson Lifestyle Magazine Features Ballet Tucson CoverBallet Tucson’s The Nutcracker is the cover story in this month’s Tucson Lifestyle!
By Megan Meier (Story from kgun9.com)
Mary Beth Cabana, our Founding Artistic Director, is a finalist in the Arts & Culture Champion category at this year’s Tucson Women of Influence Awards! These awards honor the region’s most impressive women who make significant contributions to the Southern Arizona community.
