Darius just unexpectedly dropped in out of heaven. |
I do try to pick a full-length ballet and a choreographer that will continue with this quest to really push my dancers and take advantage of how strong they are right now. |
I think it makes our community a vibrant community. But what it means for us is that we need to make sure that people know that we are performing. |
If you can find something that is a huge challenge for the dancers and also you know it is something that our community loves and will come and see it, that is a beautiful combination. |
In 'Stars and Stripes,' you really pick up the spirit of the time. |
Normally, you don't have access to a piece like this unless you've got a company of 50 to 60 dancers. In 'Stars and Stripes,' there is no such thing as a version for a smaller group of people. |
Paul brings a tremendous amount of experience on the administrative side as well as the creative production side. |
The corps has to almost breathe together. It's like when you see a flock of birds moving together and they're absolutely precise - it's beautiful, isn't it? |
The dancing is in patterns. Lines transition and fold into each other. |
The piece has been danced on four continents by 15 ballet companies. It's a very strange compilation of Bach blended with traditional African songs and rhythms. They kind of bleed in and out of each other. |
The women are en pointe with sharp turns, legs up and fast. |
Then, everybody comes out for the finale. |
You don?t see many full-length ballets being made like this, because the risk is so great. |