Orlando Ballet adds pre-performance insider’s look with “Meet The Artists” for two performances of legacy works by Balanchine, Graham, and Pires.
George Balanchine and Martha Graham were and remain the original “influencers” of dance, thanks to their artistic excellence and signature creations.
In this remarkable display of choreographic achievement, Artistic Director Jorden Morris has designed a full-blown celebration of dance, fashion, style, artistry and joy with two iconic works plus an innovative and inspiring performance from young star, Alysa Pires.
“This is pure dance -- classic and vibrant -- lively and bright – every bit of this production is
visually and musically stunning,” Morris said. “I love the idea of a mid-season celebration of
the many facets of dance ranging from the extraordinary to simple purity. This is a dance
lover’s dream.”
Balanchine, Graham, Pires will be performed from Thursday, March 27 through Sunday
March 30 at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
For ticket information, visit www.orlandoballet.org.
As a special treat, Orlando Ballet has incorporated a pre-performance, up-close-and-
personal “Meet the Artists” conversation with Artistic Director Jorden Morris and other
members of the Artistic team. Here, they will reveal behind-the-scenes details about
choreography, storytelling, music and movement related to each production. Audience
members will have the chance to ask questions about how productions come together and
the decision-making and work behind it all. This intimate and unique event will be
moderated by Executive Director Bradley Renner.
This remarkable insider’s look is scheduled before the evening performance on Thursday,
March 27 and before the matinee performance on Saturday, March 29.
Morris was intentional in curating Balanchine’s renowned Divertimento No.15, balanced by
Graham’s beloved Maple Leaf Rag, an upbeat and offbeat self-reflection of Graham’s own
unique style. The production marks what would have been her 100th birthday this year, and
Orlando Ballet’s performance will mark the first time Maple Leaf Rag has been performed
outside of the Martha Graham company. Morris rounds out the program with Pires’ super-
stunning Skyward, a brilliant and captivating contemporary salute to the heart and soul of
dance.
Balanchine’s mesmerizing Divertimento No.15 epitomizes pure classical ballet and is
choreographed to music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whom Balanchine revered.
Balanchine believed that pairing his intricate and precise choreography to Mozart’s music
delivered a defined sense of peace and harmony to audiences which explains why this
creation sustains a huge and loyal following.
Graham’s Maple Leaf Rag is an elegant and amusing nod to herself, making clear that she
enjoyed having a little fun at her own expense while showcasing complicated choreography. Part of what makes Maple Leaf Rag so irresistibly good are the sleek and radiant costumes designed by Calvin Klein and which enhance the dancers’ bright and moves to composer Scott Joplin’s energetic and iconic sounds. Graham’s bouncy choreography driven by Joplin’s score has been described as a rollicking romp that delightfully showcases movement and motion.
Morris’ celebration continues with choreographer Alysa Pires, whose creation entitled
Skyward, delivers a beautifully crafted contemporary work that subtly and seamlessly
weaves a feeling of optimism and confidence through movement, leaving the audience
completely uplifted.
“This is the point in the season when we get to mix it up with shorter productions that are
dramatically different from each other and which also challenge the dancers with variety
and demanding movement, which they love,” Morris said. “It’s a small smorgasbord of
dance, music and excitement; audiences are sure to get a kick out of it all.”
About Orlando Ballet:
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet
company. Orlando Ballet produces year-round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center
for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces
and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism
and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community
enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet
School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers
as they approach the start of their dance careers.
For information about Orlando Ballet, please visit OrlandoBallet.org.
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