I have to say that I am thrilled and excited with anticipation about the current production at Pacific Northwest Ballet. They are currently showcasing a contemporary line-up featuring two world premieres: M-Pulse by Kiyon Gaines and 3 Movements by Benjamin Millepied; along with the PNB premiere of Mark Morris’ A Garden; PLUS the return of the ever-provocative William Forsythe with One Flat Thing, reproduced.
I think PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal sums it up best: “New works are at the very center of my artistic vision for this company, They are food for dancers, choreographers, musicians, and audiences alike. They keep the art form relevant and vital for our time.”
The line-up for NEW WORKS will include:
Mark Morris of Mark Morris Dance GroupA Garden – PNB Premiere
Music: Richard Strauss and Choreography: Mark Morris
In A Garden, famed American dancemaker Mark Morris creates a sunny, courtly atmosphere for twelve dancers. Morris suggests baroque dance itself, with its fast, filigree footwork—or “petit allegro”—and low-held arms, interpreted by today’s classically trained dancers with the technique, wit, and musicality that Morris brings to all his work. Mark Morris formed the Mark Morris Dance Group in 1980 and has since created more than 120 works for the company.
M-Pulse – World Premiere
Music: Cristina Spinei and Choreography: Kiyon Gaines
With M-Pulse, Kiyon Gaines creates his first repertory work for Pacific Northwest Ballet. A member of PNB’s corps de ballet since 2001, Mr. Gaines choreographed his first ballet in 2005 for the Company’s annual Choreographers’ Showcase. He has since choreographed for numerous local and national dance companies.
3 Movements – World Premiere
Music: Steve Reich and Choreography: Benjamin Millepied
Rising choreographer Benjamin Millepied creates a new work for PNB set to Steve Reich’s massive Three Movements for Orchestra. Currently a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, Mr. Millepied has choreographed works for Paris Opera Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Mikhail Baryshnikov, the School of American Ballet, and New York City Ballet, as well as works for his own Benjamin Millepied and Company.
One Flat Thing, reproduced
Music: Thom Willems and Choreography: William Forsythe
One of my favorites last season, William Forsythe’s One Flat Thing, reproduced caused a stir when it premiered at Pacific Northwest Ballet in March 2008. The piece is set to a rumbling sound construction by composer Thom Willems and performed by fourteen dancers on and around twenty metal tables. One Flat Thing was a thrilling display that calls into question the definition of what is “ballet” and “dance.”
Dance Europe boasts about the Choreographer: “There is nobody to compare with Forsythe. He will be remembered as ballet’s Mozart.”
NEW WORKS runs November 6-16 at McCaw Hall, with performances at 7:30 pm November 6-8 and November 13-15, and matinees on November 8 and 16. Tickets range in price from $25 to $155. $15 tickets (two for $25) may be available for patrons aged 25 and under for both Friday performances on November 7 & 14. Call 206-441-2424 for availability. Visit www.pnb.org for more info about NEW WORKS.
