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| theNewmovement (Photo: Dean Alexander) |
From our friends at The Washington Ballet...
The Washington Ballet (TWB) is pleased to announce its historic 2015-16 40th anniversary season with a theme of expansion and a formalization of initiatives which have served as the TWB foundation for the past 15 years. This momentous anniversary will be celebrated over two seasons with the immediate launch of expansion initiatives and a gala event slated for next season.
This new season features expansion of program offerings, unique new event opportunities for dance enthusiasts including ICONS: of dance with Arthur Mitchell, Edward Villella and Amanda McKerrow; expansion of TWB Studio Company initiative theNEWmovement (tNm) to include performances at both TWB Northwest and TWB@THEARC campuses and touring outreach to Dance DC school affiliates; and physical expansion of The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) near its headquarters in Northwest DC to accommodate an increase in demand for both youth and adult classes. An unprecedented performance season includes world premieres by Edwaard Liang (a piece based on the music of enigmatic superstar David Bowie) and one of dance's reigning "enfants terribles" Mauro de Candio as well as three company premieres: Stephen Mills' Hamlet, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Sombrerísimo and Trey McIntyre's Mercury-Half Life featuring the music of Queen; the launch of the multi-year PROJECT GLOBAL, TWB's new international initiative with a major multilayered LATIN HEAT fall festival; LET'S DANCE TOGETHER: TWB's Diversity Initiative; the appointment of new associate ballet masters; and the 10th anniversary celebration of TWB@THEARC. This bold expansion is consistent with the steady growth enjoyed over the past several years with Artistic Director Septime Webre and Managing Director Arthur Espinoza, Jr. at the helm. Since 1999 TWB's annual operating budget has steadily increased from $2.8 to $11.8 million along with concurrent expansion in the breadth of established and new initiatives that include the annual number of performance offerings and school classes, the scope of community outreach and size of the dance company. TWB is well entrenched in the cultural fabric of the Nation's Capital and with new expansion will continue to be a leader in the local arts community and dance institutions nationwide.
2015-16 MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Latin Heat
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
TWB turns up the heat in this new installation celebrating Latin culture. Exhilarating world and company premieres by three of the biggest names in contemporary choreography: Mauro de Candia, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Edwaard Liang including one world and one company premiere; the classic Don Quixote wedding pas de deux and the sensuous 5 Tangos by Hans van Manen, one of Europe's most eminent choreographers.
The Nutcracker
THEARC Theater and Warner Theatre
This celebrated production has become DC's perennial favorite! Set in historic Georgetown with George Washington and King George III among other historical figures, this is TWB's holiday valentine. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones.
Music by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Choreography by Septime Webre.
Director's Cut
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
A visual feast of daring works by William Forsythe, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Septime Webre that redefine the boundaries of classical ballet. The program includes a collection of short dance films plus a site-specific work in collaboration with Transformer, one of DC's emerging artist catalysts.
Stephen Mills' Hamlet (Company Premiere)
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
A sleek and elegant work with a contemporary edge. Performed to the spellbinding music of Philip Glass, Hamlet redefines this tragic masterwork and the limits of dance in a stylish production that presents Hamlet's internal struggle over avenging his father's murder in an innovative and riveting reinvention of this literary classic.
Music by Philip Glass; Choreography by Stephen Mills
Carmina Burana & Balanchine's Theme & Variations
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
Carmina Burana is a thrilling work returning to the TWB repertoire after an absence of ten years. This work is a powerful and exciting interpretation of Carl Orff's raucous retelling of 24 medieval poems praising springtime, love, lust and fortune. Featuring 100 voices of the Cathedral Choral Society under the direction of Dr. J. Reilly Lewis and intensified with dance.
Music by Carl Orff. Choreography by Septime Webre; Design by Liz Vandal.
George Balanchine's Theme and Variations evokes the period when Russian ballet flourished with the aid of Tchaikovsky's refined and sophisticated music.
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Choreography by George Balanchine.
Bowie & Queen
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
World and company premieres! Dance at Its most glam-o-rock-ous! A full-throttle evening of entertainment that fuses the artistry and beauty of dance with the power of the world's most innovative popular rock icons who defined an era. Edwaard Liang explores the consummate musical enigma, David Bowie, and his ongoing reinvention of his iconic persona. This fifth TWB premiere with Liang promises daring choreography and the brilliance of Bowie.
Music by David Bowie; Choreography by Edwaard Liang.
Choreographer Trey McIntyre has electrified the ballet world by breaking the boundaries of contemporary ballet just as Freddie Mercury & Queen pushed the limits of musical performance.
Music by Freddie Mercury & Queen; Choreography by Trey McIntyre.
2015-16 FAMILY SERIES
Latin Heat: Kids!
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
This program will contain repertoire from our Latin Heat Kids! Program and interactive elements geared towards young audiences.
Coppélia: The Magical Toy Shop
TWB Studio Company at THEARC Theatre
A charming and amusing ballet about an eccentric doll-maker and a doll that comes to life!
Music by Léo Delibes; Choreography by Arthur Saint-Leon; Staging by Luis R. Torres
The Little Mermaid
In collaboration with Imagination Stage
At Imagination Stage (Bethesda, MD)
A dance/music/theater work created in collaboration with Imagination Stage. The Hans Christian Andersen classic is realized in this enduring tale of the power of love.
Music by Matthew Pierce; Direction and choreography byJanet Stanford, Kathryn Chase Bryer, Septime Webre and David Palmer
2015-16 ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES
theNEWmovement: (New Series)
The Washington Ballet (TWB) is proud to announce the programs for our recently launched performance series, theNEWmovement: Rising stars of The Washington Ballet Studio Company. This internationally enthusiastic group of aspiring dancers receives vigorous training and will become the dance stars of the future.
• theNEWmovement: iFiesta Latina!
England Studio
This exploration of rhythms is part of our fall festival of Latin culture: includes excerpts from Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Sueño de Mármol and Septime Webre's Carmen Suite and Juanita y Alicia.
• theNEWmovement: Balanchine & Beyond
England Studio
An energetic exploration of works by George Balanchine and his influence on generations of choreographers: with excerpts from both master and devotees.
• theNEWmovement: DiverseDance
England Studio and THEARC Theatre
The launch of an annual initiative to highlight choreographers of color; excerpts from the works of Dwight Rhoden, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Gesel Mason, Andile Ndlovu, Luis R. Torres and Runqiao Du.
2015-16 EVENTS
ICONS: of dance (New Series)
Experience the artistic process in action as dance legends coach signature roles with individual TWB dancers in this unique glimpse into the legacy of dance. Septime Webre leads an engaging discussion at the conclusion of the class. Seating is limited!
• Edward Villella Coaches Jonathan Jordan: Masterwork: Balanchine's Tarantella
Edward Villella, founder of Miami City Ballet, transformed the American male dancer and the way male dancers were perceived. He was invited by George Balanchine to join New York City Ballet in 1957 and served as a NYCB principal dancer who was the original male lead in many important ballets in their repertoire.
• Amanda McKerrow Coaches Maki Onuki: Masterwork: Giselle, Act II
One of America's most acclaimed ballerinas, Amanda McKerrow, was trained by Mary Day at TWB. She has the distinction as the first American to receive a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow. Invited to join American Ballet Theatre in 1982, she served for many years as a principal dancer and is celebrated for her leading roles in the full-length and shorter works in the ABT repertoire.
• Arthur Mitchell Coaches Brooklyn Mack: Masterwork: TBD
Founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem, Arthur Mitchell changed the face of the future of dance when he accepted George Balanchine's invitation to join New York City Ballet in 1955. This was an unprecedented honor for Mitchell, a child of Harlem who went on to serve for many years as a NYCB principal dancer and Balanchine muse. Mitchell is legendary for his exemplary work on stage and in creating opportunity for students and dancers.
inthewings
Join us for inthewings, unique insightful opportunities as Artist Director Septime Webre delves into the impulses behind the creation of great works. These intimate evenings in our England Studio provide an insider's view of each performance.
• inthewings: The Latin Invasion: As Latin artists and culture have assumed a primary place in the worlds of music and dance, learn how they are making unique contributions to artistic sensibilities.
• inthewings: Hamlet Inside Out: How to transform a Shakespearean masterpiece into a dance in six easy steps.
• inthewings: Sacred and Profane: An Insider's Tales From The Dark Side: Who knew that 12th Century monks led such exciting lives? Carmina Burana - exposed.
• inthewings: Rock the Ballet: Subversive music revolutionaries revealed in new choreographic works.
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VENUES
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Eisenhower Theater
2700 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20566
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
The Washington Ballet
England Studio
TWB NW Headquarters
3515 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
TWB@THEARC
ARC Theatre
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20020
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Fixed Series Subscription
Dance enthusiasts may purchase a fixed series subscription that includes a ticket to every main stage performance with up to a 20% discount. Subscribers enjoy the same seat to every performance and priority seating. A Fixed Series Subscription includes tickets to: Latin Heat!; Director’s Cut; Stephen Mills’ Hamlet; Carmina Burana/Balanchine’s Theme and Variations; and Bowie & Queen. Subscriptions start at $129.
Family Series Subscriptions
Dance enthusiasts who wish to share the joy of dance with the entire family may purchase either a 4 or 3 series subscription with up to a 15% discount.
• Family 4 Subscriptions
Include tickets to: Latin Heat: Kids!; The Nutcracker; Coppélia; The Little Mermaid.
Family 4 Subscriptions start at $150.
• Family 3 Subscriptions
Include tickets to: Latin Heat: Kids!; Coppélia; The Little Mermaid.
Family 3 Subscriptions start at $99.
Create-Your-Own Subscription (CYO Subscriptions)
Patrons may select 3 or more events of their choice to create a personalized subscription package.
EVENT PACKAGES
inthewings tickets: $20 per event or all 4 events for $60.
theNEWmovement: $25 per event or all 3 events for $65.
ICONS: of dance: $45 per event or all 3 events for $105.
Super Event Package includes ALL inthewings, theNewmovement and ICONS: of dance events for $205, a savings of 30%.
Fixed Series and Family Series Subscriptions are on sale: Wednesday, April 8 at 10AM
Create-Your-Own Subscriptions are on sale: Friday, May 29 at 10AM
The Nutcracker single tickets are on sale Wednesday, July 15 at 10AM
Single tickets to all other performances are on sale Sunday, September 6 at 10AM
Renew and purchase subscriptions online at washingtonballet.org or call (202) 362-3606 x605
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BALLET:
The Washington Ballet (TWB) was originally founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944 by legendary ballet pioneer Mary Day and incorporated as a professional company in 1976. The Washington Ballet is one of the pre-eminent ballet organizations in the United States. TWB built an international reputation presenting bold works by choreographers from around the world, including Choo San Goh, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Hans van Manen and Jiří Kylián, as well as neoclassical masterworks and fresh staging of 19th century classics. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Septime Webre and Managing Director Arthur Espinoza, Jr., TWB has embraced a three-part mission: ensuring excellence in its professional performance company; growing the next generation of dancers through its Washington School of Ballet; and serving the community in which it resides through robust community engagement programs.
For more information, visit www.washingtonballet.org.
For more information on the 2015-16 season, visit washingtonballet.org.
