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Fall Means Fall for Dance
10 nights at New York City Center with 20 dance companies
Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company (Photo: Erin Baiano)
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One of the most anticipated offerings in dance, the Fall for Dance Festival is 10 nights with 20 companies for a low-ticket price. It’s no wonder the City Center becomes an annual hot spot for dance aficionados. Responding to popular demand, the festival will present each program on two nights from September 22 through October 3. And this year’s theme does not come without its own draw; a number of the companies will be performing Ballets Russes classics and contemporary interpretations in honor of their 100-year celebration.
Many national and international dance companies will be making their Festival debut, as well as premiering a number of new works. Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, Sang Jijia and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal are among those presenting US and NY premieres.
Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company is presenting the new duet “Softly as I Leave You,” choreographed by Lightfoot León and will be danced by Drew Jacoby and Rubinald Pronk. The duet is a re-inspired take on Paul Lightfoot and Sol León’s 1994 piece, also titled “Softly As I Leave You.” Sang Jijia will premiere the 2008 solo “Snow,” choreographed by Jijia to music by Wim Mertons. Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal’s “Noces” is an interpretation of the Ballets Russes’ famous ballet of marriage, family and ceremony, “Les Noces.” The ballet, choreographed by Stijn Celis, is a contemporary translation of the Russian peasant wedding.
The renowned Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Ballet Company based in Rome will make their U.S. debut at the festival, performing “La Chatte” (one of Balanchine’s early works, while still choreographing for the Ballets Russes). The choreography is reconstructed by Millicent Hodson and sets and costumes revived by Kenneth Archer.
In addition to the many premiers are the 2009 works by DanceBrazil and Savion Glover & The OtheRz. Famed tapper Savion Glover has choreographed “THE STaRz and STRiPes 4EVeR for NoW,” inspired by Sousa’s celebrated score “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and DanceBrazil’s energizing capoeira (a martial arts style) will be performed in the piece “Culture in Motion,” choreographed by artistic director Jelon Vieira.
The 20 outstanding troupes and companies like The Paul Taylor Dance Company, New York City Ballet, The Australian Ballet, Basil Twist and Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo are also part of the unique programs. The 2009 Festival presents an assorted mix of dance and performance art, including puppets. So, revel in the celebration because these 10 days only come once a year.
For the complete programs visit nycitycenter.org. Order tickets online or by calling 212-581-1212.