Around the Ballet World, News

BalletMet to Kick Off 23/24 Season with Triple Bill, On Stage

September 22, 2023

Story by blanksite2

SHOW IMAGE THE TIMES ARE RACING
Joffrey Artist Jeraldine Mendoza and ensemble
Photo by Cheryl Mann

The music of Sinatra, a sneaker ballet, and daring athleticism will come together for On Stage to kick off BalletMet’s season Oct. 13-21, 2023 at the Davidson Theatre. Each a company premiere, Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Justin Peck’s The Times Are Racing, and Ulysses Dove’s masterpiece Vespers will collide for a night of American choreographic innovation.

“At BalletMet, our goal is to always be innovative, creative, and accessible,” said Edwaard Liang, BalletMet’s artistic director. “All three of these works carry those missions forward, and we cannot wait to bring Columbus another entrancing season of dance.”

Nine Sinatra Songs, choreographed by Twyla Tharp, will follow seven separate couples that each represent a different notch on the romantic relationship scale. Tangos, cha-chas, and swirls will all be seen on stage. The Times Are Racing by Justin Peck is a sneaker ballet featuring 20 dancers donning streetwear styles. With songs from Dan Deacon’s electronic score, America, the dancers’ energy will match the music.

Created originally for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company in 1986 by Ulysses Dove, Vespers is a dramatic ballet inspired by Dove’s memories of his grandmother’s place of worship. Six female dancers will demonstrate their athleticism alongside Mikel Rouse’s electronic score.

On Stage will also mark the launch of BalletMet’s expanded Rush Ticket Program and the new Pay What You Want program. The Rush Ticket Program now includes teachers as well as students, and those with a valid school ID can purchase $15 tickets to any show. The Pay What You Want program allows attendees to

purchase discounted tickets to select performances on a first-come, first-serve basis. The price attendees choose to pay will support BalletMet productions, education, and scholarships. Both Rush and Pay What You Want tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office two hours prior to the performance.

“Ticket prices shouldn’t stand in the way of experiencing art,” said Sue Porter, BalletMet’s executive director. “We want ballet to be accessible to anyone who wants to see it, and we hope the Pay What You Want performances will allow people to join us for any and every show this season.”

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

This article was provided courtesy of BalletMet.