REFLECTIONS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
September 21 -24, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center
Reflections is a celebratory launch of Orlando Ballet’s 50th season and offers a look back as well as ahead in terms of how the organization has evolved from its very humble start to become one of Central Florida’s leading performing arts organization. We begin with the premiere of our own anniversary film that tells a story about love for the art form and the risk-taking that helped build the organization, including missteps and victories that occurred along the way. We’ve harvested conversations from many of the talented artists and community leaders who were involved from the beginning while we celebrate today’s highly respected professional dance company.
“We have much to celebrate this season thanks to the historical contributions of so many from our community along with some of the world’s leading ballet artists who played a role in growing this organization and the art form,” said Executive Director Cheryl Collins. “Ours has been a labor of real love and we are excited to share this amazing and dramatic story of success.”
Paul Taylor: “Company B”
Iconic ballets earn that distinction by being innovative, timeless and for always stirring a range of emotions. While dramatically different artists, choreographers Paul Taylor and George Balanchine define iconic ballet through their artistic creativity, influence and endurance.
Set during World War II, Juilliard-trained Taylor’s wildly popular “Company B,” is a lively yet poignant representation of good, old-fashioned American optimism set against the stark and painful realities of war. Taylor’s self-described modern “dance scribbling” and avant-garde style are fittingly supported by a musical backdrop by The Andrews Sisters, whose recognizable songs carry the audience and dancers through a journey of love and loss. Taylor’s masterful choreography balanced by simple, subtle sets and costumes, make for a mesmerizing dance experience for all.
Balanchine® Ballet: Serenade
Russian-born George Balanchine’s universally beloved Serenade, presents elegance and highly structured movement fostered by the choreographer’s renowned musicality. “Serenade“, a collection of 28 dancers in gauzy blue attire, performing four unique movements before a minimalistic backdrop of blue, has no plot. Rather, this ballet thrives emotionally and visually on the choreographer’s preference for precision and graceful movement inspired by Balanchine’s deep affection for all things Tchaikovsky. Balanchine is said to have been influenced by Tchaikovsky’s lush and hypnotizing “Serenade for Strings in C, Op.48,” setting the framework for the choreographer’s textured and thrilling variations that create an intoxicating experience of pure dance. Artistic Director Jorden Morris notes that the performance concludes with a woman being lifted off the stage toward the light which can be interpreted as a quiet nod to Orlando Ballet’s next 50 seasons.