Opening The Rite of Spring program is 7 for Eight, a beautifully fluid, elegant, and dramatic work by Helgi Tomasson, former Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ballet. We spoke with stager Anita Paciotti-Murphy as she collaborated with Atlanta Ballet for the second time to bring this "remarkable piece of art" to the Cobb Energy Centre stage.

7 for Eight is a ballet for eight dancers who seamlessly move through a complex series of variations on a minimalist stage, perfectly set to seven concertos by J.S. Bach. "I love that the word 'eight' symbolizes the dancers, representing the human element of this ballet," enthuses Paciotti-Murphy. She notes that 7 for Eight is particularly special to Helgi Tomasson, with whom she has a longstanding relationship, having served as Rehearsal Director during his 37 years at the San Francisco Ballet while also being a Principal Dancer. "They say it takes talent to see talent, and I always felt that Tomasson had a remarkable ability to spot talent from around the world," Paciotti-Murphy shares. The eight dancers selected for this piece had worked closely with Tomasson for several years, allowing him to showcase their individual personalities and technical strengths. One of these dancers was Gennadi Nedvigin. What makes this ballet truly exceptional is its personalization—not just through the choreography or music but also through each dancer's unique personality. "Dancers were encouraged to bring their personalities into the piece," says Paciotti-Murphy. She also highlights the bespoke approach extended to the elegant black costumes designed by Sandra Woodall. "If you look closely, you'll notice slight nuances in the lace appliqué of the dress designs."

The minimalist black-on-black color scheme and dramatic shadow lighting add a modern touch to the Baroque music, setting the stage for the shifting choreographic moods, tempos, and configurations. “7 for Eight is formal and classical in its structure with a strong emphasis on classical technique," explains Paciotti-Murphy. "Yet it incorporates modern elements of line, sculpture, and shape, almost as if Tomasson were creating a piece of art. Tomasson was influenced by Balanchine during his time in that company but was also inspired by Jerome Robbins, Broadway, jazz, and Fred Astaire."

Audiences will see these influences as dancers seamlessly move through solos, duets, trios, quartets, and an ensemble finale in 7 for Eight. Every note of the seven J.S. Bach concertos will be brought to life by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, featuring Atlanta Ballet's own pianist, Western-Li Summerton. "It's a complex and emotionally expressive piece," Paciotti-Murphy concludes, "and I hope that everyone will feel the energy, physicality, and joy that Tomasson intended to convey through these eight wonderfully talented dancers."

Experience the elegance and musicality of this timeless masterpiece with Atlanta Ballet, part of The Rite of Spring program from February 7 to 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.