Press Release

 

Atlanta Ballet Presents
NEW CHOREOGRAPHIC VOICES

 

Featuring the Atlanta Ballet Premiere of Israeli Choreographer Ohad Naharin’s “Minus 16”

World Premiere of “I AM” by Choreographer Gina Patterson

 

March 22-24, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

ATLANTA – January 2013 - In 2011, Atlanta Ballet debuted New Choreographic Voices (NCV) –an edgy mixed rep program that promised to take a look at the bold, new directions in the world of contemporary dance. Tutus abandoned and pointe shoes few, the Company delivered with an exhilarating, provocative evening of premieres.

Since, Atlanta Ballet has adopted New Choreographic Voices as an annual offering, and over the past two seasons, the program has showcased some of the industry’s most fascinating and well respected choreographers such as Helen Pickett, Amy Seiwert, and Bennyroyce Royon as well as Atlanta Ballet’s dancer/choreographer Tara Lee.

This season, Atlanta Ballet rises to the occasion once again with three avant-garde works, including Ohad Naharin’s “Minus 16,” which is the first collaboration of a three-work, three-year relationship with the Israeli choreographer.

NCV will also mark the return of choreographer Gina Patterson. Patterson created her first work for the Company in 2011 on its first New Choreographic Voices program. The world premiere, “Quietly Walking,” was called a “polished balletic masterpiece” by Dance Informa Magazine.

Gina Patterson’s “I AM” | World Premiere
In her second world premiere for Atlanta Ballet, choreographer Gina Patterson explores the idea of self-discovery and the moment when a "yes" or a "no" can change a life forever.
“In the search for the discovery of who we truly are, we see ourselves reflected in all our relationships,” said Patterson. “I AM is a journey of transformation, and, in a way, a time of reflection for all of us. In going layers deeper with the individual dancers their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ moment helped shape and define these individuals as they navigate through their "I AM" lives within the broader sense of a universal connection to the whole.”
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Gina Patterson’s “I AM” does contain nudity and parental discretion is advised.

Ohad Naharin’s “Minus 16” | Atlanta Ballet Premiere
Atlanta Ballet will go “Gaga” with the debut of renowned Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin’s critically acclaimed “Minus 16.” “Gaga” is Naharin’s signature, free-flowing movement style that embraces the unconventional and thrives on the unexpected. “Minus 16” was recently performed by New York’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and has been described as a choreographic masterpiece, with a musical score that ranges from Dean Martin and mambo to traditional Israeli songs. The unique experience calls for the audience to get in on the action as well as they are invited to be a part of the dance, breaking the barrier between performer and spectator.

Christopher Wheeldon’s “Rush” | Atlanta Ballet Encore Performance
To round-out the program, Atlanta Ballet will present an encore performance of “Rush” by famed dancemaker Christopher Wheeldon. Wheeldon, who has been regarded as one of today’s most innovative contemporary ballet choreographers, creates a wistful, neo-classical homage to the traditional pas de deux that has been described as “ardent, enigmatic, energetic, and highly technical” since its debut by San Francisco Ballet in 2003.

“Mr. Wheeldon’s ‘Rush’ emerges as one of the most vividly satisfying constructions by him or any other ballet choreographer in this decade,” said New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay in a 2008 review. 

New Choreographic Voices is Atlanta Ballet’s fourth production of its 2012-13 season. The show runs for four performances, Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com or call 404-892-3303.

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Calendar Listing
Atlanta Ballet’s New Choreographic Voices

Featuring:
- World Premiere of  “I AM”  by Gina Patterson
- Atlanta Ballet Premiere of “Minus 16”  by Ohad Naharin
- Atlanta Ballet Encore Presentation of “Rush”  by Christopher Wheeldon

 

Where: The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

When: Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24 (4 Performances)
- Friday, March 22 – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 23 – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 23– 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March 24 – 2:00 p.m.

Performance Description: An evening of premieres from some of the world's most talented choreographers. Expect a vibrant evening of artistic vision with daring new movement, music and diversity.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this program includes nudity, and parental discretion is advised.

Ticket Information: Tickets start as low as $20. To purchase, visit www.atlantaballet.com or call 404-892-3303.