video: Balanchine Expert Sandra Jennings Works With Festival Ballet
Saturday, March 02, 2013
When Festival Ballet Providence presents Agon & Orchis next week, it will be the culmination of months of coordination, collaboration, and tireless dedication between artists, dancers, designers, and technicians. The program, a double-bill which features two unique and innovative ballets, is a masterpiece of modern, American ballet style.
Agon & Orchis
The first ballet of the evening, "Agon" is widely regarded as the masterpiece of choreographer George Balanchine's artistic career. Balanchine, founder of The New York City Ballet, is the single most important figure in 20th century ballet. Balanchine's legacy is so important to the art form that, following his death in 1983, a trust was established to preserve his choreography and artistic vision for future generations. The George Balanchine trust, now in its 26th year, is the only avenue through which ballet companies around the world can present a Balanchine ballet.
Balanchine's Sandra Jennings
Balanchine Trust repetiteur Sandra Jennings has a long and productive relationship with Festival Ballet Providence, Rhode Island's premiere ballet company, now in its 35th season. Because of the immense challenge that "Agon" presents, Jennings has visited Providence four times in the past 8 months to set the ballet on Festival. Like much of the Balanchine Trust, Jennings is herself a former City Ballet dancer under Balanchine's direction. Her ballet career gives Jennings unique insight into the artistic vision and structure behind Balanchine's choreography. At Festival Ballet, Jennings says the company is strong for both its artistic direction and technical and artistic abilities of the dancers. She says, "they [the company] are all here for the same reason: they want to dance, they want to perform."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSee Jennings talk about Agon & Orchis and working with Festival Ballet Providence, here.
Festival Ballet Providence will present "Agon & Orchis" at The Vets in Providence March 8, 9, and 10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheVetsRI.com, over the phone 401-421-ARTS, or in-person at the PPAC box office.
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