Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Lucien Postlewaite with soloist Rachel Foster in Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort, presented as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, Sept. 24 – Oct. 3, 2010. Photo © Angela Sterling

Under the artistic direction of Peter Boal, the Pacific Northwest Ballet opened its 2010/11 season with an exhilarating ‘Director’s Choice’ program consisting of four remarkable compositions.  The evening began with two spectacular performances of modern/contemporary works from internationally recognized choreographer Jiri Kylian, Petite Mort and Sechs Tänze (Six Dances.) Following was Jardí Tancat, a spellbinding first work from Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato.  The incredible evening concluded with Glass Pieces, a masterpiece designed by world-renowned artist, Jerome Robbins.

As the lights dimmed, the red curtain rose, the audience silenced and became still.  Six men flawlessly positioned across the stage began to move with fencing foils producing melodic sounds throughout the theatre. Six women stood in the backdrop awaiting their cue. Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort is transcendental as the dancers display powerful lines with a taste of sensuality. Its sleek and sexy combinations of movement suspend the audience in breath-taking partner lifts and angular shapes.  Six couples move with perfect synchronicity creating a surreal sensation while two melancholy movements of Mozart’s piano concertos penetrate the walls of McCaw Hall.  Jiri Kylian described his piece as, “a world where nothing is sacred, where brutality and arbitrariness are commonplace.”  Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers interpreted this effortlessly and with as much passion as the choreographer exemplifies.

Jiri Kylian witty and extravagant piece Sechs Tänze (Six Dances) brings into play the music of Mozart.  This piece displays the humor in both choreographer and composer, alike.  The performance was mischievous and theatrical.  With a Shakespearian quality, the dancers became players, taking the audience back to 18^th century where powdered faces, hair wigs and black exaggerated ball gowns commanded the stage.  Widely favored, PNB’s premiere of Sechs Tänze was entertainingly delicious.

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Ariana Lallone in Nacho Duato’s Jardí Tancat, presented as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, Sept. 24 – Oct. 3, 2010. Photo © Angela Sterling

Passionate, powerful, and painfully poignant are just a few words to describe Jardí Tancat, a work of genius by Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato.  The soulful voice and composition of musical artist Maria Del Mar Bonet enthralls both audience and dancer to an unmitigated submission.  Three couples move with raw intensity exuding a sorrowful and deeply rooted exclamation of emotion, leaving nothing to secret.  Captivating and unrestricted, Nacho Duato’s choreography expresses the uniqueness and vulnerability of his heritage and personal identity, to which six extraordinary PNB dancers represent in an honest and incredibly commendable performance.

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s debut of Jerome Robbins’s Glass Pieces made its impressive and unprecedented mark for the season. Set to three musical scores by Phillip Glass, one of the most influential American composers of the 20^th century, PNB’s company of dancers take the audience on a journey of poetic intrusion.  The rhythmic and structural pattern of choreography metaphorically translates the disposition of modern times.  From the colorful display of costumes, along with a backdrop of grid lines, the production delivers an electric and innovative presentation.  Eccentric yet penetrating, Glass Pieces captures the true essence of New York appealing to the Seattle stage.

Once again, Peter Boal demonstrates his brilliant direction embodied through the PNB dancers. From beginning to end, the execution of movement is impeccable, while the choreography is admirable and stunning to watch.  Pacific Northwest Ballet’s ‘Directors Choice’ program highlights some of the finest artistic creations to date.  Opening its season with such compelling performances, it is with great anticipation we embark on this classic yet modern expedition into the world of Ballet.

Review By: Amanda Calderon

Class Act Tutu Associate

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Pacific Northwest Ballet.

PNB’s Director’s Choice runs September 24-October 3, 2010.

Photo: Trapeze, courtesy OSA Images. Costume credit: Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt © 2007 Cirque du Soleil

The world-famous Cirque du Soleil returns to Redmond Washington’s Marymoor Park with KOOZA, June 3-July 2.  Currently in its fourth year, KOOZA  “is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil: It combines two circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor.” ~ Cirque du Soleil.com
 
This visual masterpiece features the jaw-dropping talents of 53 artists, including acrobats, musicians and dancers. And speaking of dancers (wink-wink!), the program’s artistic director, Adam Miller is a former principal with Pacific Northwest Ballet (1980-1986)!  Seriously, how cool is that?  You can read all about it here. 

In our first Valentine’s Day segment, we chatted with the talented Seth Orza and Sarah Ricard Orza of Pacific Northwest Ballet. Next up in our special Valentine’s Day feature, we’ll chat with PNB principal dancer (and Whim W’him Artistic Director), Olivier Wevers about his marriage to fellow PNB principal, Lucien Postlewaite.

Olivier and Lucien met while working at PNB. The couple later tied the knot in Santa Cruz, CA on November 2nd, 2008.

Like other dance marriages, this handsome couple doesn’t have to deal with the stress of trying to balance a career with spending quality time with their spouse. “Our schedule is pretty similar, which helps with spending time together,” says Olivier.

Additionally, Wevers cherishes the many emotional benefits a relationship with a fellow dancer brings. “We understand and support each other, and know when the other needs a little support or criticism. It {the dance world} is a very mental world…it plays with your insecurities and your mind. Having a spouse that deals with similar issues really helps. Also, we push each other as artists. We have both the same set of values, and help each other identify what our priorities are!”

This Valentine’s Day, Olivier will be up to his eyebrows in “Work, work, work!” However, the pair does have a quiet, relaxing getaway planned. “On Sunday, I will be performing a Duke in the Sleeping Beauty with PNB at 1pm, and then driving like a mad man to get to Bellevue. FRAGMENTS is being performed at 3pm at the Meydenbauer center. {This is for Whim W’him, Olivier’s new company.} Then after that, I am meeting with a videographer to get the DVD ready from the 3Seasons to send to presenters, Directors, etc. So quite a busy day, but finishing with packing for beach, sun and margaritas! (We’re) leaving for Mexico for a week without a computer or cell phone!”

Now that sounds like my kind of holiday!

You can catch Olivier and Lucien performing at McCaw Hall this week in Pacific Northwest Ballet’s, The Sleeping Beauty . More information about upcoming encore performances for Whim W’him can be found by visiting WhimW’Him’s website.

The magic of the holiday season has descended upon McCaw Hall, ushered in on the wings of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual treat, The Nutcracker.  The air inside the theater was alive with anticipation, and the excitement emanating from all the hundreds of children present was palpable.

Clara's Christmas Tree - A signature moment of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker occurs when Clara’s Christmas tree grows from 14 to 28 feet. The majestic tree was constructed by Boeing engineers and weighs 1,000 pounds.

The Story and the Set

The ballet is based on the original story written by E.T.A. Hoffman and brought to life by the choreography of former PNB Artistic Director, Kent Stowell.  The sumptuous sets designed by Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) play a crucial role in the success of this stellar production.  They not only envelop the stage like a lush, Victorian picture book, but also provide a sense of pure magic.  Everything from the massive growing Christmas tree and the enormous Mouse King that wickedly encircles the stage–to the realistic boat ride along the sea, leaves audiences captivated and riveted to the edge of their seats.

Clara

The role of young Clara was marvelously played by PNB student, Eileen Kelly.  Kelly’s mannerisms and characterization were both impressive and believable.

Carrie Imler , Principal Dancer, PNB, as adult Clara was nothing short of outstanding.  Imler’s Clara provides a stunning portrayal of a maiden whose heart is laced with the charms and emotions of girlhood.  She is her Prince’s devoted equal in terms of bravery, and wants nothing more than to remain locked within the confines of this beautiful dream with him forever.

The Prince

Batkhurel Bold, Principal Dancer, PNB, gave a powerful performance as the dashing Prince.  His movements were breathtaking, his character regal and confident.  Bold not only captivates audiences with his impressive strength, but sweeps them off their feet as Clara’s faithful protector, companion, and hero.  Their gorgeous, sweeping pas de deux conveys all the beauty and promise of young love.

A Cast of Characters

Herr Drosselmeier/Pasha

Jordan Pacitti shines in the dual role of Herr Drosselmeier/Pasha.  As Drosselmeier, Pacitti is teasing yet harmless, a classic example of a man who is “a little boy on the inside.”  He not only revels in his ability to shock and amaze the party guests, but takes the most delight in getting a rise out of young Clara.  Later, however,  as the Pasha, Pacitti transforms from a fiendish eccentric, into a protective father-figure, possessive of both Clara and her affections.

Ballerina Doll

Sarah Ricard Orza gave a lovely performance as the wind-up Ballerina Doll.  Her masterful display breathed new life into this well-loved character, one who is sure to star in many little girls’ dreams.

An Enchanted Land

The Moors, A Chinese Tiger, The Commedia

Act Two whisks Clara and the Prince along to an enchanted land where they are greeted by a lavish display of hospitality, courtesy of the Pasha.  Moors dance about with bright, energetic flair.  A dancing Chinese tiger, charmingly played by Ryan Cardea, received more than a few giggles and squeals of delight.  The Commedia (Liora Reshef, Benjamin Griffiths and Rachel Foster) were reminiscent of a precious music box or toy shoppe window.  Griffiths’ acrobatics and technical prowess were evident both here and during his role as Sword-Dancer Doll in Act One.

The Chinese Tiger

The Peacock

Lesley Rausch, soloist, PNB mesmerized in her role as the fluttering, sensuous Peacock; a winged beauty transported via gilded cage.  Rausch’s expert characterization was daring, captivating, and hypnotic.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lesley Rausch as the Peacock in PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling

The Whirling Dervishes

The three whirling Dervishes (Barry Kerollis, James Moore, and Josh Spell) were absolutely thrilling. These fantastic dancers created a spectacular “tour de force” that left every little boy in the audience inspired and awe-struck.

Flora

Lindsi Dec, soloist, PNB,  soared to new heights as the beautiful blossom maiden, Flora.  Dec gave herself completely over to her role, and that coupled with her long, gorgeous lines and jubilant expression, made her performance exhilarating to behold.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec as Flora in the Waltz of the Flowers from PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling

Snow, Waltz of the Flowers

PNB’s corps de ballet performed beautifully as a chorus of swirling, icy snowflakes glittering in the moonlight. Their dazzling display literally made a chill run down my spine.  Later during the Waltz of the Flowers, I could almost smell a hint of jasmine and rose being carried along on a soft, spring breeze.

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s, Nutcracker

I was once again impressed with the caliber of dancing and characterization offered by this amazing company, as well as the talent that exuded from its students.  Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker is a must-see and should be a part of every family’s holiday tradition.

PNB’s acclaimed production of Nutcracker

runs November 27 – December 30, 2009

at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall.

Tickets are available online at www.pnb.org or by calling 206.441.2424

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lesley Rausch in the world premiere of Val Caniparoli’s The Seasons, presented as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, running November 5 – 15, 2009.

From the theater staff to the attendees to the performers, the excitement of opening night was unmistakable. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s introduction of two brand new pieces and a replay of two favorites translated into an evening to remember…

Pacific Northwest Ballet, DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, running November 5 – 15, 2009.
All Photographs © Angela Sterling.

Petite Mort

The night began with Petite Mort, (French for “The Little Death” and a metaphor for sexual climax), the first work by European choreographer Jiri Kylian to be acquired by Pacific Northwest Ballet. With six men, six women, and six foils the piece has been described as exuding energy, silence, and sexuality. It does just that.

Petite Mort starts with six men facing upstage backing slowly toward the orchestra pit in silence. The stillness is broken at first only by the sound of the swords cutting through the air. The men partnering with their swords create a dangerous tension and excitement. The choreography plays between the men, the swords, the women and dark, baroque style dresses. These dresses, at times, appear to dance completely on their own. There are some light hearted moments with the foils and the dresses that allowed the audience a laugh and provided a needed respite.

A special treat in this performance included partnering between two of the company’s married couples: Seth Orza and Sarah Ricard Orza and Lindsi Dec and Karel Kruz. In the sensual pas de deux, these real-life married couples, along with principal dancers Lucien Postlewaite and Kaori Nakamura, showcased both precision in movement as well as emotion.

I look forward to more pieces from this brilliant choreographer.

The music (Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major – Adagio and Piano Concerto in C Major – Andante) also warrants special mention. With the resignation of Maestro Stewart Kershaw, Allan Dameron is acting Music Director and Conductor. Dameron performed masterfully as both pianist and conductor for this piece.

Mopey

This 14-minute male solo of “adolescent meltdown” was first performed by PNB in 2005. The cult classic, performed by soloist, James Moore was pure perfection.

Moore’s fluidity of movement demonstrated both his raw strength and masculine grace. The agony of the journey from boy to man with all of the temptations and mistakes made along the way was nothing short of mesmerizing.

For three perspectives on Mopey, see seattledances blog interview with James Moore and two other dancers cast for this run, Soloist Benjamin Griffiths and Principal, Jonathan Poretta.

The Seasons

This was the world premiere of The Seasons, choreographed by Val Caniparoli. The Seasons is a balletic allegory of the four seasons danced to the music of Alexander Glazunov (Op.67, 1899). The Seasons is served up against a simple and very striking set and presented with innovative costume design. Both set and costumes were designed by Sandra Woodall. I cannot even begin to describe the brilliance in executing these costume design concepts. Check out this video posted by PNB as a special thanks to the costume shop for a taste:  PNB’s The Seasons Costume Preview.

The Seasons opened in winter and it appeared that it was snowing stars. Thus the magical blend of contemporary and classical ballet began. There were delightful gnomes lighting fires to melt the snow and change the scene to spring. Kaori Nakamura as the Swallow truly took flight—both on her own and with the aid of the Zephyr, Lucien Postlewaite. You could see the fun and frolic in Barry Kerolis as a faun. With its cast of birds, satyrs, fauns, flowers and gnomes, this piece has something for everyone.

West Side Story Suite

West Side Story is an abbreviated version of the musical of the same name. Choreographer Jerome Robbins (along with Peter Genarro) extracted this sequence of dances originally for the New York City Ballet in 1995.

This piece is just plain fun and allows the dancers to try their hand at singing and showing off a completely different style. Principal, Carla Körbes was a delight as the spunky, Anita seeming to be transformed both in looks (her blonde hair covered in a dark wig) and technique.

PNB’s Director’s Choice runs from November 5–15, 2009.
Don’t miss it!

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker Head (design by Maurice Sendak)

Herr Nutcracker was found at 8 am this morning, disoriented and clinging to life on the floor of a darkened room at an undisclosed location on Mercer Street, weakly muttering “Ich habe dir vertraut elender Verräter”. While being carried into the waiting ambulance he began screaming “Ich schwöre bei Gott Clara, ich werd…e ihm die Hoden abgeschnitten”. He managed to squeek “Ich bin allergisch gegen Nüsse” before he was quickly sedated by emergency personnel, then air lifted to the CJDL Design facility where he was rushed into the emergency room. Unresponsive and in severe critical condition, he is being stabilized in preparation for surgery.

Dr. Drosselmeyer confirmed that Herr Nutcracker has sustained serious injuries. He suffers from a fractured skull and has been scalped. In what seems to be a botched lobotomy, parts of the frontal and parietal lobes are missing. His left ear has been ripped off and the police, as well as the postal service, are on the lookout for a small box with no return address. His lower mandible is severely dislocated and chunks of his beard and mustache have been pulled out. The entire lower portion of his body is missing.

The surgeons will be operating over the next 36 hours but his diagnosis is grim. We will keep you posted on this troubling situation.

by Christine Joly de Lotbiniere

CJDL Design

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Kaori Nakamura as "Juliet" and soloist James Moore as "Romeo" in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette. All Photos © Angela Sterling

I recently had the privilege of viewing the matinee performance of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Roméo et Juliette.   I was prepared to be delighted and entertained, being a tremendous fan of PNB already.   However, I must admit I was not prepared for the high caliber of dancing coupled with such flawless character interpretation as this.

The PNB dancers breathed new life into Jean-Christophe Maillot’s intricate adaptation.   From the moment I saw actual credits rolling across the screen, I knew this would be no ordinary ballet with a modern twist.   This was history in the making.

The scrawling black and white credits soon gave way to sets that were clean, pure and abstract.   The lighting played a greater role than I’d seen in the past, able to change the entire feel of a scene from a misty dream-like state one minute, to a cold starry night the next.

The dancers were so in tune with their characters, you easily became lost in the performance.

Kaori Nakamura’s Juliette was young, fresh and a bit of a “spoiled, wild child”.   From “flashing” her nurse (bad girl!), to her refusal to obey her Mother’s wishes and marry Paris, Nakamura successfully channels all the feisty rebelliousness of the teen years.  This is Nakamura’s first time performing as Juliette, and she beautifully exceeds all expectations.

James Moore’s Romeo is everything you’d expect from a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks.  He’s playful, rambunctious, headstrong, and a bit of a show-off, especially with the ladies.  Yet for all his flaws, Moore’s Romeo was a character you couldn’t help but fall in love with.

Olivier Wevers did a superb job as Friar Laurence. As both a silent narrator and active participant to this tragedy, his performance is raw and heartbreaking; his anguish palpable. He is forever trapped in a nightmare of his own making, desperate for forgiveness that will never come.

Principal dancer, Olivier Wevers as "Friar Lawrence" with the two Acolytes (Jordan Pacitti and Jerome Tisserand

Equally magnificent was the athleticism of the Friar’s two Acolytes, played by Jordan Pacitti and Sean Rollofson.  So much of their movement was done in slow, exaggerated motion: the turns, lifts, and carefully executed rolls off the stage were riveting and poetic.

Her Nurse, expertly played by Chalnessa Eames, was clearly outwitted–and at times overwhelmed–by her young charge’s antics. Although the Nurse’s movements were silly and comedic, they carried an undertone of seriousness to her tasks at hand. There was no question regarding her devotion to Juliette.

Mara Vinson’s Lady Capulet was simply magnificent. From the moment she came into view she exuded superior control and confidence. Every inch the powerful matriarch, Vinson gave a performance so compelling I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.

Seth Orza was a very convincing Tybalt. He successfully conveyed his character’s anger, sense of family pride, and deep loathing of the Montague’s. His movements were commanding, intimidating, and breath-taking.

Mercutio and Benvolio played by Barry Kerollis and Josh Spell, round out the obnoxious Montague bunch. They live to aggravate and annoy the Capulets, most especially Tybalt. They played their roles as troublesome, arrogant pests with a hint of boyish foolishness, to the fullest.

Jeffrey Stanton’s portrayal of Paris was perfect. He was quiet, unassuming, gentlemanly; a stark contrast from Tybalt and Romeo.

Lesley Rausch played a sexy, sassy Rosaline. Her character is well-aware of her beauty and uses it to full advantage.

Story Highlights

The attraction between Romeo and Juliette was undeniably beautiful. The Balcony scene served as an exquisite moment of foreplay, aching with longing. Their wedding was simple and elegant; their wedding night resonating with passion and joy. It was in that moment that Juliette became the pursuer, with her Romeo succumbing to her charms. Watching these two, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was witnessing pure magic.

With the dramatic fight scene at the end of Act II, the audience is suddenly catapulted into the midst of Friar Laurence’s nightmare. Like one possessed, he digs his fingers into the set as it moves eerily across the floor, trying in vain to stop the next chain of events.The terror unfolds in slow motion as the distraught Friar Laurence watches on in agony. This is the moment he was dreading. This is the moment when everything falls apart.

Principal Dancers Bakturel Bold (Tybalt) and Jonathan Poretta (Mercutio)

As the action resumes normal speed, the brutality and its aftermath hit you full-force. Lady Capulet flails about in a wild rage, her grief unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Paris must half-carry, half-drag her away from Tybalt’s lifeless form. Her heart takes another devastating blow with the loss of her daughter. She bitterly clings to the walls as if to say, “Take me now! I can’t bear this any longer!” As a mother, you feel her cries echo through your heart as she doubles over repeatedly in anguish. Yet her reaction is nothing compared to Romeo’s. As we know, Friar Laurence’s letter has not reached him in time. Romeo cannot—will not—bear this excruciating loss.

As Juliette awakens from her slumber and discovers that her cherished Romeo is no more, you feel her gut-wrenching loss. Her body is wracked with sobs, her horrified expression crying out, “This was not how it was supposed to be!”

Unable to bear the scene before him, Friar Laurence turns his back toward the grief-stricken Juliette and clings to the wall in shame and helplessness. Juliette then strangles herself and gently falls across her beloved’s body.

Conclusion

I was absolutely enthralled by this performance. It was magical, poignant, thrilling, devastating and beautifully complex. The dancer’s dramatic expressions, the careful subtleties of movement, and the striking character development work together to provide a rich, new layer to this Shakespearean tragedy. I’m so thankful to Peter Boal for adding this production to the company’s repertoire.

What may have initially felt like a bold move to my “classically inclined” mind, the performance left me with an even deeper respect for PNB as a whole. This is a company that is clearly up to any challenge a choreographer or director may throw their way.

My co-worker and companion on this trip, Lisa-Marie, also found the performance captivating. In fact, this was her first time ever seeing a ballet so I’ll let her reaction speak for itself: “I am spoiled for life! I can never see another ballet again without comparing it to Romeo et Juliette.”

Run—do not walk—to McCaw Hall and get your tickets to see Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Romeo et Juliette. You will not be disappointed.

By Denise Opper

Media Relations: Vala Dancewear/Class Act Tutu All Photos © Angela Sterling

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Kaori Nakamura as "Juliet" and soloist James Moore as "Romeo" in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette.

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