Ballet Chicago is thrilled to present its highly anticipated Spring Repertory Performance, “Balanchine + Beyond,” at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, May 10, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph Dr. his special program celebrates 30 years of artistic excellence and Ballet Chicago’s legacy as a premier training ground for the next generation of classical artists.
Audiences will experience a breathtaking showcase of classical and contemporary ballet, featuring two iconic works by legendary, award-winning choreographer George Balanchine, authentically restaged to highlight the versatility and artistry of Ballet Chicago’s dancers. The program is rounded out by two compelling works from Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour.
“Rubies.” Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust
The Balanchine pieces illustrate the range of his work. They include his beautiful and moving “Serenade,” (1935) set to Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48,” and “Rubies,” from his full-length abstract and innovative ballet “Jewels” (1967) set to Stravinsky’s dynamic Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra. Both works are presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and are produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style ® and Balanchine Technique ®, service standards established and provided by the Trust.
Says Ballet Chicago Founder & Artistic Director Daniel Duell, “Associate Artistic Director and School Director Patricia Blair and I are both official répétiteurs for the George Balanchine Trust, authorized to stage and perform his choreography. Thus, when you see Balanchine choreography performed by Ballet Chicago, you are seeing as authentic a staging as can be seen anywhere – not only Mr. B.’s steps and patterns, but also his technical and musical approach to executing them. Further, you are seeing the amplitude, freedom, and joy intended by Mr. B., the release of individual expression through his choreography.”
The program also includes two works by Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour. These include “Danzón!,” (2015), combining Latin ballroom styles with classical ballet and set to award-winning contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s popular “Danzon #2”; and the world premiere of a new children’s ballet performed to the compositions of American composer William Grant Still the first African American to conduct a professional symphony orchestra in the United States.
Says Seymour, “Dance is the language of the body, music the voice of the soul. Together, they transcend boundaries, uniting hearts across time, space and culture. I am thrilled to have created these works that can open new windows of thought and emotion for our students and our audience and I can’t wait to see these works light up the Harris stage.”
Tickets
Ballet Chicago presents “Balanchine + Beyond” at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Tickets are $32-$71. For tickets and more information visit www.harristheaterchicago.org.
About Ballet Chicago
As one of Chicago’s premier dance institutions, Ballet Chicago continues to shape the city’s cultural landscape, offering world-class performances and unparalleled training. Co-founded as a dance company in 1987 by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Daniel Duell and former ballerina Patricia Blair, the school was founded in 1995 to be a premier training ground for the next generation of classical artists.
By special arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust, Ballet Chicago performances blend the brilliance of Balanchine masterworks with innovative new choreography, creating compelling programs unique in the city. Observes See Chicago Dance, “As the only dance school in the Midwest licensed by the Balanchine Trust to teach, stage, and perform the works of George Balanchine, Ballet Chicago offers Chicago audiences their most frequent opportunity to see his work.”
Ballet Chicago values both artistic excellence and character development. It fosters an inclusive community where diversity is intentional, achievements are celebrated, and challenges are met with resilience. The dancers bring raw energy, technical excellence, and heartfelt artistry to every piece on the program. Each performance is a celebration of discipline, dedication, and joy that is sure to leave audiences inspired.
The Ballet Chicago Studio Company replicates a professional company experience and is recognized as one of the top training programs in the country. Since its inception, the Studio Company has presented over 400 performances across Chicago, the Midwest, and Canada, with annual seasons at Chicago’s Athenaeum Center for Thought and Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
Today, under the leadership of Daniel Duell (Artistic Director) and Patricia Blair (Associate Artistic Director & School Director), Ballet Chicago conducts classes in Preparatory (age 3-7) and Student (8-14) and Pre-professional (14+) divisions. For more information about Ballet Chicago visit www.balletchicago.org.
Ballet Chicago is supported in part by Wintrust Community Bank, Arthur J Gallagher, LLP, and the Florian Fund of the Chicago Community Foundation. Additional support is provided by American Girl, the American Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), The Service Club of Chicago, McNally Capital, Wear Moi, Tutu, Designs by Rosa, Irving Harris Foundation, Pete’s Market, ReedSmith, Ron McKinney Photography, The Moonlighter, Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, Revolution Brewing, Starbucks, Zarely, EX, Intelligentsia, Sugar Bliss, Chicago Athletic Club, Scofflaw.