Atlanta
Ballet’s eclectic mixed-rep program Modern Choreographic Voices shatters
perceptions of dance in the modern world
by presenting the freshest and most innovative works from all corners of the
globe. Billed this season as The Best of Modern Choreographic Voices - Atlanta
Ballet brought back three favorites from past seasons - the program ran for one weekend only, April
17-19, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Power, precision and stamina are three words that spring to
mind when watching Alexei Ratmansky’s intense, fast-paced “Seven Sonatas,” which
has become a hallmark for the Russian dancer-turned-choreographer, who, at 46,
has already become an icon in the ballet world. Ratmansky, who currently serves as artist in
residence at American Ballet Theatre in New York, is known as one of the
prolific choreographers of his generation and was even regarded by The New York
Times as “the most looked-to choreographer in Western ballet” and “the most
gifted choreographer specializing in classical ballet today.” Atlanta Ballet premiered “Seven Sonatas,” on
its March 2014 Modern Choreographic Voices.
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-_znYQ-UgjBk/VTwPf_obr5I/AAAAAAAADok/dMMMKE3pgsU/s1600/BON_1601.jpg) |
Tara Lee with Brandon Nguyen. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4Xa-By3X8U/VTwPgQMeDMI/AAAAAAAADow/LHJPve1Tvl0/s1600/BON_1614.jpg) |
Rachel Van Buskirk with Shirley Irek on piano. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-fx8bvawv-OY/VTwPgtyQwuI/AAAAAAAADo0/XnE8jSRLlT4/s1600/BON_1638.jpg) |
Nadia Mara dancing with Jacob Bush and Shirley Irek on piano. |
Hailed
as a choreographer of "startling originality" (Back Stage) and
"a standout on the soulful front" (Sun-Sentinel), choreographer Gina
Patterson will reprise her “Quietly Walking,” which originally debuted in
Atlanta Ballet’s inaugural New Choreographic Voices program in 2011. According to Patterson, "Quietly Walking"
reflects on the relationship between urbanization and deforestation, and how,
as we continue to clear cut acres of forestland to create concrete jungles, we
are in danger of losing our connection with the earth and with each other. "In
the midst of the city, how do we stay connected to nature?" asks
Patterson. "How do we stay in touch with our fellow human beings, with
ourselves? As we build physical walls, do we also build emotional ones?" Patterson
worked closely with internationally-respected costume and set designer Jorge
Gallardo and Atlanta Ballet lighting designer Robert Hand to translate the images
that inspired her choreography into striking costumes, sets and lighting
effects that help to fully express her vision for the work.
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJfK0vDf7SE/VTwPhyTl8ZI/AAAAAAAADo8/SRoZ0vB7v_U/s1600/BON_9737.jpg) |
Sara Havener and Christian Clark. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1dTQYX6Cuo/VTwPiNJPoNI/AAAAAAAADpA/vMB5-AkhY50/s1600/BON_9907.jpg) |
Peng-Yu Chen with John Welker. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufF_uTjPFvE/VTwPh2mVaHI/AAAAAAAADpE/jD-UV9Y43Yk/s1600/BON_9968.jpg) |
Nadia Mara with Jonah Hooper. |
Atlanta Ballet went “Gaga” with the return 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” made its Atlanta Ballet debut in March 2013 and is also a part of the repertory of companies such as New York’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Chicago’s Hubbard Street Dance. “Minus 16” 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.
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YgHX_GN1xE/VTwPcjTCXDI/AAAAAAAADno/fTXYZC4xEWQ/s1600/BON_0114.jpg) |
Heath Gill |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBpYOnrNHvU/VTwPciJBO8I/AAAAAAAADns/hab1PJudct8/s1600/BON_0152.jpg) |
Rachel Van Buskirk, Yoomi Kim, Benjamin Stone and Kelsey Ebersold. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJeJ9rJ_a6k/VTwPdRZbYbI/AAAAAAAADnw/XMaAuZ4jhgQ/s1600/BON_0284.jpg) |
Ohad Naharin's free-flowing style in "Minus16." |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyzJ77_nGWA/VTwPeK1HfWI/AAAAAAAADoE/w2Qg2vFTcOk/s1600/BON_0304.jpg) |
Audience participation. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4hkBdOwfgI/VTwPeeBTSJI/AAAAAAAADoA/FKev8tDDqOo/s1600/BON_0328.jpg) |
"Sway" takes on a new meaning with audience participation in Ohad Naharin's "Minus16." |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-znUj7NZppR8/VTwPeSKbX_I/AAAAAAAADoI/6YZEJCB3CKQ/s1600/BON_0354.jpg) |
The power of walking away. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RQFdZY1qVw/VTwPfq-wSHI/AAAAAAAADog/H8bSG6aulIk/s1600/BON_0411.jpg) |
Ohad Naharin's "gaga" signature style. |
![Photography by Bonnie M. Morét Photography by Bonnie M. Morét](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sW-QhDePMk/VTwPfotIYbI/AAAAAAAADoc/MxvTxaZzrhg/s1600/BON_0375.jpg) |
Hats off to say good night ... |
For
more information about Atlanta Ballet and to purchase tickets forthe upcoming
performance "MAYhem," visit www.atlantaballet.com.
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