Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi Presents “Trip the Light Fantastic!”

Sara Havener, Jared Tan and Jackie Nash in Heath Gill's "Idyll."

I look forward to Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi each summer because I get to see great new work from rising choreographers in various location around Atlanta. This year's music included Alabama Shakes, Tom Waits, Philip Glass, Frédéric Chopin and an original composition by Dede Vogt.

Atlanta Botanical Garden is currently is hosting an exhibit of light installations by British artist Bruce Munro, “Light in the Garden.”   On Thursday, Jun 18th, two of the four works on the debut program of Wabi Sabi’s fifth season graced Munro’s most intense and magical installation, “Forest of Light,” amid the garden’s Storza Woods.

Wabi Sabi ballet master John Welker said that when he visited the forest recently, he admired the landscape architecture of the newly opened Woodland Ramble, but as night fell and the lights began to twinkle he was stunned.

Thursday night’s program, “Trip the Light Fantastic,” had the audience in awe.  It was whimsical and Munro's installation made you feel like you were in a fairy tale.

The program began on the Great Lawn with Heath Gill's Idyll.  we then followed “Between’s” dancers  - choreographed by Sarah Hillmer - as they move through the lit woods. The work paused at the Glade Garden’s reflecting pool, then moved to the Rose Garden where Meaghan Muller’s circus-inspired work, "Ganesa" showcased the former Cirque du Soleil aerialist's skills. Due to rain, Tara Lee's "Swimmer" was moved from the Great Lawn to Day Hall.  The intimate setting was a perfect ending to an exceptional program. 

Sara Havener and Jackie Nash in Heath Gill's "Idyll."

Jackie Nash, Jared Tan and Sara Havener.

A surprised Jared Tan enjoys kisses from the ladies.

Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath in Sarah Hillman's "Between."

Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath .

Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath  paired well together.

John Welker joined Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath just before leading us to the next set.

 

John Welker and Alexandre Barros in "Between."

Brian Wallenberg captures John Welker, Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath on video.

Meaghan Muller dances along the edges of the reflecting pool.

John Welker, Alexandre Barros and Lydia Redpath fascinate the crowd
as Brian Wallenberg captures the moment on video.

John Welker's execution is stellar.

Don't try this at home ...

Ah, a dip in the pool.

Serenity.

Otherworldly.

Meaghan Muller begins "Ganesa."

Elegant.

High-spirited.

The exquisite art of balance.

Tara Lee's "The Swimmer."

The graceful Kiara Felder.

The delicate movements are in harmony with the willowy shadows.

Alexandre Barros, Kiara Felder, Sara Havener,  Lydia Redpath, Jared Tan, John Welker and Olivia Yoch.

Wabi Sabi never ceases to amaze its audiences and "Trip the Light Fantastic" was no exception.  Visit www.atlantaballet.com/wabisabi for the summer schedule.