Dance Masterpieces with Richmond Ballet

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

September 7 , 2006

Masterworks of the American dance repertory will grace The Paramount's stage when the Richmond Ballet presents American Masterpieces of Dance on Tuesday, September 19 at 7 pm.  Thanks to funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and a special funding appropriation from the U.S. Congress,  American Masterpieces -- featuring the works of famed choreographers George Balanchine, John Butler and Agnes de Mille among others -- will tour the country.  Virginia funding will provide performance opportunities in 10 communities across the commonwealth.  

The program for the Ballet's Paramount performance includes works by four choreographers.  George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, set to Tschaikovsky's Third Piano Concerto, is characterized by what original ballerina Maria Tallchief calls "an expansive Russian romanticism."  The music's vigorous pace makes the steps appear even more difficult, and the allet relies on strong dancing, precise timing, and breadth of gesture.  Balanchine, whose work changed the nature of dance around the world, said "It contains everything I know about the classical ballet in 13 minutes."

Agnes de Mille's Songs in Green Places (Das Lieb im Grünen) and You Are My Peace (Du Bist die Ruhe) are a set of pas de deuxes that exemplify the beauty and romance of ballet.  Choreographed on music by Franz Schubert, the dances depict the joy, humor, and sometimes disappointment of flirtation, delighting audiences with fluid, waltzing movements.  De Mille's extensive work with leading ballet companies and on the Great White Way led to masterpieces such as Rodeo and her choreography for Oklahoma!, which  changed the direction of the Broadway musical.

A native of Greenwood, Mississippi, John Butler's works are in the repertories of the foremost international companies.  After Eden adds a different dimension to the program as Butler explores the sleek and sensual side of movement.  The mesmerizing pas de deux offers a powerful view of Adam and Eve after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and is a sensitive study of humanity with music by Lee Hoiby.

Mauricio Wainrot has seen more than 40 companies premiere his works in the last 16 years.  From Far Away  places mainstream modern dance traditions on a classical frame.   Set to the metallic percussive beats and keyboard rumblings of composer Wim Mertens’ score, the ballet -- with its folk-dance motifs and bucolic sensibilities  --  is flowing and earthly soulful.

Entering their 23rd season, the Richmond Ballet is considered one of the country’s most innovative and impressive regional ballet companies.  It was "highly recommended" by The New York Times on the occasion of the company's 2005 New York City debut at The Joyce Theater. As reflected in the programming for American Masterpieces of Dance, Artistic Director Stoner Winslett has designed a repertory for Richmond Ballet composed of a wide range of classical and contemporary ballets that stand the test of time.

 Seats for the Richmond Ballet's September 19 performance are $45, $40, $37, and $34.   A Youth/Child price of $25 is also available for those age 12 and younger.  Tickets and further details are available online or through The Paramount's Box Office at 434.979.1333.  

For more information about the Richmond Ballet,  please visit www.richmondballet.com.