BalletMet will close its season with a dance tribute to American music legends. Dancing to the sounds of Johnny Cash, Sammy Davis Jr. and Stevie Wonder, BalletMet is hoping to attract audiences of all ages to this final performance.
“All three artists shaped American music and culture,” said Jennifer Sciantarelli, communications manager of BalletMet. “Their music brings a timeless element to the ballet that anyone can appreciate.”
Three choreographers selected an American music icon on which to base their piece. Sciantarelli said choreographers had vested interests in the music they chose.
Darrell Grand Moultrie elected to choreograph a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. titled “Simply Sammy.” Moultrie once performed in a one-man show as a teen obsessed with the legendary member of the Rat Pack. Moultrie described Davis’ music as “infectious.”
“This piece is a real tribute to the variety of his music and is a roller coaster of emotions,” Sciantarelli said.
There are no stories behind the pieces. The dances are inspired entirely by the music.
Choreographer James Kudelka produced the Johnny Cash dance. Titled “The Man in Black,” the piece uses “minimalistic, small movements that make a big impact,” Sciantarelli said. Kudelka felt that the songs of Johnny Cash celebrate the “working man and the American spirit,” he said.
For dancer Samantha Lewis, the challenge of this dance was performing in cowboy boots instead of traditional dance shoes.
Maurice Hines choreographed “Wonderful” in honor of Stevie Wonder, the prolific Motown singer and songwriter. When Hines met with Wonder in 2009 to tell him about this tribute, the artist was shocked to learn that ballerinas were dancing to his music.
This show offers a “good entry point” for those who have never been to a ballet before, but will also give new perspective to long time fans of ballet, Sciantarelli said.
She said she is hoping that this final performance will be an opportunity to bring together many generations.
“This performance will have something for everybody,” Sciantarelli said.
Second-year dancer Lewis agrees, calling it “an ageless performance” that creates a fun, upbeat and energizing atmosphere.
“Older people may enjoy it for different reasons than young people, but everyone will enjoy it,” she said.
She also added that it’s a great opportunity to see each dancer’s personality. The choreography gives dancers the chance to improvise, she said.
“Every girl will be giving it their all,” Lewis said. “No one has any reason to hold back, so the whole show will be really high energy.”
Sciantarelli said she believes a show that’s lively and engaging is exactly what they aim for in a season finale.
“You really want to end the season on a high note,” Sciantarelli said.
This show closes the 32nd season of BalletMet, one of the nation’s largest dance companies.
The show will take place at the Capitol Theatre. It starts Friday and goes until May 1. Performance times vary. Students can purchase tickets for $15 with BuckID at the theater two hours before show time.
