The sweeping rhythms and infectious energy of jazz and gospel music intertwine the three works that make up Atlanta Ballet’s February program. For two weekends (Feb. 7-9, 14-15), Atlanta audiences will have the opportunity to witness the Atlanta Ballet debuts a one-of-a-kind collaboration of live music and dance as the company shares the stage with a live gospel choir and various musicians in Dwight Rhoden’s powerful world premiere.
Following Atlanta Ballet’s popular performance of Cacti last season, Alexander Ekman returns with Tuplet, an explosive and inventive work. Using their own bodies as percussion instruments, the dancers generate driving tempos that, when intermixed with popular jazz standards and an original electronic track, create an immersive, symphonic experience.
In Lar Lubovitch’s Elemental Brubeck, swaying hips, breathtaking leaps and powerful turns channel the iconic style of Dave Brubeck’s rhythmically complex music. Atlanta Ballet is presenting Elemental Brubeck as part of the Dave Brubeck Centennial – a world-wide celebration of the 100th birthday of Dave Brubeck, the jazz composer, pianist, cultural ambassador and visionary musician, which takes place on December 6, 2020.
Described as a performance for the soul, Atlanta Ballet welcomes Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Co-Founder Dwight Rhoden for a special world premiere, titled Sunrise Divine. Under the direction of Kevin Johnson, members of the Spelman College Glee Club and the Golden Gate Singers will share the stage with Atlanta Ballet dancers, along with appearances from sopranos Hanan Davis and Julia Dennis, recording artist Kevin Thomas, and Lydia Pace of the well-known gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters. The performance will feature traditional and beloved gospel songs such as “Steal Away,” “Deep River,” and “Wade in the Water,” as well as a gospel tribute to Walter Hawkins and new music commissioned for this performance. Also included in the work is an arrangement of music originally performed by the Golden Gate Quartet.
“This collaboration of members from Atlanta’s African American artist community and Atlanta Ballet is a beautiful concept and an even better reality,” says Johnson. “Dwight and I have joined forces to create a piece of art about hope, love and the coming together of a diverse group of people in a powerful way, and I am honored to be one of the many vessels chosen to complete such an awesome creation. For me, this piece reflects the story of my life. It’s personal.”
PERFORMANCES:
Friday & Saturday, February 7, 8, 14 & 15 at 8PM
Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9 at 2PM
TICKETS:
Visit www.atlantaballet.com or call 404-892-3303 to purchase tickets starting at $20
LOCATION:
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
ABOUT ATLANTA BALLET:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Now in its 90th season, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Twitter @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
