SMUIN BALLET BRINGS INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CHOREOGRAPHY TO THE BAY AREA WITH INNOVATIVE SPRING PROGRAM

JIRÍ KYLIÁN’S “PETITE MORT,” WORLD PREMIERE OF MA CONG’S “FRENCH TWIST,” AND MICHAEL SMUIN’S “SONGS OF MAHLER”

in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Cupertino, and Carmel

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 25, 2010) – Smuin Ballet concludes its 2009/2010 season with an invigorating spring program consisting of three enthralling, high-energy ballets to be presented in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Cupertino, and Carmel. The evening begins with a milestone for Smuin Ballet as it becomes the first Bay Area company to perform the extraordinary and stunning Petite Mort by the internationally renowned choreographer Jirí Kylián. Continuing the program is the World Premiere of the enticingly frenetic French Twist by rising star choreographer Ma Cong. The evening concludes with an enduring romance by the incomparable Michael Smuin, the passionate Songs of Mahler. These three
unique acts offer a tempestuous examination of the fickle nature of love in an evening unprecedented, unforgettable, unmistakably Smuin Ballet. The program plays May 7, 2010 through June 5, 2010. Single tickets ($18, $41, and $56) are available through the respective theaters.

A significant collaboration for the company, Smuin Ballet will be the first professional Bay Area company to perform Petite Mort by European choreographer Jirí Kylián, one of the most inventive and daring choreographers at work today and for many years the driving force behind Nederlands Dans Theater. This breathtaking dance pairs six men and six women with six fencing foils, set to two of Mozart’s most beautiful piano concertos. Petite Mort is a visual feast ornamented with symbolism, where men swish and parry with foils and seamlessly replace their weapons with female dancers. The second section continues with riveting examples of sensual partnering among the couples. Petite Mort encompasses Kylian’s trademark grace and inventiveness in a roundelay in which aggression, sexuality, vulnerability, tenderness, and harmony all play a part. Petite Mort enjoyed its World Premiere in Germany and was specifically created for the Salzburg Festival on the second centenary of Mozart's death in 1991.

Kylián began his dance training in 1947 at the age of nine at the Prague National Theatre ballet school. He studied at the Prague Conservatory at the age of fifteen and went to the Royal Ballet School in London in 1967. Kylián was soon introduced to contemporary dance in London and began exploring the world of choreography. From 1975 to 1999 he was
responsible for much of Netherlands Dans Theater's artistic policy and has choreographed over 70 ballets for the company. His choreography has found international acclaim and his works have been performed by more than 80 companies and schools worldwide.

Brandywine Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program for the Serious Dancer

March 8, 2010
Contact: Joshua Olmstead
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610-692-6402

West Chester, PA – Brandywine Ballet is pleased to announce its 2010 Summer Intensive Program for the serious dancer, featuring outstanding guest faculty, a variety of dance classes, and a culminating performance at Delaware County’s Summer Festival at Rose Tree Park. The 2010 Summer Intensive Program runs full days Monday – Friday, July 5 – 30, 2010. Classes include Ballet, Pointe Technique/Variations, Contemporary, Stretch and Conditioning, and Jazz. Dancers participating in all four weeks will also take part in rehearsals for the culminating performance Friday, July 30, 7:30 pm at Rose Tree Park in Media, PA.

This summer’s impressive guest faculty roster includes Eric Bean Jr. (Koresh Dance Company), Martha Chamberlain (Pennsylvania Ballet), Ian Dodge (Rebecca Davis Dance Co.), Christopher Fleming (New York City Ballet, ’78-86), Nancy Page (Brandywine Ballet), Melissa Rector (Koresh Dance Co.), and founding first Principal Dancer of Pennsylvania Ballet Barbara Sandonato (Pennsylvania Ballet, ’62-’77). Each guest faculty member spends a week with dancers enrolled at both advanced and intermediate levels. The program presents a unique opportunity for area and visiting dancers to work closely with a variety of distinguished instructors. For more information regarding registration, tuition, and scheduling, visit http://www.brandywineballet.com or call 610.692.6402.