[Alexis Fletcher, Gilbert Small, Darren Devaney in Walking Mad]
Ballet BC presents Tilt at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from October 17 to 19 with three evening performances featuring two world premieres and the return of Walking Mad, an audience 2012 season favourite.
Set to Ravel’s Bolero, Johan Inger’s Walking Mad was an instant hit with both audiences and critics when Ballet BC premiered the work in Vancouver last year. “A riotous hit, a clever, surreal romp,” according to the Boston Globe, the ballet for nine dancers is one of riveting unpredictability, reflecting the Socratic theme that “our greatest blessings come to us by way of madness.” Inger originally created Walking Mad for Netherlands Dance Theatre in 2001 where he remains as Associate Choreographer.
[Gilbert Small in Walking Mad]
One of the most sought-after choreographers working today, Jorma Elo is resident choreographer of Boston Ballet and a former member of Netherlands Dance Theatre, Cullberg Ballet, and The Finnish National Ballet. The Finnish choreographer’s critically acclaimed works are in the repertoire of major companies around the world, including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Finnish National Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
“Jorma and Johan are innovative and exhilarating choreographers whose imaginative works captivate audiences,” says Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar. “They have had great international success and have choreographed and staged works for major dance companies around the world. We are delighted to include their work as part of Ballet BC’s repertoire.”
Tilt will also include a world premiere by Molnar, a new work that reflects her passion to push the boundaries of contemporary dance with her signature complex and sensual choreography. Molnar has danced with The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC, and Frankfurt Ballet and has created memorable works for companies around the world, including Ballet Mannheim, Cedar Lake Dance, Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company and Ballet Augsburg.
Ballet BC Presents Tilt
Dates: October 17 to 19, 8 pm
Venue: Queen E Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $22.25 to $70.00 (plus service charges); available online or via phoning Ticketmaster at 1.855.985.2787 (855.985.ARTS)
About Ballet BC
Combining classical integrity with a contemporary sensibility, Ballet BC is a company of 18 talented dancers from Canada and around the world that is committed to the ballet of today. Solidly grounded in the rigour and artistry of classical ballet, with an emphasis on innovation and the immediacy of the 21st century, the company presents a distinct and diverse repertoire of the most sought-after Canadian and international contemporary ballet choreography.
For more information, visit Ballet BC online, via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. All photos by Michael Slobodian.
