Irvine Barclay Theatre (Irvine, CA)
Festival Ballet Theatre, one of Southern California's most accomplished ballet companies, kicks off its 20th anniversary season with a showcase of company and world premieres. Program highlights include Molly Lynch's bold, updated rendition of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as Twyla Tharp's "Shameless," performed by guest principal dancers from the Broadway musical Movin' Out.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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The last event was Sunday September 21, 2008 / 2:00pm. (view all dates)
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BRAVO!!!!
The event "Premieres & Repertoire" put on by the "Festival Ballet Theatre" was spectacular and the fact that this event was even available to me on "Goldstar" was an extra added plus!!! "Festival Ballet Theatre" is a non-profit organization showcasing the talents of so many young and upcoming Dancers and Choreographers in the Orange County area. If you get a chance to see their "Nutcracker" in December, with Principal Dancers from the "ABT" as well, it is quite remarkable!!!!
The first half of "Premieres & Repertoire" showcased beautifully choreographed pieces by Lillian Barbeito, Melissa Barak, Brian Reeder, and performed by the "Festival Ballet Theatre" company dancers and apprentice's. Principal dancers, Karine Plantadit and Ian Carney, were stunning in the performance of "Shameless", from Twyla Tharp's "Movin' Out".
The second half was "A Midsummer Night's Dream", choreographed by Molly Lynch. It was amazing and the entire cast were "Festival Ballet Theatre" company dancers, plus younger (but very professional) dancers from Southland Ballet Academy, Director Salwa Riskkalla. I have to mention Bobby Amamizu, who I've never had the privilege of watching before. This is his first year with "Festival Ballet Theatre" and they must be thrilled to have him, as he is exceptionally talented. I hope to see him in December's "Nutcracker" at The Irvine Barclay Theratre, and hope to get my tix from "Goldstar"!!!
I thank you for supporting this event and having it available on "Goldstar"
Sincerely,
A devoted fan of the arts, especially DANCE & "FBT"!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was an exceptional event! The dance concert was as good as any the 3 of us have seen at OCPAC. Molly Lynch's choreography of "Midsummer Night's Dream" was perfect fantasy! Bravo to all of the Festival Ballet Theatre dancers! We need you in OC!
OMG the 2 dancers from Movin' Out were INCREDIBLE!! The other performances were great, too.
short program and a one act ballet
I enjoyed this very much, especially the one act Midsummer Nights Dream in the second half of the program.
The Barclay Theatre (a.k.a. Cheng Hall) is located near the University of California Irvine campus. The 750-seat theater has gained a national reputation for its great acoustics and excellent sight lines. The theater is a truly modern facility with air conditioning, full access to the disabled, very comfortable seating and an intimate feeling throughout.
The company’s 20th anniversary season begins with the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Melissa Barak. Classical vocabulary and contemporary styling set apart this abstract, sculptural dance for seven to the moody strains of music by Arvo Pärt. The program continues with the world premiere of Lillian Barbeito’s "Lemuria." Inspired by writings about the lost society of Lemuria, a civilization pre-dating Atlantis, Barbeito’s 11-minute work for an all-female cast of 13 is angular, athletic and visually arresting. A hyper-articulate and celebratory take on the evolving circles of life, the ballet is set to the music of John Williams, Johnny Greenwood and Ezio Bosso.
The first half of the program continues with a change of pace and Twyla Tharp’s "Shameless." Performed by special guest artists Karine Plantadit and Ian Carney, principal dancers from the Broadway hit musical Movin’ Out, Tharp’s “hyperkinetic style” meets “openly narrative choreography” is sure to be a showstopper.
The third world premiere of the evening is Brian Reeder’s percussive neo-classical ode to the joy of movement, "Paisiello Variations." The unfussy 13-minute ballet for 16 dancers, set to a compilation of operatic compositions by Giovanni Paisiello, showcases the company’s technical prowess, clean lines and brisk, beautiful movement.
The program closes with the company premiere of Molly Lynch’s bold and updated rendition of Shakespeare’s enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lively, amusing and accompanied by the music of Felix Mendelssohn, Lynch's "Dream" is complete with star-crossed lovers, mischievous fairies and Puck magically soaring high above the stage. Lynch originally choreographed "Dream" for Ballet Pacific while serving as the company's artistic director.
About Festival Ballet Theatre
Founded in 1988, Festival Ballet Theatre, under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla, is dedicated to presenting works that epitomize the artistry of professional ballet, offering cultural awareness of dance through educational programs, and nurturing a creative environment for some of America’s most talented dancers. Boasting a roster of impressive up-and-coming talent, the company’s productions also feature internationally acclaimed guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Scottish Ballet. FBT strives to enrich the experience of Orange County’s dance audience by highlighting the work of world-renowned guest and resident choreographers who have received critical acclaim for original ballets around the globe. FBT presents a varied repertoire of full-length classical ballets including Coppélia, Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, as well as contemporary works by some of the nation’s most sought-after choreographers.
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