By Stacy Fisher
Ballet Northwest has a tradition of presenting ballets over Mother’s Day weekend, and this year they are presenting Carnival of the Animals and Other Premiere Works. This is an ideal show for introducing ballet and orchestral music to families and young audiences.
A collection of three world premiere ballets, this represents the first collaboration with director Huw Edwards and musicians of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, who will provide accompaniment for the performances. Based on the high quality of work from both of these organizations, their first production together shows great promise.
A Menagerie of Dance
The performance starts with a ballet called “Mozart”, which is choreographed by Artistic Directors Ken and Josie Johnson and as it sounds, is a traditional, neo-classical ballet. For those of you who picture ballerinas dancing in pointe shoes in traditional flowy skirts, you will not be disappointed. The mood is beautiful and classic and danced to a familiar suite of music by Mozart.
“Carnival of the Animals” is a ballet with a completely different vibe and is arguably the spotlight of the night. The ballet uses 19th century music by French composer Camille Saint-Saens, choreography by Artistic Directors Ken and Josie Johnson to create a fantasy, set in an imaginary zoo. The story surrounds a young boy who is wandering through the zoo and is distracted by a peacock and separated from his parents. He is then transported through encounters with all types of animals and reunited in a big finale. Jill Carter, the set designer who also works with Olympia Family Theatre, has created brand new sets to include video projections high above the stage. The mood and dance will reflect the animals and the style of their moments. Dancers will be dressed as peacock, lion, hens, zebra, tortoises, kangaroos, and elephants, and a sea aquarium will come alive on stage. Even young children will be able to relate to “Carnival” when the stage is a riot of feathers, fur and color.
The final performance, “Arrakis”, portrays an entirely different mood. The word arrakis comes from the Arabic word meaning “the dancer”. The dance is choreographed by Joanne Holbrook, who teaches at the Olympia Dance Center and is originally from South Africa. This contemporary music and dance includes music from Ravel, Vivaldi, Coldplay and Bach cello solo. “Our dancers are use to more classical ballet so this is a nice challenge for our dancers, and they have really taken to it and done a nice job” says Josie Johnson. In addition, Ballet Northwest is excited to have Iyun Harrison, from Ashandi Dances a Seattle based dance company and former dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, as guest artist for this piece.
The Company Dancers
The Ballet Northwest company consists of 75 members, ages 12 and older, who auditioned in September and train and dance for the whole season. An additional 20 dancers are being used to supplement the cast for this show, and each member began practicing in early spring. Most dancers practice every weekend, with additional ballet and dance training during the week. Sitting down with Ken and Josie Johnson, you would be amazed at their calm demeanors being so close to opening night. “It is an amazing group of people, dancers, families and volunteers…we are very fortunate to be working with this group” says Josie. She continues, “our dancers are really well trained but have a great support for each other.”
“Each show brings its own set of challenges,” mentions Ken. “The most challenging part is trying to work around everyone’s schedules.” Bringing these shows to stage is an extreme example of project management. The production includes all brand new costumes and sets, including 40 tutus and 75 unitards flown in from New York. The costume designer and the costume staff worked with each dancer to create an accessory for their outfit. Each had input and helped craft something for their animal for the show.
There are so many components to the performance, but the dancers are in calm confident hands.
Community Friendly
Not everyone has access to ballet and live music, but Ballet Northwest and the Olympia Symphony Orchestra do everything in their power to make these art forms accessible to families in our area. Especially with national cuts in art education, Ballet Northwest is focused on providing free programs to school aged children. They offer Introduction to Dance programs where the dancers are taken into the school so that kids can see what a class is all about, watch a performance, and ask questions. Also, student matinees are wholly supported and funded by the company which buses children to the Washington Center to see abbreviated performances and to learn a bit about the production of the show. It is a great leadership experience for the dancers and good exposure for our students.
If your young child is interested in learning more about ballet, Carnival of the Animals Kids Camp is being offered by Olympia Dance Center this summer. Girls and boys, aged 4 through 7, will learn an age appropriate version of the dance, make craft items, and put on a mini show themselves at the end of the week. Contact Olympia Dance Center for registration information.
World Premieres May 11-1
If you haven’t bought a Mother’s Day present yet, consider a day at the ballet. A beautifully rendered show for children and adults, the performance will be held at The Washington Center for Performing Arts. The theatre will be filled with live music, innovative set designs, and dancers fitted with professional costumes and working tirelessly to bring us a memorable first-class performance.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
Tickets: 360-753-8586 or www.olytix.org
Thank you to Lindsey Judge and Adele Cabinallas for the dance rehearsal photos.
