The heart, and the arts, so often speak in one voice. And the message, almost always, is universally understood. Thus we have, Dances from the Heart.
The centerpiece of this concert will be a work by guest, Nacho Duato, referred to in Paris recently as “One of the most beautiful choreographers of our time…” Since its world premiere in 1990, Na Floresta has been performed exclusively by professional ballet companies in Spain, France, Russia and Canada and in the United States by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. UA Dance is honored to be in the company of those who have performed this rare gem.
One of his best early works, Na Floresta made Nacho Duato world famous. In this one-act ballet, he penetrates the savage mystery of the Amazonian Selva. By analogy, the bustling variety of nature represents the ocean of human feelings. Its metaphysical currents again and again give rise to a new and unrestrained tide of life…
A stunning addition to Na Floresta is Jessica Lang’s Among the Stars. This piece, which premiered in 2010 to a magical score by composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto, has only been performed by Jessica Lang Dance and by the San Francisco Ballet. In a recent review Philip Gardner writes, “In this ecstatic duet, the dancers share fleeting moments of intimacy while ever-aware that the sea of stars will soon separate them again.”
Dances from the Heart will address much that inspires passion. Our history, our homeland, our habitat, and our humanity will be on full display, including of course some traditional ideas about heartfelt emotions. New faculty member Autumn Eckman, for example, is creating a piece inspired by the words of Edna St. Vincent Millay: “I know I am but summer to your heart, and not the full four seasons of the year.”
Dances from the Heart. Come see and be moved.
Tickets: Adult $35; Senior/Military/UA Employee $30; Student $15
Season Subscriptions Available
- Wednesday Feb. 13, 7:30 PM
- Thursday Feb. 14, 7:30 PM
- Friday Feb. 15, 7:30 PM
- Saturday Feb. 16, 1:30 PM
- Saturday Feb. 16, 7:30 PM
- Sunday Feb. 17, 1:30 PM
Na Floresta and Among the Stars are made possible through the generous support of The James H. and Frances R. Allen Family. Foundation, Sandy & Elliott Heiman, the Fikkan and Sherwood Artist in Residence Fund and the Ballet Masterworks Fund.
Photo: Na Floresta by Nacho Duato, courtesy of Universal Ballet-Seoul, South Korea