Ballet is a practice steeped in tradition, but Ballet Arizona will bring an edgy viewpoint to the classic dance with New Moves. The series of modern works will showcase original choreography from Sept. 27-30 at Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix.
New Moves puts acclaimed choreographers in the spotlight for a program of creative and diverse works appealing to a range of interests. This year’s program features works from Ballet Arizona’s renowned Artistic Director, Ib Andersen, the buzzworthy resident choreographer of the New York City Ballet, Justin Peck, and Ballet Arizona dancer and emerging choreographer, Nayon Iovino.
Andersen will present Rio, a vivacious performance that explores the movement found in Brazilian culture. Set to music by Philip Glass, Rio is inspired by samba and the joy of Brazil. Ib Andersen’s choreography and direction have received high praise from The New York Times’ senior dance critic Alastair Macaulay. In 2016, Andersen’s presentation of Round inspired Macaulay to deem Ballet Arizona “one of the most enterprising” companies in the country. Andersen’s work for New Moves is sure to excite audiences.
Tony Award-Winner Peck is one of the most sought-after choreographers in modern ballet. He will present the Arizona premiere of his work, In Creases, complete with compact, intense, lightning-fast choreography. With music by Philip Glass, this event will be the highlight of the fall dance season.
Ballet Arizona dancer and breakout choreographer Iovino will present his work, Inherent, set to scores by Antonio Vivaldi, Dmitri Shostakovich and Carl Maria von Weber curated by Iovino. Inherent is a story about the legacy of life through dance, taking the audience on a journey and grabbing them by the heart.
Ballet Arizona announced that Iovino has been accepted into the New York Choreographic Institute for its Spring 2019 program. Founded in the Spring of 2000 by Irene Diamond and Peter Martins, the Institute promotes the development of choreographers and dancers involved in classical choreography by providing opportunities to develop their talents. This prestigious honor is highly competitive and the choreographers are selected from a large number of applicants received each year and reviewed by a panel of experts.
Tickets for New Moves start at $25 with discounts offered for seniors, students, military and groups. Tickets can be purchased by calling 602-381-1096 or by visiting www.balletaz.org.
