News July/August 2005

BOLSHOI RETURNS TO THE WEST COAST

COSTA MESA, CA -- The legendary Bolshoi Ballet from Moscow returns to Orange County Performing Arts Center, Aug. 9-14, with two of its best-known works, THE BRIGHT STREAM and SPARTACUS.

The former, first choreographed in 1935 to an original Shostakovich score, suffered an unfortunate fate. Denounced by the Communist Party, it was banned and several of its creators were sent to Siberian work camps. After the Iron Curtain crumbled, the opera was re-mounted by the Bolshoi and turned into a comic pastoral romp which still manages to uphold socialist ideals. The Bolshoi's new artistic director, Alexei Ratmansky, has created a feast of new dances in various styles that include pure classicism as well as gaudy marches and mazurkas.

SPARTACUS is based on Yuri Grigorovich's original 1968 staging set to Aram Katchaturian's music. It has become one of the most popular ballets ever, an epic blockbuster in every sense of the word. For tickets and information call (714) 556-2787 or visit ocpac.org


DANCE AT THE FORD

The summer dance attractions at Ford Ampitheatre have been announced.

JAZZANTIQUE DANCE AND MUSIC ENSEMBLE'S 12th anniversary offers a retrospectivc including works inspired by the music of Duke Ellington, the art of Romare Bearden, and the Negro Baseball League. August 16.

On Sept. 3 WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE celebrates its 25th anniversary with creations old and new, choreographed by Lula Washington, Rudy Perez and others.

PACIFIC DANCE COMPANY stages a premiere inspired by the rites of the mysterious Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. Sept. 10

JAZZ TAP ENSEMBLE'S evening (Oct. 7) marks the return of Sam Weber, back from Europe, who will mix it up with JTE's next generation of dancers, including Channing Cook Holmes.

BALLET NACIONAL DE GUATEMALA--THE SPIRIT OF THE MAYAS will delve into the magic of Guatemala's native cultures as 9-foot-high dolls sway to the sounds of the marimba and colonial dances echo Spanish conquerors. July 9.

Other attractions include concerts by BELLY DANCE LIVE!, KOREAN DANCE, and VIVER BRASIL DANCE CO.

Ford Ampitheatre is located at 2580 Cahunega Blvd. East, in Hollywood. For tickets and information call (323) 461-3673 or visit FordAmpiTheatre.org



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