Cathy Levy, Dance Producer at Canada’s National Arts Centre, today announced the exceptional line up of acclaimed choreographers, dance artists and companies as part of the 2011/2012 Dance Season. Subscriptions are now available at the NAC Box Office.

Season highlights include:

• The Bolshoi Ballet in Don Quixote, making their NAC debut
• The exclusive Canadian engagement of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch in Danzón
• A special week at the NAC with Akram Khan Company, performing two works – the ensemble work Vertical Road and the solo Gnosis
• ^·          Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui returns to the NAC with Babel ^(words)
• The NAC debut of Irish step dancer Colin Dunne in Out of Time
• The Joffrey Ballet presents works by Christopher Wheeldon, William Forsythe and Edwaard Liang
• The return to Ottawa of Alvin Ailey_® American Dance Theater
• France’s fusion hip-hop company Käfig
• The NAC debut of Pennsylvania Ballet in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

The season will also feature The National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Guangzhou Ballet, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Dance Works Rotterdam | André Gingras, José Navas, Dana Gingras, and Tango Pasión.

NAC Dance is proud and delighted to be presenting this global kaleidoscope of styles, voices, themes, and traditions in one remarkable season that includes:

42 performances from 17 different companies (presented in four distinct Dance series with three Special Presentations, and an option to build a Designer series)

• 6 companies making their NAC debuts
• 5 exclusive Canadian engagements
• 3 NAC co-productions

 The 2011/2012 Dance Season celebrates some of the world’s most refreshing and articulate artists, showcasing works that have been influenced by their own personal life experiences. From contemporary ballet to Kathak, from Irish step dance to hip hop-fusion, the NAC Dance Season will allow you to experience some of the finest, groundbreaking works being created and performed by artists from every corner of the world - Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, India, the UK, Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Germany, China, Russia, the USA and Canada - all in one place.

BALLET SERIES

• (January 26-28) Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Svengali. Mark Godden’s choreographic genius brings us an explosive new look at the original master of mind control. RWB’s newest creation takes its inspiration from a film treatment born from the fevered imagination of international film sensation Guy Maddin. Svengali escapes the repression of his mother’s ballet studio to a decadent world reminiscent of mid-century Weimar, where he finds the beautiful and malleable young dancer, Trilby. Under Svengali’s entrancing influence, Trilby is transformed into the darling of the ballet world, but her star ultimately rises beyond Svengali’s powerful emotional grasp. This complex psychological drama will unfold with riveting choreography by the creative powerhouse behind RWB’s Dracula, and shades of Maddinesque irreverence, as Svengali’s deepest family secrets are revealed.
• (April 12-14) The National Ballet of Canada: The Seagull.  Originally choreographed by John Neumeier for his own Hamburg-based dance company in 2002, the critically acclaimed adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s tragic play, by the same name, is nothing short of a masterpiece. The strikingly beautiful narrative ballet depicts complex interlinking love relationships peppered with reflections on the past, lost chances and squandered possibilities. This contemporary ballet employs a richly evocative score by such composers as Shostakovich, Evelyn Glennie, Tchaikovsky and Scriabin.
• (May 23-26) Bolshoi Ballet: Don Quixote.  Considered a signature production of the larger-than-life Russian company, this ballet immediately conjures images of technical wizardry and astonishing feats. Based on Cervantes’ famous novel ‘Don Quixote de la Mancha,’ this enduring adaptation combines precious artistry, infectious energy, and masterful demonstrations of classical technique. The Bolshoi dazzles at every opportunity with its thrilling fireworks of non-stop athleticism and beautifully realized acting. Glittering costumes, lavish sets and a sweeping score add to the overall splendor. Don’t miss the company’s NAC debut.

 SERIES A

• (October 15) Guangzhou Ballet: Return on a Snowy Night.  A major, rising force in the dance world, the award-winning Guangzhou Ballet presents this provocative four-act ballet, which tells the tragic love story of a well-known Peking Opera singer and a high-ranking official's concubine over a 20-year period. The award-winning classical ballet company brings this innovative and exploratory cultural triumph to Western audiences, incorporating traditional Chinese dance and opera, distinctive artistic features, and the mystical sounds of Asian music.
• (November 25-26) Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch: Danzón.  In this exclusive Canadian engagement, the German-based company presents the engaging and idiosyncratic full-length work Danzón, choreographed in 1995 by the legendary director-choreographer Pina Bausch. The late avant-garde icon, best known for her fierce, emotionally raw dance-theatre productions, takes a refreshingly upbeat attitude with Danzón. With its mix of absurdity and authenticity, this light and quirky work is a poignant tribute to the genius of Pina Bausch.
• (March 3) Joffrey Ballet: Mixed Repertoire.  Chicago’s internationally acclaimed company blends sweeping dance with sublime works from three distinct and groundbreaking choreographers. The dynamism and luxurious style of this exuberant company will be showcased in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain, and Edwaard Liang’s Age of Innocence. Under the artistic direction of Ashley Wheater, the company embraces a multitude of styles while the Joffrey dancers’ technical virtuosity, exquisite precision and understated elegance is always right on the mark.
• (April 17) Alvin Ailey_® American Dance Theater: Revelations and other works.  With the most distinctive and extraordinarily well-trained assemblage of artists, the revered company, under the leadership of new artistic director Robert Battle, celebrates 50 years of Revelations – the most performed modern dance piece ever. The popular company returns to the NAC and promises, once again, to thrill audiences with its vibrant and joyful performance mix, celebrating the uniqueness of African-American culture.

 SERIES B

• (October 5-6) EASTMAN | Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui: Babel ^(words).  Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui returns to the NAC with Babel ^(words), the conclusion to his epic three-part project that began with Foi (2003), followed by Myth (2008). In collaboration with co-choreographer Damien Jalet and renowned UK visual artist Antony Gormley, 13 dancers and five musicians from 13 countries come together in this ambitious and dramatically intense performance experience. Poetic moments of pure contemporary dance are interspersed with a manic theatrical interplay – all performed to a live soundscape of voice and throbbing rhythms.
• (November 9) COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD: THE GOLDEN MEAN (LIVE). The legendary Canadian artist and queen of contemporary dance presents her latest creation, THE GOLDEN MEAN (LIVE), which received critical acclaim following its world premiere at the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Born from her insatiable curiosity with the human body, Chouinard, an NAC Associate Dance Artist, explores the ancient idea of the ‘golden ratio’ or ‘divine proportion’. Complete with extended catwalk reaching into the audience coupled with live projections, this work will take you on an unforgettable journey to an otherworldly place. Co-produced by NAC Dance.
• (February 3-4) Akram Khan Company: Vertical Road.  Acclaimed British dancer-choreographer, and Ottawa-favourite, Akram Khan returns to the NAC with his spectacular new ensemble work, Vertical Road, a meditation on the journey from gravity to grace. This exquisite production is an exploration of spirituality and transcendence, displaying an ambitious series of metaphors about humanity. This work also boasts a meditative new soundtrack by longtime composer-collaborator Nitin Sawhney. Co-produced by NAC Dance.
• (February 15) Dance Works Rotterdam | André Gingras: Anatomica.  Under the artistic leadership of Canadian-born choreographer André Gingras, Dance Works Rotterdam presents Anatomica from the explosive triptych series about the objectification of the human body on display. Dancers leap, tumble and fall from great heights - their primal movements centered on courtship ritual and sexual desire. Performed to two distinct percussive scores by longtime collaborators Joseph Hyde and Jurgen De Blonde, this experimental new work is organized chaos at its most gripping and exhilarating.
• (April 19-20) Cie Käfig | CCN Créteil et Val-de-Marne: Correria / Agwa.  Käfig artistic director and choreographer Mourad Merzouki mixes complex hip-hop, capoeira, samba, and acrobatics with high-energy electronic music and bossa nova; developing a mixed program of two distinct, yet complimentary works – Correria (running) and Agwa (water). Full of flash and fire, this explosive program, triggered by an encounter between Merzouki and 11 young Brazilian dancers from Companhia Urbana de Dança, maintains a focus on the movement’s roots and geographical origins.

 SERIES C

• (October 27-29) Colin Dunne: Out of Time.  Best known for his work with Ireland’s acclaimed Riverdance, Colin Dunne is an internationally celebrated practitioner of Irish Step Dance. Out of Time is his first full-length solo production where he integrates contemporary movement, text, film and sound design with Irish dance, creating a provocative dialogue between his past and present. Complete with percussive sound effects and projected vintage footage, this thoroughly engaging work is at once intimate and playful, sincere and youthful – a bold retrospective on the relationships that have shaped his life.
• (March 8-10) José Navas | Compagnie Flak: Personae.  Popular Montreal contemporary dancer-choreographer José Navas, an NAC Associate Dance Artist, of Compagnie Flak presents Personae - a new solo work performed by Navas himself. Well-known for his fast paced, colourful ensemble works, this piece is the Venezuelan-born artist’s first solo work since 2008, when he created the emotionally moving Miniatures. This new work explores “dance for the pleasure of dancing” and showcases pure, unembellished choreography danced to classical music by Ravel, Rachmaninoff, and Vivaldi.
• (May 10-12) Dana Gingras | Animals of Distinction: Heart as Arena.  Dance, sound and the secret language of the heart collide in Heart as Arena, the second work from Animals of Distinction, a new project from Dana Gingras, co-founder of the critically acclaimed Holy Body Tattoo and also an NAC Associate Dance Artist. Integrating a radio installation by sound artist Anna Friz, this encounter between five performers displays deft precision and strength, emerging from direct experiences of love, longing, discomfort and displacement. Co-produced by NAC Dance.

 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

• (December 1-4) Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™.  Making their NAC debut, this world-class company captures the imagination of the entire family on an adventure with young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through the Land of Snow, Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This treasured holiday classic showcases impassioned artistry and technical virtuosity coupled with sumptuous costumes and set design – all danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Pennsylvania Ballet makes Balanchine’s enduring century-old ballet sparkle with beauty and wonder during the festive season.
• (February 1-2) Akram Khan Company: Gnosis.  Akram Khan’s award-winning new solo, Gnosis, is a work of riveting eloquence drawing from sources both ancient and modern. The internationally acclaimed choreographer showcases his command of the Kathak form (classical Indian dance), taking inspiration from a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Khan’s mesmerizing dance incorporates live music with traditional tabla,  percussion and Indian vocals partnered by cello and violin.
• (February 21) Tango Pasión.  Stabbing quicksteps, intricate footwork, legs for days – this work is an unforgettable mix of music, song and dance with the internationally renowned Argentinean company. Tango Pasión is a sensual and virtuosic sight with stunning solo performances, mesmerizing duets and tightly synchronized group dances. Hailed as a “masterpiece” by critics around the globe, and playing to packed houses wherever it tours this unbelievably sexy spectacle has to be seen.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS

NAC Dance wishes to thank all donors, supporters and sponsors including Tim Horton’s sponsor of the Nutcracker Sugar Plum Parties, Hotel Partner The Lord Elgin, and Media Partner The Ottawa Citizen.

SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES to the 2011-2012 Dance Season are on sale now!

• Dance subscribers save up to 15% on regular ticket prices when choosing one Series. Subscribers may also create their own Designer Series by choosing at least four subscription performances (not including The Nutcracker) and save up to 15%.
• Full-time students save 50% off regular-price tickets when purchasing subscriptions.
• Dance subscribers save up to 15% on extra tickets for Dance performances throughout the year, as well as up to 15% on regular-price tickets to concerts with the NAC Orchestra, and English Theatre or French Theatre productions.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits, including the best seats in the house, the best prices, and free ticket exchanges. Contact our Box Office:

• By phone: call 613-947-7000 x620 or 1-866-850-ARTS x620
• In person: visit the Box Office in the NAC lobby, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Online: www.nac-cna.ca/subscribe

For additional information, please visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca

Photos for all 2011-2012 Dance events can be viewed and downloaded at: www.nac-cna.ca/en/media/

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For more information, please contact:
Eleri Evans
Marketing and Communications Officer, Dance
Agente de marketing et de communication, Danse
T: (613) 947-7000, ext/poste 379
E: eevans@nac-cna.ca