Chicago’s internationally acclaimed Joffrey Ballet presents a superb evening of mixed repertoire from three distinct and ground-breaking choreographers – William Forsythe, Christopher Wheeldon, and Edwaard Liang, on March 3, 2012 in the NAC’s Southam Hall. The performance is sold out, but those still interested should check for last minute returns.
The dynamism and luxurious style of this exuberant company will be on full display, embracing a multitude of styles that combine classical ballet lines with contemporary virtuosity.
Forsythe’s signature work, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, is a purely abstract work, originally commissioned by Rudolf Nureyev in 1987 for the Paris Opera Ballet. Performed to an electronic score by Dutchman Thom Willems, this contemporary masterpiece is a rollercoaster of a ballet. It features 9 dancers who display their steely attack and strength between a medley of extreme extensions and provocative crouches. Constantly restless and energetic, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is a bold, athletic ballet full of synchronized movements, turns, and lifts that marvel.

Set to the minimalist, classical music of Arvo Pärt, Wheeldon’s pas-de-deux After the Rain is at once stark, spiritual, and sensual – beauty in its purest form. The dancers showcase fluidity, flexibility and extreme control, moving into beautiful poses that come from exploring the space between them. Dynamic and demanding, After the Rain has no discernible storyline, but Wheeldon’s genius imbues the work with such feeling and emotion that the audience will, no doubt, interpret the pushing and pulling of the male and female dancers in a myriad of ways.

In 2008, under the artistic direction of the Joffrey’s Ashley Wheater, New York-based dancer Edwaard Liang was invited to create Age of Innocence,  inspired by the 19th-century ballroom of Jane Austen’s heroines where the mere touch of a hand ignited passion, longing, and frustration. Hailed as a “newly minted masterpiece” following its premiere, the 16-member ensemble work begins with men on one side and women on the other in courtly fashion. Performed to racing music by Philip Glass and Thomas Newman, Age of Innocence captures the internal and external frenzy of male-female relationships in a world that feels at once modern and historical.

“There is certainly no shortage of talent and technique in this company.”
- Herald Tribute

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated
Choreography: WILLIAM FORSYTHE 
Music: THOM WILLEMS in collaboration with LESLIE STUCK
Staging: GLEN TUGGLE
Scenic, Costume, and  Original Lighting Design: WILLIAM FORSYTHE

After the Rain
Choreography: CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON
Music: ARVO PÄRT
Costume Design: HOLLY HYNES
Lighting: MARK STANLEY, Recreated by NICOLE PEARCE
Staging: JASON FOWLER

Age of Innocence
Choreography:  EDWAARD LIANG
Music: PHILIP GLASS and THOMAS NEWMAN
Costume Design: MARIA PINTO
Lighting Design: MARK STANLEY

Duration: 2 hours including 2 intermissions

The Joffrey Ballet - Master class
Saturday March 3, 2012
9:00 to 10:30 am

Class is for pre-professional level ballet dancers and students, aged 14 and up.

BALLET TEACHERS AND DANCE STUDIOS are invited to select their top THREE students for the opportunity to take this class. Student registrations will be accepted through recommendation only. Adult professional and pre-professional dancers can register themselves.

• Registration: Renata Soutter, Dance Outreach Coordinator, soutter@magma.ca or 613-947-7000 ext 588
• Location: Rehearsal Hall B, National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa (enter by Stage Door)
• Cost: Free - thanks to the support of the Embassy of the United States of America
The Joffrey Ballet’s Mixed Repertoire performs in the NAC’s Southam Hall on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38.74, $48.43, $59.19 and $75.00 for adults and $20.87, $25.72, $31.10 and $39.00 for students (upon presentation of a valid student ID card).
Groups of 10 or more save 15% to 20% off regular ticket prices; to reserve your seats, call 613-947-7000, ext. 634 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.
Tickets are available for purchase:
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets
• By telephone from Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS)
• Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (www.nac-cna.ca)
• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster
This production is eligible for the Trinity Live Rush program. Full-time students aged 13-29 with a valid Live Rush membership may buy up to two tickets per performance at the discounted price of only $12 per ticket. Live Rush tickets are available from 10 a.m. on the day before the performance until 6 p.m. on the day of the performance. This includes all available seats, including the best seats in the house. Check out liverush.ca for information on the Trinity Live Rush program.

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For more information, please call:
Eleri Evans
Marketing and Communications Officer, Dance
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 ext. 379; e-mail: eleri.evans@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca