FIREBIRD AND REPETOIRE
October 21- October 24, 2009
Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, San Diego
619-544-1000
Tickets

Directed and Choreographed by Javier Velasco

“…sheer joy…” – San Diego Union-Tribune

In honor of this milestone year, artistic director and resident choreographer Javier Velasco is re-imagining the very first performance by the San Diego Ballet… 20 years ago. The evening will begin with a new take on the first ballet created for the company, AN OLD SWEET SONG to the music of Ray Charles. Says Velasco, “Back then, we had had a very young group of dancers. They needed a piece that allowed them to grow into artists. We now have a group of experienced professionals who are comfortable with the kinds of challenges we ask of them here at SDB. And we also have more men. So while I think that the general shape of the ballet will remain the same, a few of the solos will now be replaced with pas de deux and the general demands of the ballet will be heightened. I love the idea of bringing this ballet back, as jazz/ballet hybrids were something that really first brought us attention in the San Diego dance scene.”

Also on the bill, will be FIREBIRD.  FIREBIRD was the first ballet created in the seven-year collaboration between SDB, Culture Shock San Diego and Young Audiences of San Diego. Later pieces have included Carnival of the Animals and Alice in Wonderland. Danced to Stravinsky’s thrilling score, FIREBIRD features not just Velasco’s modern/ballet fusion staging but hip hop dance performed by San Diego’s first and finest hip hop crew, Culture Shock San Diego.  Says Velasco, “ When the Firebird music starts its just impossible not to get swept up in the mystery and magic of the story. It was a natural choice for us, fun for audiences of all ages. “

Weekend public performances will also feature two other pieces choreographed by Velasco, the exciting FANFARE AND VARIATIONS and the intricate, sensuous Tango pas de deux

For tickets, please call (619) 544-1000.