BALLETS WITH A TWIST Toasts the New Year at XL Nightclub and Cabaret, 1/13

In the wake of a scintillating fall season that included appearances at New York City's Beacon Theatre and New Jersey's new Hamilton Stage, Ballets with a Twist, the hot next-generation ballet company, announces a new performance date for the intoxicating evening-length dance experience Cocktail Hour.

On January 13th at 7 pm, cocktail culturists will enjoy the full suite of delicious dances at the company's Manhattan home, XL Nightclub and Cabaret, one of the sleekest nightlife hotspots in the city. Several of the dances will feature live musical accompaniment by some of New York's most celebrated musicians, all of whom can be heard on the official Cocktail Hour soundtrack. Trombonist Peter Zummo will add an extra tropical twist to "Mai Tai," singer Barbara Morillo will sweeten up "Shirley Temple," and Deni Bonet will bring "Mint Julep" back to its Southern roots with her finest fiddling. Peter Valentine and Tabitha Fair will end the show on a high note, adding their soulful vocals to the crowd-favorite "Holy Water." Ballets with a Twist fans will also delight in the long-awaited return of the majestic "Margarita."

Conceived and choreographed by celebrated dance-maker Marilyn Klaus - whose eclectic background ranges from vaudeville and show dancing to Isadora Duncan and classical ballet - Cocktail Hour is a sassy suite of dances, each inspired by a well-known beverage. The show both reinvents ballet and pays respect to the rich creativity of cocktail culture, launching the Martini, Gimlet, Manhattan, and more off the menu and onto the stage.

Cocktail Hour features original music by Stephen Gaboury, who has collaborated with Klaus for over 20 years. Gaboury's music has been featured in film and on television. In 2004, he received a Grammy nomination for his work with pop/rock legend Lauper, with whom he recently contributed as co-writer for selections in her new musical Kinky Boots. He has also performed with many A-listers including Patti LaBelle, Suzanne Vega and Ute Lemper. Catherine Zehr is the artistic force behind the glamorous costume design. Her exquisite creations evoke the origins and spirit of each libation with vivid colors and embellishments.

For more information on Ballets with a Twist, visit www.balletswithatwist.com or www.facebook.com/gotoBalletswithaTwist. For more information on XL Nightclub and Cabaret, visit http://www.xlnightclub.com. Tickets for Ballets with a Twist's January performance at XL Cabaret can be purchased in advance at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/286711.

More Articles by This Author...