Ignition: New Choreographic Voices Finale To Feature New Choreographers

Keeping with Atlanta Ballet's tradition of premiering edgy new works, artistic director John McFall has hand-picked an extraordinary crew of young, up-and-coming choreographers to bring a new dance voice to Atlanta in the company's season finale of Ignition: New Choreographic Voices, May 13 through 15.

Ignition will feature three world premiere works created exclusively for Atlanta Ballet, to be showcased in the intimate confines of the Alliance Stage promising a variety of movement, music and diverse themes.

Amy Seiwert's "Home in 7"

Featuring Live Performance by

Spoken Word Artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and

Cross-over Violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR)

Atlanta is the inspiration behind choreographer Amy Seiwert's world premiere "Home in 7," which brings the southern, international city to life through spoken word, music and movement based on seven poems by prize-winning poet and Morehouse graduate Marc Bamuthi Joseph.
Seiwert, who was named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" in 2005, is known for her inventive collaborations. In addition to Joseph, Seiwert has also enlisted acclaimed violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain (noted for blending funk, rock, hip-hop and classical music).

"This collaboration has been unlike anything I have ever undertaken," said Seiwert. "Bamuthi composed this gift of poetry weaving a landscape of Atlanta. This poetry leads me on a journey from laughter to tears to hope, and transforming these words into a physical manifestation challenged me in incredible ways. I am a better choreographer, artist and person because of this opportunity."

Through Joseph's seven poems, as the title "Home in 7" suggests, the piece visits various aspects of Atlanta, from Southern belles and the Atlanta Braves to more intense themes and historical references.

"I attended Morehouse in the years leading up to the staging of the Olympic Games," said Joseph, "and was radically inspired by the intersection of economic growth, black civic leadership, and cultural transition. Beyond my own time here, I honor the historic and present role that the city has had in shaping American culture, and wanted to celebrate the textures of the city that you don't necessarily see in the Hartsfield postcard shop."

Bennyroyce Royon's "Flux"

Featuring music by Atlanta native and composer Son Lux (a.k.a. Ryan Lott)

Stand-out choreographer and Julliard grad Bennyroyce Royon, who premiered his "me in your fall" last season with Atlanta Ballet, will return to present the world premiere of "Flux."

At only 27, Royon has choreographed pieces across the continent and is also the founder of Bennyroyce Dance Productions, an NYC-based collaborative dance production group that creates and produces dance works on stage, film, and other venues that promote contemporary dance.
"Flux reflects on life's mystery, science, and human relationships that flow through the shifting pulse of time and space," said Royon whose choreography finds harmony with graphic designer Rodrigo Ribeiro's stunning video projection and meditates on composer Son Lux's mesmerizing soundtracks.

Gina Patterson's "Quietly Walking"

Hailed as a choreographer of "startling originality" (Back Stage) and "a standout on the soulful front" (Sun-Sentinel), choreographer Gina Patterson will debut "Quietly Walking."

According to Patterson, Quietly Walking reflects on the relationship between urbanization and deforestation, and how, as we continue to clear cut acres of forestland to create concrete jungles, we are in danger of losing our connection with the earth and with each other.

"In the midst of the city, how do we stay connected to nature?" asks Patterson. "How do we stay in touch with our fellow human beings, with ourselves? As we build physical walls, do we also build emotional ones?"

Patterson has worked closely with internationally renowned costume and set designer Jorge Gallardo and Atlanta Ballet lighting designer Robert Hand to translate the images that inspired her choreography into striking costumes, sets and lighting effects that help to fully express her vision for the new work.

For more information on Ignition: New Choreographic Voices, including video, photos and behind the scenes footage, visit the official Atlanta Ballet blog at www.atlantaballetblog.com.

Tickets start as low as $20 and are on-sale now. Only three performances remain (Saturday and Sunday matinees and Sunday evening), as both Friday and Saturday evening are sold out. Call the Ticketmaster Arts Line at (404) 817-8700, stop by a Ticketmaster outlet or the Cobb Energy Centre Box Office. To order on-line, visit www.atlantaballet.com. Groups of ten or more may call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at (404) 873-5811 ext. 207.

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