The Australian Ballet to Bring '20:21' to Melbourne, Sydney

With not a tutu or tiara in sight, the best dance of the 20th century and the freshest of the 21st combine in The Australian Ballet's 20:21, emerging in Melbourne next month. This electrifying triple bill plays at Arts Centre Melbourne from 27 August to 5 September, before touring to Sydney Opera House from 5 to 21 November.

20:21 opens with a world premiere from The Australian Ballet's Resident Choreographer Tim Harbour. Stripped-down and rapid-fire, Filigree and Shadow brings together cast members from across the ballet ranks as it pushes them to their physical limits.

The Australian Ballet's Artistic Director David McAllister said of the creator of Filigree and Shadow, "Tim Harbour has an inquiring and energetic aesthetic. He is always keen to push himself and the dancers to discover new ways of using their ability to push the ballet form further, and find humanity and truth through dance."

The new work brings together some of the most cutting-edge creators working in their fields. 48nord (Ulrich Müller and Siegfried Rössert) have created an original electronic score for the piece, and dancers will perform in a stunning set designed by acclaimed Australian architect Kelvin Ho.

Looking back to the beginning of modern ballet, George Balanchine's powerful Symphony in Three Movements follows with an energetic ensemble of dancers blending angular movement with the vigour of jazz, all paced against Igor Stravinsky's clean and crisp score.

Finally Twyla Tharp's pulse-pounding In the Upper Room will set the stage alight with red pointe shoes, sneakers and the driving music of Philip Glass. Inspired by the Boston Marathon, Tharp's work highlights the athleticism uniting sport and art.

20:21 lends a muscular, modern edge to The Australian Ballet's Year of Beauty in 2015. "Beauty is reflected in everything we do, whether it is a classical setting or a brand new commissioned work," said McAllister.

Take a peek inside the rehearsal room for Filigree and Shadow!

CREDITS:

Filigree and Shadow (2015) Choreography Tim Harbour Set design Kelvin Ho, Akin Creative

Symphony In Three Movements (1946) Choreography George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust Music Igor Stravinsky

In The Upper Room (1986) Choreography Twyla Tharp Music Philip Glass

DATES:

MELBOURNE 27 AUGUST - 5 SEPTEMBER (11 performances)
Arts Centre Melbourne with Orchestra Victoria

SYDNEY 5 - 21 NOVEMBER (18 performances)
Sydney Opera House with Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra

BOOKINGS:

Tickets on sale now at www.australianballet.com.au | P: 1300 369 741

Special Events and Classes:
Audiences are invited to step inside the ballet with special events during the 20:21 seasons.

Arts Centre Melbourne
McAllister in Conversation
Saturday 29 August
Join Artistic Director David McAllister for an intimate conversation with one of our principal artists.

Pre-Performance Music Talk
Saturday 5 September
Don't miss Music Director and Chief Conductor Nicolette Fraillon in this fascinating talk about the music for 20:21, including her perspectives on Stravinsky's "World War II" piece and Glass' exhilarating score for In the Upper Room.

Q & A
Monday 21 September
Stay behind after the 20:21 performance for a special Q&A.

Sydney Opera House
McAllister in Conversation
Saturday 7 November

Pre-Performance Music Talk
Saturday 14 November

Dancers' Class on Stage
Monday, 16 November
An exclusive chance to watch class on stage and learn first-hand about the everyday life and ambitions of our company's rising stars.

Q & A
Monday, 16 November

With thanks to Media Partner Studio.

More info and bookings at www.australianballet.com.au/discover.

Pictured: Dimity Azoury, Rudy Hawkes and Robyn Hendricks, photography by Justin Ridler.

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