Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal to Perform at Annenberg Center, 1/16-18

Recognized for its chic artistry, explosive power and originality, Canada's widely acclaimed contemporary repertory Dance Company Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal (BJM) rings in the new year at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, January 16-18, 2014. Under the artistic direction of Louis Robitaille, BJM consistently delivers sophisticated, technically stunning works by the world's most renowned choreographers. With "the energy of a tsunami with stamina to spare" (Los Angeles Times), the company is among the dance world's elite - coolly stylized, athletic and refined.

Performances take place Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 PM; Friday, Jan. 17, at 8 PM (with post-show talkback); and Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 PM and 8 PM. Tickets are $20-$55 ($10 for students; prices subject to change) and are available by calling 215.898.3900, visiting annenbergcenter.org or stopping by the Box Office at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

BJM's powerhouse program will feature three Philadelphia premières, including Closer (2006), an intimate duet created by BLACK SWAN choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Set to composer Philip Glass' "Mad Rush," Closer is a voluptuous and vibrant exchange exploring tension between two bodies in a relationship, imbued with an intense yet simple sensuality. Performing Closer are Alexander Hille and star dancer Celine Cassone, who has performed with Bejart Ballet Lausanne and Morphoses.

In Fuel (2011), choreographer Cayetano Soto is inspired by a work for string orchestra by the American composer Julia Wolfe, who transforms the modern industrial world of fuels and machines into clanking string sounds. Soto's relentless choreography explores the contrasts between technically virtuosic duets and trios with small, jerky solo movements that are "disturbing but so beautiful" (The Chronicle Herald). Robitaille notes, "With each new creation, Soto brings new territories. His work is conceptual, cutting-edge and sophisticated."

Inspired by the inner battles we all wage, Harry (2012), a 45-minute full-ensemble work, presents a darkly comic story of a young man's trials and tribulations through choreography by Israeli-American choreographer Barak Marshall. Accompanied by a score that fuses the sounds of jazz, Israeli folksongs and traditional music, this piece follows Harry's attempts to overcome physical and existential obstacles.

BJM's performances continue Dance Celebration's 31st season, presented by Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center. The Dance Celebration series continues in 2014 with Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance (Feb. 20-22), Doug Elkins choreography, etc. (March 6-8), BODYTRAFFIC (April 3-5) and MOMIX (May 8-11). For more information on the Annenberg Center's 13/14 season, visit annenbergcenter.org.

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