Pittsburgh Ballet Presents Screening of MR. GAGA, 4/25

The JFilm Festival, a program of Film Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre present a screening of award-winning Israeli documentary "Mr. Gaga" on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the Manor Theatre, 1729 Murray Ave. "Mr. Gaga" took home the Audience Award for Best Documentary at both the SXSW Film Festival and the Aspen Film Festival. This will be the film's Pittsburgh premiere.

The visually stunning "Mr. Gaga" chronicles the story of Ohad Naharin, renowned choreographer and artistic director of Israel's Batsheva Dance Company, who has spent the past 25 years pushing the boundaries of physical and political expression through the language of body movement. Naharin developed "Gaga" - a singular choreographic style that emphasizes seeing and imagining over performing. Israeli filmmaker Tomer Heymann pulls out all the stops in his profile of this dance rock star, known for both his bluntness and charismatic genius.

The screening will be followed by a conversation featuring Saar Harari, manager of Gaga USA., as well as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's executive director, Harris Ferris, and director of education and community engagement, Christina Salgado. The discussion will be moderated by Kathryn Spitz Cohan, executive director of Film Pittsburgh.

Screening and post-film programming are generously sponsored by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, which gave Naharin's acclaimed "Tabula Rasa" its world premiere in 1986.

TICKET INFORMATION

General admission - $12

Youth (18 and under) - $6

Reserved seating - $18 (advance only)

Tickets and additional information are available at FilmPittsburgh.org.

GAGA MASTER CLASSES

Gaga is a new way of gaining knowledge and self-awareness through your body. Gaga provides a framework for discovering and strengthening your body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination.

In conjunction with the "Mr. Gaga" screening, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is offering two Gaga Master Classes:

Gaga for Dancers:

When: April 25, from 3-4:30 p.m.

Where: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre - 2900 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Teacher: Saar Harari, manager at Gaga USA

About: The Gaga/dancers class is open to professional dancers or advanced dance students ages 16+. Gaga for Dancers deepens dancers' awareness of physical sensations, expands their palette of available movement options, enhances their ability to modulate their energy and engage their explosive power, and enriches their movement quality with a wide range of textures. Master class fee is $15 per person; class size is limited to 45 people. Register here.

Gaga for People:

When: April 25, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre - 2900 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Teacher: Saar Harari, Manager at Gaga USA

About: Gaga/people classes are open to people ages 16+, regardless of their background in dance or movement. No previous dance experience is needed. Gaga/people classes offer a creative framework for participants to connect to their bodies and imaginations, increase their physical awareness, improve their flexibility and stamina, and experience the pleasure of movement in a welcoming, accepting atmosphere. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to dance barefoot or in socks. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water and a towel for use after class. Master class fee is $15 per person; class size is limited to 45 people. Register here.

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Film Pittsburgh (formerly JFilm) presents independent films from around the world, helping audiences discover the stories, history and shared experiences that connect us all. We believe film is a powerful visual medium that thrives in the digital era by transcending cultural boundaries and inspiring change. Our broad range of programming is designed to reach people of all races, religions, ages and abilities, and emphasis is placed on collaboration with other organizations.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence since 1969. Led by Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, former American Ballet Theater ballet master and principal dancer, the company has built an eclectic repertoire that honors the company's classical roots and explores ballet's contemporary innovations. Through its official training institution, PBT School, the company cultivates the next generation of professional dancers and guides students of all ages and abilities in discovering the expression, discipline and joy of ballet. Throughout the community, PBT takes ballet into classrooms, libraries and community centers with programs that promote dance as a catalyst for creativity and learning in every phase of life.

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