Joffrey Presents 'Across The Pond' Featuring Two World Premieres

For its spring engagement, The Joffrey Ballet presents Across the Pond, a mixed repertory program featuring the United Kingdom's most influential artists, with works that include two world premieres: HOME by Andrea Walker as well as Yonder Blue, a new piece by Andrew McNicol, set to a stunning collection of four short movements by composer Peter Gregson. The program also includes the Chicago premiere of Vespertine by The Royal Ballet Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett. Across the Pond is presented in ten performances only, April 24-May 5, 2019 at the Auditorium Theatre.

"Many of the world's most exciting young dance makers are creating and showing their work in Britain," said Ashley Wheater, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of the Joffrey. "We're thrilled that three of the U.K.'s top choreographers are traveling to Chicago to end our season with such a groundbreaking program of incredible range and style."

Andrew McNicol, winner of the Kenneth Macmillan Choreographic Competition, creates a sense of vastness in Yonder Blue, with minimalist costuming and a unique use of lighting. McNicol draws inspiration from Siri Hustvedt's illuminating book A Plea for Eros. Hustvedt describes "Yonder" as a word that shifts and moves, implying distance between one place and another. The word "Blue" similarly holds multiple associations-honesty and melancholy. Both words encapsulate the idea of distance, whether it be related to nature or people. Yonder Blue is commissioned in honor of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and First Lady Amy Rule.

The Royal Ballet Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett takes inspiration from the spellbinding music of the Baroque period. Scarlett's strikingly beautiful Vespertine, created for the Norwegian National Ballet in 2013, is inspired by the music of Arcangelo Corelli, resulting in an abstract ballet that evokes classicism and athleticism all in one, set amidst a scenic display of custom chandeliers.

Inspired by the personal stories of young DREAMers, choreographer Andrea Walker's HOME is a story of strength, resilience, and the nature of belonging. Through his signature fusion of dance styles, Walker explores what home means-within ourselves, our relationships, and our country.

The Joffrey Ballet presents Across the Pond April 24 - May 5, 2019; the full performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30pm, Friday, April 26 at 7:30pm, Saturday, April 27 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday, April 28 at 2:00pm, Thursday, May 2 at 7:30pm, Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm, Saturday, May 4 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday, May 5 at 2:00pm.

Single tickets range from $35-$179 and are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet's official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at Joffrey.org.

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