Civic Center Announces DANCE SERIES, Features Martha Graham Dance Company & More

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines today announced a brand new dance series for 2010-2011 featuring some of today's most highly acclaimed dance companies.  The Dance Series will bring three world-class dance companies to the Civic Center's main stage at an introductory package price of just $100 for the three-show Season Ticket Package.  Packages are on sale now.
 
Civic Center President & CEO Jeff Chelesvig said "Since our inception, the Civic Center has been committed to presenting the very best in the performing arts.  Des Moines is home to many dance enthusiasts and performers, and we feel this is the right time to launch this series and to bring these brilliant and internationally-known companies to the community at an affordable price."
 
THE DANCE SERIES PRESENTED BY THE CIVIC CENTER:
•     PILOBOLUS (Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.)  Pilobolus began in 1971 and quickly became renowned the world over for its imaginative and athletic exploration of creative collaboration.  Pilobolus practices a unique kind of modern dance with highly acrobatic, fearless dancers, theatrical costumes, a great sense of play and most of all, collaboration.  Known internationally for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty, Pilobolus has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor, and the human body.
 
•     Martha Graham DANCE COMPANY with musicians from the Des Moines Symphony (Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.)  Founded in 1926 by choreographer and dancer Martha Graham, this is the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance company in America.  Graham choreographed 181 works in her lifetime, and this Civic Center premiere will feature one of the most beloved and celebrated, Appalachian Spring.  This iconic work, composed by Aaron Copland, demonstrates Graham's pioneering approach to time and space on stage.  The original, ground-breaking score will be performed live by musicians of the Des Moines Symphony.
 
•     JAMES SEWELL BALLET (Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.)  Founded by James Sewell and Sally Rouse, James Sewell Ballet is a close-knit company of eight professional dance artists who perform innovative work that honors the tradition of ballet and explores the more contemporary elements of dance and the technical boundaries of ballet.  The acclaimed company will present a mixed repertoire, featuring Chopin Tribute, a new work celebrating Chopin's 200th birthday accompanied by award-winning Polish pianist Tadeusz Majewski, East Meets West inspired by the Indonesian Gamelan and French composer Satie, and Made in America, a suite of short dances set to classic songs from the United States.
 
All performances in The Dance Series also include an exciting opportunity to deepen the dance experience with DANCEtalks.  One hour before each performance in The Dance Series, come and learn more about that evening's performance from the company's artistic directors and staff as well as local dance experts.  And following the performance will be an intimate in-theater conversation and Q&A with the dancers.
 
The easiest way to ensure the best seats in the house is to become a The Dance Series Season Ticket holder.  The Civic Center is now taking orders which may be placed in person at the Civic Center Ticket Office (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), by mail, by phone at (515) 246-2300, or online at CivicCenter.org.  The Civic Center is encouraging online orders by waiving the $15 handling fee.
 
An exclusive Dance VIP Package is also available.  Benefits for the Dance VIP Package include two Season Ticket packages in VIP seating, access to the Patron Circle Lounge during The Dance Series performances, playbill recognition as a supporter for The Dance Series and more.  A portion of the Dance VIP Package is a tax-deductible donation to support Civic Center Dance programs.  More information about VIP packages can be found online or by calling 515-246-2353.
 
 
For additional information, or to request an interview with Jeff Chelesvig, Civic Center President & CEO, please contact Dale B. Stark, Public Relations Manager at (515) 246-2363 or dstark@civiccenter.org
 
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a private not-for-profit corporation celebrating over 30 years of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states.  It is the presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is the performing home of many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest.  All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Willis Auto Campus.  All performances at the Civic Center's Temple Theater are supported by Prairie Meadows.  All performances of the Family Series are supported by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.