The Music Center Sets 2016-17 Dance Season

Reinforcing the role of The Music Center as a major hub for dance in Los Angeles, The Music Center's powerful new dance season will engage both dance lovers and those new to the art form by challenging preconceived notions of classical ballet and exploring the realm of contemporary expression. The 2016-2017 season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center (Dance at The Music Center) will provide the platform for some of the finest U.S. dance companies and artists along with internationally renowned companies who are among the most requested by Music Center audiences. This coming season opens with Celebrate Forsythe (October 21-23, 2016) as three American ballet companies - San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Houston Ballet - perform in one program in a never-before-seen approach to salute one of America's top choreographers, William Forsythe. The season continues with the distinctive contemporary work of Jessica Lang Dance (February 17-19, 2017); the return of the much-in-demand Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 8-12, 2017); the west coast premiere of Scottish Ballet's A Streetcar Named Desire (May 19-21, 2017); Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg's exploration of the passions of Tchaikovsky (June 23-25, 2017); and an original program curated by New York City principal ballerina Tiler Peck with the return of The Music Center's BalletNow™ (July 28-30, 2017). A number of the engagements will be integrated with arts education programs including high school performances and teacher workshops. Center Dance Arts is the founding supporter of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center.

This summer, The Music Center will highlight two popular audience favorites - the participatory dance experiences of The Music Center's Dance DTLAwith themed dancing under-the-stars and DJ nights on The Music Center Plaza (June 3, 10 and 24, 2016; July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2016; August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2016; and September 2, 2016), and The Music Center's Moves After Dark™ (August 8, 15, 16 and 17, 2016), which breaks down the walls of the conventional concert dance stage with dance performances in atypical locations throughout The Music Center campus.

Commenting on her first full dance season as president and CEO of The Music Center, Rachel Moore explained The Music Center carefully selected the companies and the choreography based on their appeal to an increasingly discriminating Los Angeles dance audience, as well as to attract people who may never have experienced a dance performance. "Both dance aficionados and those new to this art form will find something special and compelling with our 2016-2017 dance season, ranging from
traditional ballet to contemporary expression," Moore said. "By mixing the iconic vocabulary of ballet with movement that pushes the envelope to explore powerful emotions, cultural themes, personalities and more, we will introduce Angelenos to the often unpredictable and exciting potential of dance," she explained.

"It is an honor for Dance at The Music Center to present and to salute many of the world's most recognized choreographers and dancers, including the return of some of the most-requested companies among our dance audiences," said Michael Solomon, associate vice president of programming for The Music Center. "By finding an entry point for people - be it a storyline, music or relatable message - we can bring the uninitiated into dance," he added.

Dance at The Music Center 2016-2017 Season

Celebrate Forsythe featuring San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Houston Ballet
October 21-23, 2015
The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Dance at The Music Center opens the season with a "dance first" in a special salute to the acclaimed American choreographer, William Forsythe, with Celebrate Forsythe. Active in the field of choreography for more than 45 years, and one of the most prolific and influential choreographers of this era, Forsythe has been recognized for revolutionizing the practice of ballet from its traditional association with classical repertoire to a dynamic 21st Century art form. Many consider him the greatest innovator in ballet since George Balanchine. His interest in the principles of organization led him to produce a wide range of projects, including installations, films and web-based knowledge creation. Forsythe was appointed the associate choreographer of the Paris Opera Ballet in 2015 and is also professor of dance and artistic advisor to the Choreographic Institute at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at the University of Southern California. In this distinctive engagement, three major U.S. ballet companies - San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Houston Ballet, which were personally chosen by Forsythe - will each perform one of the famed choreographer's significant works.

San Francisco Ballet
Returning to The Music Center, San Francisco Ballet will perform Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2016, which was originally choreographed for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1999 and re-choreographed for the San Francisco Ballet. In Pas/Parts 2016, Forsythe uses stylistic differences - visible in the steps, but also in the ballet's structure - to enhance the counterpoint. The ballet's name suggests a series of parts that are evident in the flow of solos, duets, trios and other groupings that appear in sections tailored to showcase each dancer. The San Francisco Chronicle said, "[Pas/Parts 2016 is]...airy in effect, classical in its language, pointe work and épaulement, yet resolutely contemporary in its sensibility and exploratory in the Forsythe manner." Founded in 1933, the San Francisco Ballet is America's oldest professional ballet company and one of the three largest in the nation. The company performed the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker. Led by Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson, the San Francisco Ballet is considered one of the pre-eminent ballet companies in the world.

Pas/Parts 2016
Choreography: William Forsythe
Music: Thom Willems
Scenic and Lighting Design: William Forsythe
Costume Design: Stephen Galloway

Pacific Northwest Ballet (*The Music Center Debut)
Making its Music Center debut, Pacific Northwest Ballet will perform Forsythe's The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude set to the final movement from Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 9. The piece, which displays all of the traditional accoutrements of classical dance, including tutus, point shoes, virtuosity, lyricism and a friendly display of formal manners between the sexes, premiered in a 1996 performance by the Ballet Frankfurt and was first performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2015. In The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Forsythe showcases a breathtaking display of classical technique that illustrates how he sees the ballet vocabulary as part of a range of choreographic possibilities. The ballet is an overt celebration of the dancers' ability to make technical difficulty into a triumph of physical mastery. The Seattle PI proclaimed, "Vertiginous looks every bit as fresh and innovative today as it must have at its world premiere." Founded in 1972, Pacific Northwest Ballet is one of the largest and most
highly regarded ballet companies in the United States. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Peter
Boal, the company of nearly 50 dancers presents more than 100 performances each year of full-length and mixed repertory ballets. Boal also leads PNB School, which is recognized as one of the top three
ballet training institutions in the United States.

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude
Choreography: William Forsythe
Music: Franz Schubert (Allegro molto vivace from Symphony No. 9 in C Major)
Scenic and Lighting Design: William Forsythe
Costume Design: Stephen Galloway

Houston Ballet
Houston Ballet will perform Forsythe's Artifact Suite, an edited version of an evening-length ballet, Artifact, created in 1984 for Ballet Frankfurt. Forsythe has shortened the ballet into a stunning piece that preserves all of the original choreography's striving innovation and power. Artifact Suite deconstructs and reconstructs the rules of traditional ballet without denying its traditional technique. Rules are both extended and broken in this work whose powerful images perturb theatrical imagery and push the play of optional illusions to their limits. The San Francisco Chronicle said, "...Forsythe's skewed classicism, the abrupt transitions, the constantly evolving patterns for the 30-member corps and the omnipresent tension simmering under the surface suggest a vision of ballet for the 21st century." From its roots of a troupe of 15 young dancers in 1969 to a company of 59 dancers, Houston Ballet is the fifth largest ballet company (by number of dancers) in the United States. Led by Australian choreographer Stanton Welch, Houston Ballet has toured extensively both nationally and internationally. The company is complemented by Houston Ballet Orchestra, which consists of 61 professional musicians who play all ballet performances at the company's home at Wortham Theater Center.

Artifact Suite
Choreography: William Forsythe
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Eva Crossman-Hecht
Lighting Design: William Forsythe
Costume Design: William Forsythe

Jessica Lang Dance - Mixed Repertoire (The Music Center Debut including a West Coast Premiere)
February 17-19, 2017
The Music Center's Ahmanson Theatre

In an example of the transformation of classical ballet language into artfully crafted, emotionally engaging contemporary work, Dance at The Music Center presents Jessica Lang Dance. One of the few major female choreographers in the United State, Lang, who was called "[a] master of visual composition" by Dance Magazine, seamlessly incorporates striking design elements and creates dance for the 21st century that demonstrates an unrivaled echelon of creativity. The program highlights two new works by Lang created in 2015: Thousand Yard Stare, which sheds light on the theme of war and those who have been affected by it, most specifically veterans; and the West Coast premiere of Tesseracts of Time, created in collaboration with world renowned architect Steven Holl. These monumental works are joined on the program with audience favorites, Droplet, an intimate excerpt from i.n.k., and Lang's iconic gem, The Calling, which stuns audiences with its delicate grace and impactful beauty. New York-based Jessica Lang has created more than 90 works on companies worldwide including Birmingham Royal Ballet, The National Ballet of Japan and Joffrey Ballet, and in 2016, she will premiere a new work on Pacific Northwest Ballet. Described as a visual artist whose medium is dance, Lang recently announced the creation of the Jessica Lang Dance Center, a permanent home studio for her company in Long Island City, Queens, NY.

The Calling
Choreography: Jessica Lang
Music: Trio Mediaeval
Lighting Design: Nicole Pearce
Costume Design: Jessica Lang

The Droplet
Choreography: Jessica Lang
Music: Jakub Ciupinski (Commissioned Score)
Lighting Design: Nicole Pearce

Thousand Yard Stare
Choreography: Jessica Lang
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven
Lighting Design: Nicole Pearce
Costume Design: Bradon McDonald

Tesseracts of Time
Choreography: Jessica Lang
Music: David Lang, Morton Feldman, John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, Arvo Pärt
Set Design: Steven Holl
Lighting Design: Nicole Pearce
Costume Design: Bradon McDonald

Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater - Complete Program TBA/All Programs Include Revelations (With a Premiere of a New Work Co-Commissioned by Dance at The Music Center)
March 8-12, 2017
The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

One of the most sought-after companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Music Center with a powerful repertoire that includes its signature American masterpiece, Revelations, along with the West Coast premiere of a new work commissioned by Dance at the Music Center. Recognized for changing the perception of American dance, the Ailey company has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 48 states, 71 countries and six continents and has reached millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings and digital platforms. Designated by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates the human spirit using the African American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. The company continues Ailey's mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 240 works by over 95 choreographers are part of the Ailey company's diverse repertory.

Today, under the direction of Robert Battle, Ailey's extraordinary dancers bring to life an expanding variety of premieres, new productions and repertory favorites in performances that inspire, educate and enlighten audiences of all backgrounds. Ailey II, which embodies Mr. Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people, will perform at The Blue Ribbon Children's Festival at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion from February 28 - March 2, 2017. The Chicago Sun-Times said, "...the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has created a unique and enduring bond with its audiences."

Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater - Program TBD

Scottish Ballet - A Streetcar Named Desire (West Coast Premiere)
May 19-21, 2017
The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Dance at The Music Center presents the west coast premiere of Scottish Ballet's multi-award winning A Streetcar Named Desire. This classic play is transformed into an emotional ballet that tackles important issues of sexual violence and identity. This vibrant award-winning production pushes the boundaries of narrative ballet by presenting an interesting collaboration that introduces both theatrical and film elements that delivers a powerful infusion of drama and dance. With the choreography set to a specially commissioned jazz-inspired score, Scottish Ballet pushes the boundaries of narrative ballet through a range of styles that accentuate the sensuality of the dancers, which, according to The Huffington Post, "...flaunts the dramatic and technical flair of this handsome company. The Evening Standard said, "[It is] everything you could want of Tennessee Williams - florid, poetic, poisonously beautiful."
As Scotland's national dance company, Scottish Ballet presents a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and around the world. With strong classical technique at the root of all of its work, the company presents new versions of classic titles, as well as seminal works from 20th century choreographers, significant pieces from living choreographers and new commissions.

A Streetcar Named Desire
Choreography: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Director: Nancy Meckler
Music and Sound: Peter Salem
Lighting Design: Tim Mitchell

Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg - Tchaikovsky
June 23-25, 2017
The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Exploring the personal life of the great romantic composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg presents the grand artistic ballet, Tchaikovsky. Boris Eifman's enigmatic contemporary choreography explores the composer's complicated sexuality, his inner break-up and personality dissociation, and his journey through the creative process. Set to a score of Tchaikovsky's most popular compositions, the ballet showcases characters from his work, who materialize as demons, fairies and the like; they push and pull him from torment to the brink of ecstasy. The New York Times said, "The choreography is antiliteral, and Mr. Eifman has molded his dancers into performers of explosive expressiveness."

Currently the only Russian contemporary ballet company touring outside of Russia, Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg was founded by Boris Eifman in 1977 as the Leningrad New Ballet. The company will celebrate its 40th anniversary season in 2017. From the very beginning, Eifman Ballet and the concept of "The New Ballet" was highly innovative, considered an experimental laboratory of one choreographer. Renowned among ballet lovers worldwide and noted for his story ballets, Eifman Ballet engages audiences by encouraging them to both appreciate the beauty of the "dance fabric" of is performances and empathize with the action. Keeping in line with the mission to promote Russian contemporary choreographic art, Eifman Ballet has been actively engaged in touring all over the world. The Los Angeles Times has called Eifman's creations "theatrical, visionary works that delve into characters' lives in the most exciting, probing, titillating, and wondrous ways."

Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Boris Eifman
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Lighting Design: Gleb Filshtinsky
Set and Costume Design: Vyacheslav Okunev

The Music Center's BalletNow™ - Mixed Repertory Curated by Tiler Peck
July 28-30, 2017
The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Dance at The Music Center presented the world premiere of BalletNow™ in 2015, presenting some of the most talented internationally renowned ballet dancers and providing them a platform to showcase their curatorial skills along with the passion and expertise of many of their peers. With the second BalletNow, Dance at The Music Center will spotlight New York City Principal Ballerina Tiler Peck, who will create three new evenings of mixed repertory with performances by an international roster of leading principal dancers. The repertory is expected to include a mix of iconic ballets and new pieces, including choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, George Balanchine, Justin Peck and Jerome Robbins. BalletNow will feature a live orchestra.

International ballerina Tiler Peck brings grace, energy and experience to the stage. From her Southern California beginnings, to her meteoric rise from apprentice with the New York City Ballet in 2004, Peck became the youngest member of the Corps de Ballet in 2005, soloist in 2006 and principal dancer in 2009. She is considered the company's most acclaimed and versatile dancer. Peck was named to Forbes "30 Under 30": Hollywood and Entertainment" and is a winner of the Princess Grace Statue Award. The New York Times describes Peck as, "...elegant to her fingertips, [with] a ravishing quality of excess."
The Music Center's BalletNow™ - Program TBD

Season tickets/subscriptions for Dance at The Music Center are on sale now. For information, call (213) 972-0711 or visit musiccenter.org/1617dance.

Experiential Dance Programs
Dance makes its way from The Music Center's stages to the outdoor places and spaces of Los Angeles' leading performing arts center, offering those who love to dance a range of high-energy, fun, dynamic, participatory experiences during the summer months. Back for the 12th year, The Music Center's Dance DTLA is an evening of dance under the stars on The Music Center Plaza or in Grand Park on most Friday nights in the summer months, from June-September, 2016. The series features Dance Downtown (7:00 - 11:00 p.m.), where participants can learn new dance moves in a judgment free zone with a different dance genre for each event, and alternating DJ nights (8:00 - 11:00 p.m.), curated by influential artists and tastemakers who will give voice to the dynamic, vibrant LA culture through music, dancing, arts and aesthetics. The series includes:
• June 3 - Dance Downtown: Bollywood/The Music Center Plaza
• June 10 - DJ Night, curated by Garth Trinidad/The Music Center Plaza
• June 24 - Dance Downtown: Line Dancing/The Music Center Plaza
• July 1 - DJ Night, curated by Money Mark/The Music Center Plaza
• July 8 - Dance Downtown: Cumbia/Grand Park
• July 15 - DJ Night, curator TBD/The Music Center Plaza
• July 22 - Dance Downtown: Argentine Tango/The Music Center Plaza
• July 29 - DJ Night, curator TBD/The Music Center Plaza
• August 5 - Dance Downtown: Salsa/The Music Center Plaza
• August 12 - DJ Night, curated by Anthony Valadez/The Music Center Plaza
• August 19 - Dance Downtown: Samba/The Music Center Plaza
• August 26 - DJ Night/curator TBD/The Music Center Plaza
• September 2 - Dance Downtown: Disco/The Music Center Plaza

For more information, visit musiccenter.org/dancedtla

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