By LeAnna Hamblin
The Ogden Symphony Ballet Association presents Stars of American Ballet, filled with passion, fun, and a wonderful selection of amazing dancing. Founder and director Daniel Ulbricht has compiled a remarkable company of talented, professional dancers from around the world. This program is filled with ballet performances set to classic and contemporary music. As the company presents each piece, they bring to life the emotion which fills the music. The costumes and choreography play tribute to the origins of each musical selection.
In the first number, “Tarantella”, composed by Louis M. Gottschalk, Erica Pereira and Ulbricht portray the classic “boy chases girl” Italian couple. Choreographed by George Balanchine, this number is filled with effortless and abounding energy while staying true to the style of Italian culture. Pereira and Ulbricht showcase outstanding technique while presenting this quick-paced number.
Unity Phelan and Ask la Cour beautifully execute Balanchine’s choreography of “Diamonds Pas de Deux”, composed by Peter I. Tchaikovsky. La Cour is a commanding male lead in this traditional number. While he seems to defy gravity, la Cour creates the illusion of making himself and Pelan float across the stage through weightless leaps and graceful lifts. The beautiful costumes in this number only add to the ethereal feel of the piece.
The world premier of “Rouge Lullaby”, music by Bela Bartok and choreography by Alec Knight, is a sight to behold. This more contemporary spin of classical ballet is truly a piece of moving art, from the striking costumes to the intricate choreography. Knight and Bailey Jones create breathtaking lines through their dance, which make the viewers wonder where one dancer ends and the other begins.
“Don Quixote Pas de Deux”, composed by Minkus, is a beautifully performed duet between a Spanish conquistador, portrayed by Connor Walsh, and his exquisite love interest, portrayed by Allison Miller. As Walsh vies for Miller’s affection, a trusting relationship is developed through the wonderful Ben Stevenson’s choreography. Miller and Walsh are both featured as soloists during this number and resume their partnership by the end of the performance, only to showcase their strength as partners.
A rousing detour from the traditional ballet comes in the form of a jazz-style number, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, music arranged by Benny Goodman and choreographed by Ulbricht. As Ulbricht and Danielle Diniz gracefully present this toe-tapping number, they get the audience clapping and engaged in the ever-intriguing “boy chases girl” number. This performance plays homage to the jazz and swing eras of a simpler time in America. Both the audience and the performers take a moment to let their hair down and enjoy the upbeat number.
As a grand finale, the company performs the culminating number, “Who Cares?”, a montage of George Gershwin music, including “Stairway to Paradise”, “Fascinating Rhythm”, and “I’ve Got Rhythm”. As the performers, Pereira, la Cour, Phelan, Ulbricht, and Indiana Woodward, take the stage, they each tell part of a romance, from the perfect gentleman trying to steal a first kiss, to a romantic stroll through the dimly lit city streets. The Balanchine choreography is full of complicated lifts and syncopated rhythms that command the music.
Ulbricht and his company should be proud of the simple yet intriguing program they bring to the stage with Stars of American Ballet. This is a beautifully performed piece of American ballet that is a pleasure for all to witness.
Ogden Symphony Ballet Association Presents Stars of American Ballet by Daniel Ulbricht
November 2, 2018, 7:30 PM
Val A. Browning Center, 1901 University Circle, Ogden, UT 84408
Tickets: $10-$15
Ogden Symphony Ballet Association Facebook Page
Stars of American Ballet Facebook Event
0 Comments