Pop Filter Hot Pick: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre unveils Uncommon

Ready to experience ballet--and the August Wilson Center--like never before?

Two Pittsburgh cultural powerhouses are teaming up to launch a collaborative new approach to dance programming which promises to provide audiences with a rare intimate look at ballet, and breathe new life into the Downtown-based African-American Cultural Center.

As part of a three-year partnership with the Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is presenting Uncommon, from Feb. 3-12, featuring three contemporary dances by internationally acclaimed choreographers and classical accompaniment by PBT's Ensemble Orchestra. Showcasing the dynamic intensity and athleticism of PBT dancers, the innovative show aims to challenge predetermined notions about the relationship between classical composition and ballet.

The mixed repertoire production marks the first time PBT brings part of its season to the August Wilson Center, and the first time the company is presenting work by the celebrated NYC-based choreographer and director, Mark Morris.

Be among the very first audiences to see the world premiere of Chromatic, a contemporary new ballet choreographed by Dwight Rhoden, and set to music by famed classical composer, Johann S. Bach. Uncommon will also feature Maelstrom, by iconic dancer/choreographer Mark Morris, and Brahm's Quintet, by Dennis Nahat, who was formerly artistic director of Ballet San Jose. All three works are making their Pittsburgh debut.

"With Uncommon, we have Baroque music from the classical period with contemporary movement that is not what you'd expect from ballet. The movement is so different from what is normally danced to this type of music, and will
bring out something different in the classical music," says Aimee Waeltz, with PBT. "Because the music is classical, it will attract people who love to listen to Beethoven, Bach and Brahms, while the contemporary ballet will attract younger audiences. It bridges a gap and will please all palettes."

Uncommon will open with Brahms' Quintet and conclude with Chromatic. With eight dancers, Brahms' Quintet features music for violin, viola and cello, while Maelstrom features 14 dancers, and accompaniment on violin, cello and piano. The movements of Chromatic's 15 dancers is set to music performed on violin, viola, cello, piano, and harpsichord.

Rehearsals with Rhoden began in Sept. 2011, when the choreographer came to Pittsburgh to experiment with PBT dancers and record various movements and combinations. He returned after PBT's Nutcracker to set the ballet. "What's really exciting about a premiere is that you really get to see it form the ground up creatively," says Waeltz.

Called “one of the most sought-after choreographers of the day“ by the New York Times, Rhoden has created 80 ballets for his own company. His work has been featured on PBS’s Great Performances and the hit show, So You Think You Can Dance. Founding artistic director of NYC-based Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Rhoden is former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

“The new work will look at the dynamic and multi-dimensional nature of the music and movement from the Baroque period, and hopefully bring a 21st century spin to a visual presentation," says Rhoden.

Weitz emphasizes that attendees will have a rare chance to experience ballet firsthand within the Center’s intimate 486-seat theatre: "Patrons will have a completely different experience of ballet, and will be up-close with the dancers and musicians, because the space is so intimate. Our current patrons will see the ballet in a totally different way, and we will also be able to attract new audiences."

The multi-year partnership includes the development and presentation of world-class artistic productions, as well as educational, community and cultivation events, such as workshops and master classes.

The partnership kicks off on Fri, Feb. 3rd, with an opening night gala, featuring cocktails, savories, live entertainment, and a post-show meet and greet with Rhoden and Nahat. Tickets for the gala start at $75. To purchase gala tickets, call 412.454.9137.

The show's two Saturday night evening performances will feature free Barre None after-parties.

Check out this video of Uncommon rehearsals, which features early work with Rhoden and PBT dancers. During Uncommon performances, PBT will also announce its 2012-2013 season.

Purchase tickets now.

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