Israeli Choreographer Returns to Atlanta Ballet
/BY DEBBIE DIAMOND/ //AJT CONTRIBUTOR//
For one weekend only, starting March 21 until March 23, Atlanta Ballet welcomes back Ohad Naharin with his work “Secus,” one of three choreographers premiering distinctive contemporary works at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
With “Secus,” the Atlanta Ballet follows up last year’s electrifying performance of Naharin’s “Minus 16,” an unconventional work that blurred the lines between performer and audience member.
“Secus” is described as an infectious, fast-paced piece, fabulously set to the music of Chari Chari, Kid 606+Rayon, Kaho Naa and the Beach Boys.
According to Naharin, “There’s no theme, just many suggested themes. I look upon this dance as simply one more offering of the power of imagination. I play with the borders, the limits. There is passion, extreme. It is the pleasure of the moment – like in gastronomy, the same pleasure as in good food.”
Deborah Friedesa of the Jerusalem Post said of “Secus,”: “From total stillness, the dancers burst into flurries of activity, creating a sense of organized chaos both in the space and within their bodies. Their novel movement often defies description, but it constantly commands attention and inspires awe.”
The Atlanta Ballet will also present ballet icon Alexei Ratmansky’s “Seven Sonatas.” Ratmansky, who revived the Bolshoi Ballet and served as its director for four years, is currently artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York.
He has been called “the most looked-to choreographer in Western ballet” and “the most gifted choreographer, specializing in classical ballet today” by The New York Times.
“Seven Sonatas” is a classical piece for six dancers who engage with each other in a variety of intricate combinations, set to seven “Keyboard Sonatas” by composer Domenico Scarletti.
Atlanta Ballet has the distinction of being the first company outside of ABT to perform the piece, a tribute to Atlanta Ballet’s growing national recognition.
Rounding out the program is the world premiere of “the authors,” choreographed by Atlanta Ballet’s own Tara Lee, who is in her 18th season as a dancer and choreographer with the Company.
Her piece is an examination of human relationships inspired by the idea that adjusting one’s focus can reveal a larger truth. In addition to staging her own world premiere, Lee will dance in both Naharin and Ratmansky’s pieces.
Tickets for all four performances this weekend are available at www.atlantaballet.com or by calling (404) 892-3303. Ticket prices start at $20. For groups of 10 or more, call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at (404) 873-5811, ext. 207.
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