Shawn Conner provides five reasons to check out Ballet B.C.’s Program 2
1. World premieres. In recognition of the 150th anniversary of Canada, and under the artistic direction of Emily Molnar, Ballet B.C. is presenting a program of collaborations with B.C. choreographers, including three world premieres. (Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto choreographed the current season’s Program 1 in the fall of last year.)
2. Wen Wei Wang. Ballet B.C. is following up its 2011 interpretation of Wang’s In Motion with another work by the celebrated choreographer. From a review of In Motion: “Wang’s deft eye for geometric patterns, and his lyrical choreography, makes the body soar.”
3. Solo Echo. Originally created for Nederlands Dans Theater, this piece wowed Vancouver audiences when it closed Program 1 of Ballet B.C.’s 2015/2016 season. Choreographed by Crystal Pite, a Ballet B.C. alumna, Solo Echo features seven dancers in a search for “the balancing point between the exuberant and sometimes reckless states of our ambition and fortitude in the prime of life, and the opposing force of a more collective spirit that begins to take shape in the reflection of our existence and surroundings in later years,” according to the media release. Also, it’s set to music by Brahms.
4. Barbara Adler. For Program 2, choreographers and dancers are collaborating with other local talents. A new piece from choreographer Lesley Telford is a duet, with spoken word artist/ musician Barbara Adler also performing.
5. Company 605. Dedicated to producing new dance, this emerging company is presenting their first collaboration with a ballet company.
PROGRAM 2 (BALLET B.C.) When: Today to Saturday at 8 p.m. When: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tickets and info: from $21.25, at ticketmaster.ca