I want to encourage you to attend the next and final performances of the year by Atlanta Ballet's touring Wabi Sabi. The photos in this post are of a Wabi Sabi performance I attended this past summer at the High Museum of Art, which is where they'll again be performing on Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m., among the museum's Los Trompos exhibition!
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
On this particular evening, Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi multi-performance program began with Heath Gill-choreographed IDYLL, which I'd seen earlier in the year at the Atlanta Botanical Garden—the site where I saw Atlanta Ballet perform in advance of seeing them on stage for the very first time.
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
It was awesome to see the same performance at a different venue, which of course made it not the same at all. That's one of the beauties of Wabi Sabi...it brings ballet into the community, at various venues throughout the Atlanta area, each a unique experience away from the classic stage.
The above photo (and the next three) is from Sarah Hillmer-choreographed "between", a high-energy, beautiful, romantic performance by Atlanta Ballet dancersAlexandre Barros, Nadia Mara, Miguel Angel Montoya, Lydia Redpath and John Welker.
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Atlanta Ballet...one performance and you're hooked! It's one of those arts that captures imaginations and allures the least suspecting future fan. It's that strongly appealing an expression of the story of humanity. Am I over romanticizing ballet? I think not.
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
I was incredibly impressed with how elegant and powerful this performance was given the heat of Atlanta summers! All Atlanta Ballet performances I've had the privilege of experiencing have been magnificent, and I find myself beaming with excitement that a performance that is subject to Mother Nature and the draw of other summer attractions still draws a massive, enthusiastic crowd!
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
Wabi Sabi is a program of Atlanta Ballet that features a series off-campus performances...they bring the art of ballet into the community. It was founded more than 10 years ago by Atlanta Ballet danceur John Welker, entering his 21st season with Atlanta Ballet! That's John pictured above with Nadia Mara, entering her 10th season with Atlanta Ballet, another of my favorite dancers.
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
This particular Wabi Sabi performance was performed at various outdoor vistas on the High Museum of Art campus, but the dancing stories above the lawn was unexpected and spectacular! Atlanta Ballet's 2015-2016 season opens with Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, one of Atlanta's beloved traditions, on December 11 and will run through December 27 on stage at the iconic Fox Theatre.
Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi | High Museum of Art
The coming season looks spectacular! Having seen every show in their 2014-2015 season—an absolutely magnificent experience—I do believe I'm most looking forward to the upcoming Moulin Rouge The Ballet show the most! As the most famous cabaret in history, you know the ballet is going to be fantastic, especially as performed by Atlanta Ballet! I'm quite passionate here...if you've not seen Atlanta Ballet, you're in for a magnificent experience when you do. And I love their range of classic to contemporary style.
Los Trompos | Sifly Plaza | High Museum of Art
Mark your calendars and be sure you see the season's final Atlanta BalletWabi Sabi performance at the High Museum of Art in Sifly Plaza among their Los Trompos exhibition, pictured above. And check out the 2015-2016 Atlanta Ballet season! (The photos in this post were all captured by me and the opinions in this post are all my own expression. A great many of the Wabi Sabi performances are free to the public, as was this one.)
Trip the Light Fantastic was beyond brilliant! Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi recently returned to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the fifth summer of performances, and even though a brief rainstorm preceded the performances, the dancers garnered an enthusiastic following—literally.
Atlanta Ballet - Wabi Sabi, IDYLL | Atlanta Botanical Garden
The evening's program was comprised of four numbers throughout the 30-acre Garden, each near or within one of the six Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden installations, and hundreds followed them throughout the evening eager for a chance to see our world-class dancers up close and personal.
Atlanta Ballet - Wabi Sabi, IDYLL | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Choreographed by Atlanta Ballet danceur Heath Gill, the first performance, titled IDYLL, was performed by Sara Havener, Jackie Nash and Jared Tan. The performance was delightfully playful and beckoned childhood memories of playing outside. It was lighthearted, yet profound and graceful. It spoke to the seriousness of being an imaginative child as much as it did the merriment of being oblivious to the inevitable responsibilities of adulthood. Simply put, it was fun.
Heath Gill, Atlanta Ballet | Wabi Sabi | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Heath Gill, Atlanta Ballet danceur and choreographer—IDYLL was his second performance as choreographer for Atlanta Ballet—is a personal favorite. Because he's incredibly talented, but also from a sense of nostalgia. You see, he was among the performers the first time I saw Atlanta Ballet, which was a Wabi Sabi program performed at Atlanta Botanical Garden. This particular event was something of a homecoming for me. I'm grateful Heath was gracious to grant me a photo op on the very ground where his dance was performed. And it was quite rewarding—as a fan of Heath and Atlanta Ballet—to see so many approach him after the IDYLL performance and personally congratulate him, not only for his brilliant choreographic work on this particular performance, but also for his staring role in the recent world premiere of Camino Real. Whoever added Heath to Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" had brilliant insight.
Three Degrees, Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Speaking of dancing, did you know that Bruce Munro's Three Degrees was inspired by Diana Ross of The Supremes? Look at them again...you see the sequin-clad dancers now, don't you? I think this is my favorite of the six installations of Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden and it was created for this exhibition, so you're among the first to ever see this work. There's also Supremes-era music playing in the Orchid Center where this exhibit is located. Once visitors make the Diana Ross connection, the music makes total sense...it's awesome to watch the wave of connection wipe across people's faces. This exhibit, like the others, is beautiful in daylight, but you get the full effect when the sun goes down. The upper lights—fiber optics—look like strings...until post-sunset when you can see their true brilliance.
Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden
The third number, Ganesha, was choreographed and performed by Meaghan Muller, former Cirque du Soleil aerial artist, in the Rose Garden, and she was magnificent! The above photo show Garden patrons gathering for her performance, but immediately before that...
Atlanta Ballet, Wabi Sabi, between | Atlanta Botanical Garden
...in the new Gardens in Storza Woods, which opened just last month, was the second performance of the evening that included four vignettes. The dancers in this number included Alexandre Barros, Lydia Redpath, and John Welker, the two decade veteran of Atlanta Ballet and founder of Wabi Sabi, which was launched in 2011. Not named on the program (but obviously planned) for this particular number was Meaghan Muller, but I had the serendipitous vantage of having selected the observation point where she performed throughout the majority of the number.
Atlanta Ballet, Wabi Sabi, between | Atlanta Botanical Garden
This number, titled "between", was from my point of view a remarkable love story. Meaghan's character observed, first nearby and later from afar, sometimes actively, sometimes longingly, and eventually, one of the three in the faraway clique noticed her and fell in love...seemingly, love at first sight. They met mid-pond, mid-reflecting pool, and strolled arms intertwined toward the Canopy Walk into the setting sun.
The fourth and final number of the evening was "the swimmer", a coincidentally apt name given the performance was moved from the Great Lawn into Day Hall due to the earlier rain. Choreographed by Tara Lee, the performers were Alexandre Barros, Kiara Felder, Sara Havener, Lydia Redpath, Jared Tan, John Welker and Olivia Yoch.
Earth Goddess | Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you've never been to Atlanta Botanical Garden and you come for this summer's Light in the Garden exhibition, be sure you find Earth Goddess...all 25 fee of her! I love that Earth Goddess is a permanent exhibit, following the two-year Imaginary Worlds exhibition. And I love hearing other visitors saying the same or gasping at her beauty when they see her for the first time. She's a true treasure for the Garden and I'm certain she's a fan of Wabi Sabi.
There are several more opportunities to see Wabi Sabi this summer, and at some fantastic venues! Here are some of the announced performances: "WHIM" at Sautee Nacoochee Saturday, August 1, 2015 Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. "WHIM" at the High Museum of Art Friday, August 21, 2015 Performance begins 7:00 p.m. "WHIM" at Serenbe Sunday, August 23, 2015 performance begins at 5:00 p.m. Atlanta Ballet Block Party Atlanta Ballet's Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre Saturday, August 29, 2015 Party 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Some events require tickets. Be sure to double-check Atlanta Ballet's website for Wabi Sabi performance updates.
What is Wabi Sabi and why should you see it this summer? Atlanta Ballet says it best:
"Wabi Sabi takes its name from a Japanese worldview that finds beauty in the sincerity, simplicity, and integrity of the natural world. As one of the newest dance initiatives in Atlanta, Wabi Sabi combines our city's own emerging choreographers with beautiful and engaging venues for amazing outdoor performances that bring art to the people."
I'll see you around Atlanta for some amazing dance...and be sure to check out Atlanta Ballet's exciting 2015-2016 season!
Atlanta Ballet's Modern Choreographic Voices was a program of previously performed ballets, but none that I had ever seen. I was poised for an exceptional evening and Atlanta Ballet delivered! This was the first time these particular three performances—Seven Sonatas, Quietly Walking and Minus 16—had been performed in a single event. To the audience's delight, the three performances worked in chorus for an exceptional evening of performing arts, each ballet unique and special in its own right and collectively spectacular. Be sure to read the "finale" of this post for information about Atlanta Ballet's 2014-2105 season finale, MAYhem...it sounds like it's going to be magnificent! And it starts this Friday!
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Seven Sonatas I've mentioned before that I love classic ballet, as much as modern and experiential ballet. I was excited to see Seven Sonatas, knowing it was of the classic variety...and it was beautiful. The on-stage pianist was a pleasant surprise, adding to an already engaging experience.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
As described by Atlanta Ballet, Seven Sonatas is "an exquisitely challenging classical work with Seven Sonatas from American Ballet Theatre artist in residence Alexei Ratmansky. Breathtakingly impeccable and performed with live piano accompaniment, Seven Sonatas focuses on the playful relationships of three couples."
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Let me say it now instead of waiting until the end of this writing. If you're not attending Atlanta Ballet performances, you're missing out on one of the most incredible gifts Atlanta has to offer. You don't have to be classically trained in ballet to enjoy it. You don't have to be widely experienced in the performing arts to enjoy it. If you're even mildly interested in learning about the edge-of-your-seat mastery of one of our local treasures, invite someone you like, someone you're comfortable with, and someone you think might also enjoy the experience...and come see a show! If you're not sure you're ready for a full performance—which I highly recommend you do anyway—check out what's coming up on the company's Wabi Sabi schedule.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Quietly Walking
I found everything about Quietly Walking unabashedly sublime, but what struck me most was the ever-present, yet somehow subtle trio in the "background"—a challenge to be subtle when wearing bright green dresses of a color somewhere between radioactive green and that gorgeous springtime new-growth green.
Not familiar with the piece, it seemed to be a telling of the (not often enough told) struggle between humankind and all-too-delicate nature. This ballet may not offer answers for our challenges in this matter, not in the form of an epiphany, but it does make one ponder.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
During intermission, the friend I was with that evening told me that Quietly Walking brought him to tears, that he found it incredibly moving. And it was. The performing arts have pulled more than a few emotion-wrought tears from me over the years. I suppose I've had the pleasure of seeing some remarkable performances. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to, and that those opportunities continue with such talent-rich organizations like Atlanta Ballet. As I write this, I realize that of the last four Atlanta Ballet performances I've seen, since December, I've been with someone different, which is exciting to me because that means I've had the pleasure of sharing our magnificent local ballet company with multiple people. Clarification...the December performance was a gift to me from my best friend, and it was the catalyst of my desire to share Atlanta Ballet with so many others since. Again, I'm grateful.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Creative Loafing , in its review of Modern Choreographic Voices, says exactly what I've been trying to share with you about writing about ballet—and they've written a brilliant review of Modern Choreographic Voices. I've been a fan of ballet, and most dance genres, most of my life, but it's an art form that I'm still learning to write about with the finesse it deserves. Here’s how Creative Loafing said it:
"It's always an interesting decision when trying to introduce a ballet virgin to the art, whether it's a more classic narrative or a program with modern works. The first path provides more comfort for some viewers as they should be familiar with the general plot, and there are guaranteed to be quite a few dazzling moments that are undeniably impressive even to a first-timer. But more contemporary pieces, like those presented in Atlanta Ballet's The Best of Modern Choreographic Voices program this past weekend, have the advantage of being less predictable and often more interesting for someone who might find an entire evening of classical ballet intimidating." (full review)
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Minus 16 Of the three performances that evening, the one I was most looking forward to was Minus 16. I was excited to see the entire show, but Minus 16 called to me for some reason. The previews I'd seen foretold a rather unique expression of improv, precision and the unexpected. Especially unexpected was the bringing up to the stage a guest per performer for the chance of a lifetime...to dance one-on-one with a member of Atlanta Ballet. Minus 16 is pure delight, filled with amusement, and an unbridled passion for dance.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
"Not your mother's ballet," was shared by 365 Atlanta Family about Camino Real. Minus 16 falls in the same category. When you hear that, please hear only that it's something magnificently new and unexpected. I love classic ballet, and always will, but I'm excited to see something totally different exquisitely executed.
The dance blog 4Dancers had this to say about Minus 16:
“Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16 begins with the house lights up as the audience wanders in from intermission to discover a man in a suit alone onstage “dancing like no one is watching”. He [danseur Heath Gill] shows off his best moves, and inspires applause from the crowd, all while remaining absorbed in his own world. Eventually, the lights dim and he is joined by a corps of similarly-attired dancers who likewise enjoy exuberant, unhindered movement; and a party-like atmosphere prevails. Techno music, audience participation dances, and a spoof of a classical ballet class add to the fun.” – 4Dancers (full review)
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
The sequence depicted in the photo below I don't think could have been performed with any more precision. Perhaps that's one of the (many) things that I enjoy about ballet...the precision. When I was in the Navy, I always enjoyed the pace, rhythm and cadence of our marching exercises. When the entire company was in sync, you understood, with swollen pride, just how teamwork can also be something quite elegant. Well performed ballet certainly is.
Atlanta Ballet | Modern Choreographic Voices | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Atlanta Ballet wraps up its 2014-2015 season, their 85th season, with three premieres in MAYhem, opening this Friday, May 15 and running through Sunday, May 17, 2015, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. There are numerous MAYhem special events, including Night Out with MAYhem on Friday evening; a post-performance Choreographer Talkback on Friday; and Sunday Jazz with Atlanta Ballet immediately prior to the Sunday matinee performance. See you at the ballet!
A new love affair is always exciting. Especially when it's one that has developed over the years. Although I've been a fan of dance all my life—you should have seen me in the 80s and 90s—looking back, even I was surprised to realize that I've attended three Atlanta Ballet performances since December. Each was unique and absolutely thoroughly magnificent. I've always admired dance—in its many forms—but I can now say that I'm a true fan, a love affair of sorts, of ballet. With a particular zeal for Atlanta Ballet. In December, my best friend treated me to Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker. In February I treated myself to Romeo et Juliette—Gold Section seats!—and just last month, Atlanta Ballet treated me to the world premiere of Camino Real. Already I can hardly wait for the next performance!
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real | Photo: Kim Kenney
10 REASONS TO SUPPORT ATLANTA BALLET
In a relatively brief period of time, the dancers, choreographers, costumer designers, performance venues, administration and marketing (my apologies to anyone I left out) have made me a major fan of Atlanta Ballet and I'd like to share with you a few reason you may want to join me in supporting them. In no particular order... 1. Opening Night! Atlanta Ballet knows how to do Opening Night! And a Red Carpet Opening Night is a fantastic experience. Most recently I attended Opening Night of Camino Real with my dear friend Nancy and our pre-show and intermission experience at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was magnificent. Pre-show and intermission entertainment varies from show to show, but in my brief experience it includes a DJ spinning lively music, dance performances, specialty cocktails, there's a gift shop, usually more than one private reception going on, and when attending Romeo et Juliette in February, I and hundreds of others were witness to a proposal of marriage. She said, "Yes!"
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real | Photo: Kim Kenney
2. Camino Real
"Pickett had debuted her first full-length work, a daunting challenge with dramatic narrative based on a difficult play. A well-tuned collaboration between Pickett, composer Peter Salem, set designers David Finn and Emma Kingsbury, and costume designer Sandra Woodall, Camino is one of the most unusual and original dance collaborations the company has ever produced." - ArtsATL
Cynthia Bond Perry's ArtsATL review of Camino Real is particularly well-written, especially for an audience that follows dance. I invite you to read it in its entirety. I definitely agree with her use of the word "unusual", for it was that indeed. But in the most wonderful of ways. For the skeptics who envision taking a nap at the ballet...not going to happen at a performance of Camino Real! It's incredibly mesmerizing.
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real | Photo: Charlie McCullers
3. Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker has been a favorite tradition for many since 1995. And for many young Atlantan's (and us older one's too), it was a first experience of Nutcracker, a first experience of The Fox Theatre, and a first experience of Atlanta Ballet, perhaps even the first time seeing a ballet! I can't even imagine Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker not being part of all the spectacular holiday offerings Atlanta has to offer, especially one this special. I've met people who have seen it many, many times and others who have wanted to see it for years. I'm well on my way to being in the first group and if you're in the latter group, I hope you'll remedy that this December.
4. Atlanta Ballet Orchestra If you're a fan of live music performances—a great majority of Atlantans are—then you're in for quite the treat. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra performs live every performance. I wish we saw more of them, but we do have the opportunity to express our gratitude with applause—and I encourage you to applaud loudly! Atlanta Ballet has deep roots in live music. In fact, in 1946 the Company became the first in the nation to help fund a symphony by donating that season's proceeds to the Atlanta Youth Symphony, which later became the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
For this year’s world premiere of Camino Real, the Company commissioned an original score. It was new for the composer, the orchestra, the choreographer, the dancers and it was new for the delighted audiences who attended that world premiere weekend.
I've never heard anything like it—quite likely because there is nothing like it—and it was remarkable! Congratulations to all who created and brought the score to life.
5. They're Environmentally Responsible The Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, Atlanta Ballet headquarters, was designed and constructed to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Centre achieved LEED-Gold certification when it opened in 2010. Even more impressive, Atlanta Ballet is the only arts organization in the country whose headquarters has LEED-Gold certification, the second highest achievement for LEED certification! I would even suggest that Atlanta Ballet was a pioneer among Atlanta organizations to adopt such a strong sustainability stance so early. At 55,000 square feet, the West Midtown headquarters is twice the size of its former location and only the sixth location in the Company's more than 85 year history. The facility houses five (5) full size dance studios, a physical therapy suite, a student library, a massive costume shop, nearly 8,000 square feet of office space, a full-service box office and a LOT more! Impressive doesn't begin to describe it.
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real | Photo: Kim Kenney
6. Heath Gill Atlanta Ballet danseur Heath Gill is the one company member I've seen perform more than any other. Between Wabi Sabi performances, Nutcracker at The Fox Theatre and performances at Cobb Energy Center, I've lost count of how many times I've seen him. There's comfort in familiarity, of course, but Heath's love for what he does shows in his performance. That I admire. The Atlanta Ballet company dancers range in experience from debut season to 20th season! And they represent a vast array of experience and quite a few countries. The breadth of possibilities for what to expect from this compilation of talent is practically infinite. It's wonderfully exciting is what it is!
7. Nadia Mara During the press preview for Camino Real, Nadia Mara was a mere few feet away from me—they were running scenes for us in the main dance studio, with mid-construction sets in place—that was pretty cool. Nadia gave a performance of an intoxicated young lady unlike anything I've ever seen on a Hollywood big screen. On film, she'd be an Oscar-winning actress, but I'm quite happy to be able to see her perform live as a heart-winning ballerina.
8. Set Design & Fabrication The set for Camino Real was designed and fabricated at Atlanta Ballet's West Midtown headquarters. I had the awesome opportunity to see those sets mid-fabrication during a press preview about two weeks before opening night. Check this out...when they moved to West Midtown, they built their main dance studio to scale of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center stage, where the Atlanta Ballet is a resident company. So, you can imagine just how much that facilitates rehearsals, as well as set design.
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real, Set Fabrication | Photo: Kim Kenney
9. Costume Design and Fabrication
Costumes for Camino Real, being a world premier, were designed, by Sandra Woodall, and fabricated at the Atlanta Ballet campus. You should see their Costume Shop! It's the size of a department store...a mesmerizing and magical place. I've had the pleasure of seeing the Costume Shop twice...once four years ago at a networking event and again recently. It's still a treasure trove of ensembles that will evoke a flood of marvelous memories. There are many, many shows represented in that majestic closet!
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real Costume Concept | Photo: Atlanta Ballet
10. You're Supporting Someone's Dream We all have aspirations and that one dream career that we're either in or working toward. Believe me when I tell you that it takes more than a village to produce and perform even one Atlanta Ballet show. By supporting Atlanta Ballet, you're supporting the dreams of dancers, choreographers, musicians, engineers, costume designers, facility managers, marketing professionals, set designers...the list goes on and on! And please have a look at what they're doing at their multi-campus Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education!
Atlanta Ballet | Camino Real | Photo: Charlie McCullers
10 WAYS TO SUPPORT ATLANTA BALLET Please allow me to share a few ways that you can support Atlanta Ballet. Some of these are obvious, but oftentimes the obvious eludes us or we forget by time we're in a place to take action. So, I offer these these as inspiration, or at the very least may they serve as reminders. In no particular order...
I encourage you to pick at least one—or turn the whole list into a checklist!—and have fun supporting the performing arts and Atlanta Ballet. How will I support Atlanta Ballet, you ask? I will continue to attend performances, I'll continue to share their magnificence on Social Media, and I've always wanted to learn how to tap dance, so don't be surprised if one day I share of video of my inaugural dance recital, the result of classes offered through Atlanta Ballet! In case you missed it, here's a look at the one-of-a-kind, totally mesmerizing performance that I hope is a show that will tour the world, Camino Real...
One last thing. It means a lot to me, and I think most would agree, to see Atlanta Ballet embrace and demonstrate their Mission Statement:
To enrich the human spirit through dance; inspire through performance and empower through education, while building on the rich legacy of the art of dance.
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