DANCE

CELEBRATE THE ARTS! A world-renowned symphony and ballet, gifted musicians from around the world, award-winning children’s performers…it’s all in your own backyard at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2011 Performing Arts Season.

This season encompasses a journey filled with classical music, dancing, tributes to late, great musicians, patriotic fanfare, Italian pop and more. The season features eight exhilarating performances by the Houston Symphony. The Texas Music Festival Orchestra returns to the stage along with Houston Ballet for a mixed-repertory program. 

Friday, August 5
Contemporary Masters
Elo’s Newest Work, Kylian’s “Falling Angels” and Wheeldon’s “Rush”
Houston Ballet
8 p.m. / Gates open at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine and lawn seating

Houston Ballet presents a mixed-repertory program including three very dynamic ballets by three of the top choreographers in the industry. Contemporary Masters represents an amazing collection in a single program. Jorma Elo’s untitled new work was created for Houston Ballet dancers by this celebrated Finnish choreographer. Elo has created pieces for American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet and New York City Ballet, and is currently the resident choreographer at Boston Ballet.

Jiri Kylian’s “Falling Angels” is part of his black-and-white ballets featuring eight female dancers dressed in black leotards. The first movement is set to “Drumming” composed by Steve Reich and is based on ceremonial ritual music from Ghana in West Africa. The ballet showcases a combination of classical lines and sharp percussive movements.

Christopher Wheeldon’s “Rush” is anchored around a dazzling pas de deux and features two principals, four soloists and a corps de ballet of 10 dancers. The work is set to Bohuslav Martinu’s “Sinfonietta La Jolla” for chamber orchestra and piano.

Pre-concert activities in the North Plaza begin at 7 p.m.

The Pavilion offers these extraordinary performances for no cost with free mezzanine and lawn seating for all Houston Symphony concerts and Houston Ballet’s performance, as well as free seating at the Star-Spangled Salute and Texas Music Festival Orchestra.

Plus, picnics are welcome at all performing arts events. Bring your family to The Pavilion in 2011 and celebrate the arts!

Pictured:  Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Pam Francis.