|
|
|
Reviews
When ballet meets jazz, the result is Convergence
Four world premieres await dance fans this Saturday
by Pamela Anthony
Edmonton Journal,Wednesday, June 20, 2007
EDMONTON - Convergence sprang from one of those moments when a wild idea becomes "Why not?"
Citie Ballet's Francois Chevennement recalls seeing a show by the jazz ensemble FreeFall Dance. With him was artistic director emeritus Bill Thomson.
"I said, 'Wow, they're fantastic. Let's do something with them,' " recalls Chevennement. "And we thought, 'Well ... why not?' "
He proposed a "ballet meets jazz" collaboration to FreeFall Dance choreographer Laura Krewski, and a show was born.
Each choreographer has created a new work for their own dance company, and another for the counterpart company, resulting in an evening of four world premieres.
Chevennement developed a renewed interest in the spirited language of jazz. He wound up creating a dance based on his memories of a visit to an underground dance club in Cuba.
"I was fascinated by the music, how people move, how they party. As a choreographer, I like to take what I have from my ... experience as a dancer, then twist it, make something new."
(He jokes that the push to create new work had him in dance mode at all hours and "choregraphing in the car.")
Likewise, FreeFall's Krewski worked with Citie Ballet dancers to create new work. FreeFall is a relative newcomer on the scene that brings together jazz dance aficionados -- much like Citie Ballet is home for ballet dancers.
"The show is kind of a conversation piece with dancers from each company, in both ballet and jazz," says Chevennement. "It's a pleasure to see the two companies together, pulling each other in new directions -- there's so much energy."
This is Citie Ballet's first big show under Chevennement, who became artistic director last fall. His predecessor William Thompson guided the company for eight years, creating a place for that most passionate of creatures -- the aspiring ballet dancer.
The company is active, performing in benefits, galas and various community events around town, often in aid of charitable organizations.
But it also creates showcase performances like Convergence, the kind of artistic innovation that throws a spotlight on the company's -- and Chevennement's -- ambitions.
"My goal is to give a professional experience to the dancers, and to show audiences their commitment, their high quality of performance in demanding choreography," says Chevennement, whose successful career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher in both France and Canada will now enrich Citie Ballet.
"My hope is to become a professional company."
Back to Converegence.
|
|
