Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Artistic Directors Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty
February 23, 8 p.m. Mahalia Jackson Theater
For over 17 years, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has been at the forefront of American dance and celebrated as “a breath of fresh air,”(The New York Times) for its innovative style, sophisticated and entertaining repertoire, and dedication to commissioning new work from top international choreographers. Led by Jean-Philippe Malaty and renowned Joffrey Ballet dancer Tom Mossbrucker, this sleek and adventurous company is famous for its technical prowess and enthusiastic spirit that exudes from the stage. As a follow up to their popular New Orleans engagement in 2008, the company returns to the mainstage with a thrilling program of works by master dancemakers, Jirí Kylián and Jorma Elo, and hot, emerging talent Norbert De La Cruz III.
Discovered at the Juilliard showcase, the 2012 Princess Grace Award winner and young Juilliard graduate, De La Cruz III was instantly commissioned by ASFB to create evening’s opening work, Square None. This fresh new work and choreographic debut makes “imaginative use of the dancers’ athleticism and grace that suggests that De La Cruz is as much a poet as a craftsman.” (St. Louis Post Dispatch)
The evening’s centerpiece, Return to a Strange Land, is a seminal work by international dance icon Jirí Kylián. Considered a masterpiece, this ballet creates a dramatic and beautiful atmosphere of longing and hope.
The neon colored finale is the Over Glow, created by Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo. A favorite collaborator of ASFB, Elo creates works that are tailor-made to reflect the personalities and exuberance of the dancers.
“With matinee idol beauty, Olympian athleticism and Nobel Laureate inventiveness, this company lives up to its reputation as one of the most talented dance companies in America.”—The Maui News
“Ballet Brilliance!” Chicago Sun Times
A Pre-Performance Talk with ASFB directors will be held at 7:15 pm on the Mezzanine Level M2 of the MJTPA.
