New Orleans Ballet Association

Trey McIntyre, one of the world�s most sought-after choreographers, is bringing his critically-acclaimed ballet company to New Orleans for two nights of performances at Tulane University�s Dixon Hall on November 21 and 22.

Trey McIntyre blasts onto the international dance scene with his brand new company, the Trey McIntyre Project. �One of the hottest choreographers in the dance world� (The Boston Globe), McIntyre has been a force on the international dance scene creating fresh and innovative works for over 20 years. With the dance world hungry for new creative voices, McIntyre�s career has sky-rocketed. Rooted in classical ballet, his in-demand dances are hip, contemporary and set to a brilliant variety of music from Brubeck and The Beatles to Beethoven and Beck. Since the debut of his first work in 1990 for Houston Ballet, he has created over 70 ballets for more than 30 prestigious companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

As a part of the company�s first performances in New Orleans, TMP joins forces with NOBA to create a brand new work, Ma Maison, featuring iconic New Orleans jazz music. After exploring the music scene and clubs of New Orleans, McIntyre selected Preservation Hall Jazz Band to provide the soundtrack for his new work and collaborated with PHJB to hand-pick the six song score that will be performed live by the band for the premiere at Dixon Hall. �When I danced with Houston Ballet, I used to jump in my car every single layoff and drive to New Orleans. I had more friends there than I did in Texas. I am so fond of the culture and people. There is truly no place like it,� said McIntyre. �It was an easy choice for me to work with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band. These are excellent musicians who understand the canon they work within with great care and understanding.�

�It's always exciting to collaborate with artists on projects that celebrate New Orleans. Working with Trey is extraordinary because he brings his own distinct creative vision to the table. I am always amazed at the way people view New Orleans from the outside looking in, � said Ben Jaffe, Creative Director for Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Ma Maison also features costumes by award-winning New Orleans-based designer Jeanne Button and masks by renowned Broadway production designer Michael Curry. The final staging for Ma Maison will be done in New Orleans during TMP�s week-long residency, and afterwards will be included as part of TMP�s world tour.

�Part of NOBA�s mission is to perpetuate and strengthen the performing arts in New Orleans, and one way of doing this is by facilitating the creation of new works. With an impressive track record for working with a variety of musical styles, Trey McIntyre was an obvious choice for choreographer. Our only stipulation was that Trey use New Orleans jazz music. NOBA is thrilled to be a part of this unique collaboration and TMP�s inaugural tour,� said NOBA Executive Director, Jenny Hamilton.

In addition to the debut of Ma Maison, TMP brings a sensational program driven by an eclectic mix of music including the fun and funky Surrender set to the music of Grand Funk Railroad, Tchaikovsky and Regina Spektor; the beautiful and sentimental Leatherwing Bat with music by Peter, Paul and Mary and the bright and playful ballet, The Reassuring Effects (of Form and Poetry), performed on pointe to music by Dvorak.

Tickets for the performance range from $30 to $80. Students and seniors (65 and older) receive a $7 discount off the regular ticket prices. Group discounts also are available. For tickets or information, call the New Orleans Ballet Association Box Office at (504) 522-0996. Tickets may be purchased online through www.nobadance.com, or via Ticketmaster at (504) 522-5555 or www.ticketmaster.com.

In addition to the performances, the company will also spend a week in residency working with the New Orleans community. The residency will feature two master classes at McWilliams Hall, one of which will be open to the public for reservations, as well as two open rehearsals and post performance discussions with the dancers. NOBA will also join forces with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to host a special scholar�s dance talk at NOCCA�s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall on November 18th with TMP Artistic Director Trey McIntyre, PHJB Creative Director Ben Jaffe, and Dillard University�s Dean of Humanities and scholar on African-American studies, Dr. Danille K. Taylor. Attendees will get a behind the scenes look at collaborating with jazz musicians, the music, and the creative process. For more information about residency opportunities call (504) 522-0996 x. 203 or email shirsch@nobadance.com.

This event is sponsored by Capital One and Energy Partners, Ltd. Support of the live music is provided by New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. and the New Orleans Musicians� Clinic. WWOZ is the official media sponsor of this event.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which believes that a great nation deserves great art; a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans (ACNO); a Community Arts Grant made possible through the City of New Orleans as administered by ACNO; a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the NEA; and a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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