DeKalb School of the Arts Dance Department Presents: Firebird and Other Dances.
January 16, 17, 18, 2015 in the Kyle Theater.
Premiering in 1910, with choreography by Michel Fokine and music by Igor Stravinsky, Firebird was inspired by the Russian legend telling of the capture by Prince Ivan of a marvelous bird in a tree of golden apples in the enchanted garden of the evil and immortal Kostchei. The Firebird, in exchange for its freedom, gives Ivan one of its flaming feathers, telling him that if he is in trouble to use it to call the Firebird and it will come to help. This one act ballet, first performed by the Ballet Russes in 1909, began the era of “total theater” in ballet conceived by impresario Serge Diaghilev. This 20th century ballet revolution, from 1909-1920, brought together some of the best choreographers, dancers, composers and painters of the time to create dances that impressed and sometimes shocked audiences.
DeKalb School of the Arts (DSA) version is choreographed by Angela Harris and Anna Dunn with recorded narration by legendary prima ballerina Natalia Makarova. Senior Danielle Marshall and Freshman Amani Commodore will share the role of the Firebird;
The “other dances” at this eclectic concert, offers something for everyone. Two tap numbers are included in the evening. We take a time machine “Back to the 90’s.” Choreographed by Tre McClendon, this high energy tap piece features music by M.C. Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Outcast. And Birda Ringstad takes us back even further with dancing couples and flapper girls from the Roaring 20’s with “That’s a Plenty”
Two seniors were selected to choreograph for this year’s concert. Dancers will be sporting green, red and gold costumes for the “Emerald City Sequence” from The Wiz. This colorful number, choreographed by Zuri Ford is all at once elegant, exciting and energetic; while Rachelle Clark digs deep into the mind of a young woman with disassociation disorder. The music for this thought provoking piece is by Max Richter.
Dance Department director Dean Williams has choreographed two works; “Two Step Passion,”
a modern dance with music by the classical/rock/pop/folk band Spark, and “Beach Blanket Bash” a trippy tribute to the beach movies of the 50’s and 60’s to the funky music of the B-52’s “Rock Lobster”
The dance concert at DSA traditionally ends with a piece from resident jazz choreographer, Marci Lefkoff. This year Marci shows off her cool side with “Last Call at the Blue Note Café.”
This sweet, smooth and sassy piece is perfect ending to a perfect evening of dance.
Show times are:
Friday, January 16, 2015 at 8PM;
Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 2PM
Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 8PM
Sunday. January 18, 2015 at 2PM
Tickets $12 Adults/$6 Student. Reservations highly recommended by calling 678-676-2552 or emailing [email protected]