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James Sewell Ballet presents an evening of evocative dance

Verse melds with movement in world premiere to music of rapper, songstress Dessa

MINNEAPOLIS James Sewell Ballet (JSB) closes out its 2014/2015 season April 24 May 3 at The Cowles Center in Minneapolis with an epic Twin Cities premiere, a restaged favorite, and thought-provoking hip hop music.

Silk Road, set to the music of acclaimed cellist Yo Yo Ma, makes its Twin Cities debut. This riveting, adventurous dance is a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, investigating the commonalities as well as the disparities between the two. Since touring it around the country this past year, Sewell says the dance has evolved and gained new, richer textures.

Norbert de la Cruz IIIs haunting and mysterious Dusty Realms, which premiered at the 2013 Ballet Works Project, is re-energized for the Cowles Centers main stage. The abstract dance explores the human struggle of when to be proactive and when to be patient.

Its nice for our audiences to see other choreographers work and to see our dancers move differently, Sewell says. Its a way for everyone to grow artistically.

In Into The Spin, Sewell turns to the music and lyrics of popular Minneapolis rapper, singer, and spoken word artist Dessa for the evenings world premiere. A collaborative choreographic effort between Sewell and his dancers, it explores the driving pulses in Dessas music, discovering how movement can dive deeper into her poignant verse.

Performances run April 24 May 3 at The Cowles Centers Goodale Theater in Minneapolis. Single tickets are now available. For more information, visit JSBallet.org/14-15-season.

Family Performance Features Reif Dance Company from Grand Rapids MN

Bring your entire family to the ballet House lights remain partially lit during these 60-minute performances that invite all ages to engage with the JSB dancers. Audience members can exit and re-enter the theater as needed.

The Reif Dance Company performs James Sewells Doo-Be-Doo set to the music of J.S. Bach. Also on the program will be excerpts from Silk Road, Dusty Realms and James world premiere of Into The Spin.

Saturday, April 25 11 am

Tickets: $10, Children 3 and under free

About James Sewell Ballet

James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City by James Sewell and Sally Rousse, and brought to Minnesota in 1993. The professional company of ten dancers performs innovative work that explores the technical boundaries of ballet and engages with new audiences through outreach initiatives. More than two decades later, the companys critically acclaimed performances move and delight audiences across the country.

About the artistic director

A Minneapolis native, Sewell studied in New York City at the School of American Ballet with David Howard, and began performing with American Ballet Theatres second company. He was a lead dancer with Feld Ballets/NY for six years and has performed as a guest artist with the New York City Ballet, Zvi Gottheiner and Dancers, and Denishawn. Sewell has choreographed more than 70 ballets for companies in the United States and around the world. He is also a former trustee of Dance/USA and a past director of the American Composers Forum.