Press contact:

Mary Jo Peloquin
612-672-0480
maryjo@jsballet.org

Dana Munson

612-206-3630

dmunson@thecowlescenter.org

MINNEAPOLIS (Mar, 2016) — James Sewell Ballet mixes up its repertory for their Spring performances at the Goodale Theater. A commission, an exchange and an old favorite. Chopin, Vivaldi and Marching Band music.

SPRING SEASON: Chopin Studies uncovers choreographic imagination using the common yet extraordinary music of the quintessential ballet composer. James’s view of Chopin’s music was inspired and transformed by the opportunity to work with Tadeusz Majewski, who has a way of playing Chopin’s music that is inspired in the moment and makes it different every time he plays it.

Band It will premiere this spring in collaboration with the Edina High School band on the stage of the Goodale Theater. Using music from a repository of BandQuest music at the American Composer’s Forum, Sewell will choreograph a work that can be performed on both stage and, more accessibly, in school gymnasiums. This piece will incorporate hover boards, color guard flags and giant inflatable water balls to stretch your perception of contemporary ballet. It was commissioned by the Wenger Foundation in honor of Harry Wenger, who is honored through the annual Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival in Owatonna every June.

Seasons Choreographic exchange between James and Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director, Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet performed James’s Chopin Studies in February and James Sewell Ballet will perform Seasons in April. Using the work of two great composers, Frederic Chopin and Antonio Vivaldi.

Friday April 22nd – 8pm

Saturday April 23rd – 8pm

Friday April 29th – 8pm

Saturday April 30th – 8pm

Sunday May 1st – 2pm

FAMILY PROGRAM: Saturday, April 23rd, 11:00 a.m. – Join us for a celebratory leap into spring with a family show including excerpts from Band It and Chopin Studies. The Reif Dance Company from Grand Rapids Minnesota will again grace our stage with their talented presence.

About James Sewell Ballet

James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City 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. The company’s critically acclaimed performances move and delight audiences across the country.

About the artistic director

A Minneapolis native, James Sewell studied in New York City at the School of American Ballet with David Howard, and began performing with American Ballet Theatre’s 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. Since founding JSB Sewell has choreographed more than 70 ballets for his and other 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 Composer’s Forum.

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