‘Ovation’ to conclude Alabama Ballet season

Alabama Ballet will conclude its season with “Ovation” at the Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Dorothy Jemison Day Theater from April 6-9. In contrast to the company’s recent classical works such as “Giselle” and George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” this program will highlight contemporary dance works. 

“Ovation” will feature “In the Upper Room” by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. Created in 1986 and since performed by companies around the world, the piece blends ballet, modern dance, tap, pedestrian movement and more to the music of Philip Glass. It will be Alabama Ballet’s first time taking on this notable work, and both company members and artistic staff say they are eagerly anticipating the occasion.

“The dancers were excited about it last season and have been excited about it all of this season,” Artistic Director Tracey Alvey said. “I know I am excited about it. It’s always thrilling to take on a new challenge and see the dancers rise to the occasion.”

Also on the program is a new piece inspired by the late music icon Prince.

“When several attempts to obtain the rights of Prince’s music were declined, I decided to create a plan B,” said choreographer Jamorris Rivers, former Alabama Ballet dancer and current artistic director of AROVA Contemporary Ballet. “Instead of celebrating the late icon’s top hits, I’m challenged with creating a work that is inspired by his impact on our generation. 

“I am planning on using Mozart, Bach and other mixed media,” Rivers said. “The choreography is symbolic, featuring a soloist who portrays the icon, bringing desire and freedom of self-expression to the people, while the corps de ballet represents the collective social consciousness of the people. Prince’s prolific abilities as a songwriter, musician and artist have an exceptional degree of connecting to everyone. His music transcends class, race, gender and the politics of culture, which totally disrupts the narrative of mainstream society’s various divisions.”

Tickets for “Ovation” are $25-$50. To purchase, go to alabamaballet.org or call the box office at 202-8142.

Courtesy artsBHAM