Premiere promises powerful performances
By Ariana Albarella
Three works from the American Repertory Ballet’s (ARB) repertoire that showcase the versatility and talent of the performers will mark the opening of its performance season at Rider University on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
Season Premiere is the latest addition to ARB’s residency program at Rider. The university has hosted the company’s season opening for the last several years and has provided students with the opportunity to work with dancers from the institution’s Princeton Ballet School.
“Rider has been a partner with Princeton Ballet School for over 30 years,” said ARB’s artistic director, Douglas Martin. “It was a very natural step for the company to present on campus, as many of our faculty members and staff have worked for both institutions.”
The performances will feature “Glazunov Variations” choreographed by Kirk Peterson, “Straight Up with a Twist” choreographed by Mary Barton, and “Ephemeral Possessions” choreographed by Martin.
“These works really show the range and strengths of the company dancers very well,” Martin said. “‘Glazunov’–our strong, classical technique, ‘Ephemeral’– the vision of neoclassical line and movement and ‘Straight Up with a ‘Twist’– our athleticism and contemporary range of movement.”
In addition to the performances, dancers from Princeton Ballet School will be present on campus throughout the week to conduct masterclasses for dance students, a perk that comes with ARB’s partnership with Rider.
“ARB is thrilled to have this collaborative relationship with Rider University,” Martin said. “Our ability to perform and interact with the student body is important to our community.”
Martin credits Rider’s arts program as the reason for this collaboration.
“It is excellent exposure for their students,” Martin said. “And an excellent way for us to reach out to a new audience every season.”
An open dress rehearsal will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the BLC Theater followed by the “State of the Art Address” in the BLC Fireside Lounge at 6 p.m. Both are open to the public. To RSVP, visit arballet.org/StateoftheArtAddress
Season Premiere is playing the BLC Theater on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.rider.edu/arts.
