BalletMet at The Riffe- Contemporary Program

[Clara 76]

A little more sensual than standard fare, a little more intimate than most nights out, BalletMet's popular February program is the most electrifying way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Heavy on passion, this year's lineup will feature:

--Bolero- Original choreography by Ohio Ballet founder Heinz Poll. Set to Ravel's legendary score, the piece blends Indian and modern dance styles, its movements increasing in complexity as the music builds. This BalletMet company premiere will be staged by Xochitl Tejeda de Cerda, the ballerina upon whom Poll created the work.

--Blue and Orange- Two works by BalletMet Artistic Associate Stanton Welch. Both company premieres, they are part of a series that explores different emotions through the colors of chakras (i.e. the seven energy centers of the body) and feature Mr. Welch's contemporary choreography performed with classical technique.

--Imposing- A world premiere by BalletMet company dancer Daryl Brandwood that features music by Tango Nueva great Astor Piazzolla. A contemporary piece about the different aspects of relationships, it was initially created for the first Columbus Choreography Project, a competition held in May 2004 at which Mr. Brandwood was awarded one of three fellowships.

--Touch- The world premiere of a contemporary work choreographed by BalletMet company dancer Jimmy Orrante.

--Group Therapy- Harrison McEldowney's humorous take on couples and relationships that features the intricate partnering for which he is known.

February 10 - 19, 2005

Capitol Theatre

Tickets: $25.50, $37.50

Thurs., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 11, 8 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 12, 8 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 13, 2 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 19, 8 p.m.

BalletMet