Pacific Beach-based City Ballet of San Diego, under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, pays tribute to its talented and versatile resident choreographers, Elizabeth Wistrich and Geoffrey Gonzalez in a program fittingly titled, “Inspiration in Motion,” again redefining how ballet is performed.
This production of favorites and new contemporary ballets also includes the iconic “Giselle Pas de Deux” for classical ballet enthusiasts. The program is offered at both The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla and California Center for the Arts, Escondido March 17-22.
Ballet isn’t always about telling stories. Audiences can be thrilled by the stunning athleticism and artistry of the dancers.
The program includes Elizabeth Wistrich’s “Straw Feet” choreographed in 1990 to an original commissioned score by Brian Köhn, and her “Beyond the Circle” choreographed in 1999 to music by Osama Kitajima and Tetsuro Naito, her staging of “Giselle Pas de Deux” choreographed in 1841 with music by Adolphe Adam, and Geoffrey Gonzalez’s “Battu” originally choreographed in 2019 now re-choreographed to an original score by drummer Adam Larocca played live on stage.
The critically-acclaimed City Ballet of San Diego is known nationally for its commitment to presenting ballets by the legendary George Balanchine. But the company also is committed to presenting works by its own award-winning resident choreographers, who both create cutting-edge works and longer story ballets. And for lovers of classical romantic ballet, Elizabeth Wistrich will present her staging of “Giselle Act II Pas de Deux,” thus showing the contrast between contemporary and classic ballets from the past.
“In planning our 30th anniversary season, I wanted to showcase our amazing resident choreographers. I asked them to pick some of their favorite contemporary works to be staged. Their choices created this special program. For both of them, it is the music that inspires them. This a must-see program for ballet lovers and those new to ballet,” said Steven Wistrich.
Straw Feet
Elizabeth Wistrich had the luxury of working with musician Köhn in 1990 in creating this ballet with an electronic score. It is not often that a choreographer can dictate the length of certain sections, tempo, and style. Their collaboration allowed Köhn to create a truly unusual piece. This audience favorite is a true showcase of the City Ballet artists’ versatility. First presented by USIU’s International Ballet Company in San Diego in 1990. Performed by City Ballet of San Diego in 2006 and 2019.
Beyond the Circle
The highly unusual music by Japanese composers Kitajima and Naito was the inspiration for Elizabeth Wistrich’s surprising and energetic choreography. First presented by City Ballet of San Diego 1999 and again by City Ballet of San Diego 2002
Giselle Pas de Deux
When Giselle was first performed in 1841, it was a huge success and continues to be an audience favorite today. The original choreography was by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, but as it was passed down through the years, the version we know today is derived from Marius Petipa’s staging. It is considered a masterwork of the classical ballet repertoire and a perfect example of ballet from the Romanic Era. This touching duet is one of the most difficult and continues to move audiences since the day of its premiere almost 200 years ago. First presented by Ballet du Théätre de l’Académie Royal de Musique in Paris, France in 1891
Battu (premiere)
Gonzalez first choreographed Battu in 2019 to a drum score by Nicolas Martynclaw and it was performed live by local drummer Larocca. When Gonzalez decided to make Battu part of this program, Larocca asked if he could create the composition and perform it live again on stage. Gonzalez and Larocca worked together to create a new composition. Larocca created an underlying base for the dancers and for him to jam on the drums. Theoretically, the piece will sound a little different for each performance, but the dancing will remain the same. Approximate run time: two hours, including two 15-minute intermissions. Programming, musical selections, and artists are subject to change without notice.
Venues
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave.
Friday, March 17, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m.
California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Wednesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $42-$102 at The Conrad and $41.50-$81.50 at California Center for the Arts Students, seniors, and military can purchase discounted tickets at 10% off regular price. Free pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets and information at 858-272-8663, cityballet.org.
