American Repertory Ballet Presents: New Heights: Works by Ethan Stiefel, Riccardo De Nigris, and Septime Webre

Overture

Music | Ludwig van Beethoven

Choreography | Ethan Stiefel

"You wouldn't think Beethoven could be funny, but Ethan Stiefel made it so." -- Wendy Perron

One of the world's most acclaimed dancers, Ethan Stiefel is a former Principal with American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and is the former Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Beyond the Normal

Music | Massimo Margaria

Choreography | Riccardo De Nigris

"One of the most entertaining of small-scale contemporary dramatic non-narrative ballets that I’ve seen in a very long time, impressive both for its well-crafted choreography and its execution by the four ARB dancers: Annie Johnson, Aldeir Monteiro, Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn, and Jonathan Montepara" -- Jerry Hochman, Critical DanceHailed as one of the young new choreographers to watch, Riccardo De Nigris has created numerous works for the Augsburg Ballet in Germany.

Fluctuating Hemlines

Music | Robert (Tigger) Benford

Choreography | Septime Webre

Set to a percussion score, Fluctuating Hemlines, is a sharply observed portrait of a group of young people who peel off their outer garments and expose their inner selves.

Septime Webre joined Hong Kong Ballet as its Artistic Director in July 2017 after 17 years as Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet (1999-2016) and American Repertory Ballet (1993-1999). As a choreographer, Webre's works appear in the repertoires of ballet companies throughout North America, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, to name a few.

Blue Until June

Music | Set to songs by blues legend Etta James

Choreography | Trey McIntyre

Blue Until June delves into the nuances of relationships, shown in a tumultuous and passionate light against the backdrop of Etta James' classic songs At Last, Fool That I Am, and more. Praised by The New York Times as "one of the most important choreographers working today," McIntyre has produced more than 100 pieces during his career, and his work has been lauded for its "true artistry" by the San Francisco Examiner and "witty physicality" by the San Francisco Chronicle. The Palm Beach Post called Blue Until June an "eye-opener" that "beautifully captures the innate desperation of the blues."