By: Sara Murphy
Guggenheim has been stepping up its game, with its highly publicized events as of late, and with 2011 ringing in, the museum opens its door--going on its 27th year of Work & Process Spring 2011 Season. The series has provided New Yorkers with unprecedented access to some of the most globally celebrated performing artists--creating a forum where audience members not only experience the performances, but also get to see what happens behind the curtain--with moderated discussions between artists. Works & Process 2011 features nine events over the next five months (January-May), and kicks off a very dance centered series this weekend.
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| Image by Julietta Cervantes |
The first event presents Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet--excerpts from Peter Boal’s new staging of the romantic ballet classic, Giselle. Using reconstructed choreography based on Stepanov notation circa 1903 and French sources from the 1840s, the program runs January 9, 10. The opening performance will also be streamed live on the web (accessible on the Guggenheim’s website) beginning at 7 pm (EST) this Sunday, January 9. See preview video below.
Pacific Northwest's Season Preview
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| Donald Byrd, Pam Tanowitz, John Zorn |
Other events of interest, include John Zorn’s Music Interpreted (February 27, 28) featuring two commissions to Zorn’s scores by avant-garde choreographers Donald Byrd and Pam Tanowitz. Look for Tony award winning dancer Ashley Tuttle (Movin’ Out, ABT) in Tanowitz’s work. In addition to the two world premieres, Byrd, Tanowitz and Zorn will all be present to chat about their collaborations. Have a watch at the ultra provocative sample video (below) of Peering Into the Ballroom by Donald Bird to get a taste of the man's choreography.
Peering Into the Ballroom by Donald Byrd
Also be sure to check out How Judges Judge- Youth American Grand Prix (March 6, 7), and American Ballet Theatre- On to Act II (May 1,2). Both events invite the audience to delve inside the dancer’s head. The Youth American Grand Prix is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition. The event will expose how the competition’s jury members select the winners as they critique an impromptu ballet competition in front of the audience. American Ballet Theatre has rounded up a panel of notable alumni to discuss what happens after dancers hang up their dancing shoes. A dancer’s dancer event, current ABT members will also perform excerpts from their upcoming Metropolitan Opera House season, so there’s something for every dance lover.
For a complete list of the Guggenheim’s Works & Process schedule, go HERE.
