Tickets go on sale March 6 for An Evening of Twyla Tharp, a mixed-repertoire performance presented by the Alabama Ballet. We sat down with artistic director Christopher Stuart to learn more about iconic American choreographer Twyla Tharp and the two ballets included in this special performance.
This April's performance features Twyla Tharp's “Baker’s Dozen" and “Nine Sinatra Songs.” How are these ballets both similar and different?
Both showcase Tharp’s distinct choreographic style and innovative approach to dance. The most apparent difference lies in the musical style. "Nine Sinatra Songs" is set to Frank Sinatra's crooning, offering a different musical atmosphere compared to the jazz and blues influences in "Baker's Dozen." "Nine Sinatra Songs" often explores themes of romance and love, while “Baker's Dozen" is influenced by themes within the blues and jazz genres.
You have previously performed “Nine Sinatra Songs.” Tell us about this ballet from a dancer's perspective.
Tharp's choreography is renowned for its complexity. Challenges for dancers include intricate footwork, rapid changes in direction, and a blend of various dance styles within a single piece. Tharp often requires precise timing and synchronization, making it mentally and physically demanding for performers. Additionally, her choreography often pushes traditional boundaries. Dancers must navigate both classical and contemporary movements. Overall, mastering the nuanced and multifaceted nature of Tharp's choreography is a significant challenge for dancers.
What can the audience expect from “Nine Sinatra Songs?”
"Nine Sinatra Songs" incorporates various ballroom dance styles, which add elegance and classic glamour to the piece. Tharp's ability to seamlessly weave ballroom into her choreography contributes to the piece's timeless appeal and showcases her innovative approach to dance.
Dancers aim to elicit emotions such as romance, love, passion, nostalgia, and perhaps a touch of melancholy or yearning. Tharp's capacity to marry music, emotion, and movement sets her choreography apart as a distinct and influential voice in the dance world.
A little over a year ago, the New York Times called "Nine Sinatra Songs" "an American masterpiece." What makes this piece relevant and enjoyable 40+ years after its 1982 debut?
Tharp's choreography brilliantly captures the essence of Frank Sinatra's music, marrying movement with the emotional depth of his songs. The piece is a celebration of romance, elegance, and the human experience, skillfully blending various dance styles to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work. Tharp's ability to weave storytelling into the choreography, combined with her innovative use of ballroom dance, adds complexity and sophistication. The synchronization of movement with iconic songs contributes to the timeless and universal appeal of "Nine Sinatra Songs."
Performance Times
Friday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 7, 2:30 p.m.
All performances will take place at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
For tickets visit alabamaballet.org/twyla_tharp/