Rochester City Ballet (RCB) opens its 15th season as a professional company with “Tutus & Tango” September 28 through 30 at Nazareth Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue. Pittsford. “Tutus & Tango” will include three different ballets that showcase romance, humor, seduction and athleticism.
“There’s something for everyone in this program,” said Artistic Director David Palmer. “Long-time ballet fans and newcomers will be inspired by the show.”
Palmer explained the tutu section of “Tutus & Tango” opens with what he calls the best of classical ballet, “Raymonda Act III.” Chandeliers, jeweled tutus, and pyrotechnical athleticism celebrate a fantastical story of starcrossed lovers all set to the music by Alexander Glazunov.
Following Raymonda, company member Benjamin Rabe has choreographed a piece called “The Golden Hour” set to a range of American composers. Rabe’s work uses neoclassical technique and provides a bridge to show how ballet moved from pointe shoes and tutus to contemporary work. “The Golden Hour” marks his debut as a choreographer with RCB.
Palmer’s own experiences in Spain and South America provided the narrative for the last ballet on the program, “Quizas.” The tango-inspired ballet compiles a series of sexy, romantic, and humorous scenes to Nuevo Tango music.
“Raymonda” celebrates a wedding and like a wedding where something old and something new combine to form a perfect union, the three ballets in “Tutus & Tango” create a program of something classical, something contemporary, and something exotic to delight couples looking for the perfect date night.
Tickets starting at $37 can be purchased at rochestercityballet.org
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