From the Company’s vast repertory of works by minority choreographers, Alpha Omega will perform specially selected dances by Eleo Pomare (his «Tabernacle»), Martial Roumain, Andy Torres, Angel Garcia, and company artistic director Enrique Cruz DeJesus.
The resident ensemble of 11 will be joined by 8 alumni guests. Music includes Steve Reich, Tito Puento, and songs by Donny Hathaway, performed live by vocalist Ty Stephens and the swingin’ SoulJaazz.
THE SOKOLOW THEATRE DANCE ENSEMBLE
December 6 at 7:30 PM; December 7 & 8 at 8 PM; December 8 & 9 at 3 PM (5 performances)
The Theater at the 14th Street Y, 344 East 14th Street
The Company, under the direction of longtime Sokolow disciple Jim May, continues its «Sounds of Sokolow» series with performances of «Lyric Suite,» set to music by Alban Berg, and considered to be one of Sokolow’s greatest works and the one that established her as a major modern dance force with a voice of her own. Also on the program is Sokolow’s satirical «Evolution of Ragtime,» with live piano music, and Jim May’s 1989 duet «Empty Nest,» music by David Lang.
ELLISON BALLET, Edward Ellison, Director
Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8 at 8 PM
MMAC, 248 West 60th Street
Ellison’s company presents a program of romantic and classical ballet masterworks, including excerpts from «Giselle,» «La Bayadere,» and Bournonville’s «Le Conservatoire,» staged by Karina Elver, formerly of the Royal Danish Ballet. Special guests (with more t.b.a.) are Gonzalo Garcia, Principal with NYCB, and Steps Repertory Ensemble in «Knead» by Cedar Lake Ensemble artistic director Benoit-Swan Pouffer. Performances are fundraising events for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
VALENTINA KOZLOVA’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
One Performance: Saturday December 8 at 5 PM
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (at 96th Street)
Kozlova’s annual Nutcracker performance with Act I choreography by Margo Sappington and Act II staged by Kozlova after Petipa and Vainonen. In New York, Sugar Plum will be danced by Veronika Verterich, partnered by guest Daniyar Shmanov, principal with the Kazakh State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The Company will give a repeat performance of Nutcracker December 22nd at 4 PM at Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY.
CLIVE BARNES FOUNDATION AWARDS
Monday December 10 at 2:30 PM
Walter Reade Theatre/Lincoln Center, 165 West 65th Street
The third annual event, established by Valerie Taylor-Barnes to honor exceptional young performers from the worlds of Theater and Dance, emceed by Michael Riedel. One awardee will be selected from (Theater): Joaquina Kalukango (Hurt Village), Derek Klena (Dog Fight), Rob McClure (Chaplin), and Stephen Tyrone Williams (My Children, My Africa). Dance nominees are Lauren Lovette (NYCB), Steven Melendez (NY Theater Ballet), Ashley Murphy (DTH).
PAUL LUSTIG DUNKEL’S SOUNDSCAPES
Monday December 10 at 8 PM
Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69th Street
Paul Lustig Dunkel, principal flutiest with New York City Ballet, will present his Soundscapes Company, an ensemble of outstanding NYC musicians, in a program of works by Beethoven, Mozart, Rossini, George Perle, and Elliott Carter. Performance is a benefit for the AHA/ Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association. (Ballet historians will remember Dunkel’s father Eugene Dunkel, who designed many sets for ABT.)
HARSHA ABEYARATNE, pianist
Friday December 14 at 8 PM
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57 Street
Classical pianist Harsha Abeyaratne, a native of Sri Lanka and currently associate professor of music at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, makes his Weill Recital Hall debut with a program of Liszt, Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy, and American composer Robert Muczynski (1929-2010).
SALMA ALLAM DANCE THEATER
Two Fridays – December 14 & 21 at 8 PM
Brooklyn Music School Playhouse, 126 Felix Street (next to BAM)
The exotic dancer/choreographer/writer Salma Allam presents her company of dancer/actors in her «Things My Mother Taught Me: A Daughter’s Journey,» with music and choreography informed by her Egyptian heritage. «It will be my movie, you will be the actress.»
MARY ANTHONY DANCE THEATRE
Saturday December 15 at 8 PM; Sunday December 16 at 3 PM
Mary Anthony Dance Studio, 736 Broadway, 7th floor (seating is very limited)
Mary Anthony, who celebrated her 96th birthday November 11th, presents her company in her 1971 holiday dance «Ceremony of Carols,» set to music by Benjamin Britten. Segments include «That younge child,» «This little babe,» «The Annunciation,» and «Deo Gratias.» Also on the program will be dances by the students of Ellen Robbins; a trio from Daniel Maloney’s «Fragments,» danced by members of Gwendolyn Bye’s Dancefusion; and Rachel Cohen’s solo «I Would.»
©2012 Danza Ballet
