Alabama Ballet presents 'At Home'
Artistic Director | Christopher Stuart
Choreography | Roger VanFleteren, Juan Rafael Castellanos, Michael Matthews, Kendia Bennett, Aidan Nettles
Piano Concerto No. 1
Choreography by: Roger VanFleteren
MUSIC
Piano Concerto No.1, Op.11 (III. Rondo: Vivace) – Composed by Frédéric Chopin
COSTUMES
Designed and Constructed by Sally Schissler, additional construction by Wendy Gamble
LIGHTING
David Page
NOTE FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER
I am so grateful to have been inspired by two amazing artists, Hayward Oubre & John Rhoden. A special thanks to Kate Crawford at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
A Night on Cranberry Street
Choreography by: Juan Rafael Castellanos
MUSIC
“Midnight Musings” composed by Patrick Meeks
“You Better Go Now“ by Venissa Santi
“Walking Joyfully” composed by Brent Kneipp
COSTUMES
Designed by Wendy Gamble as envisioned by Juan Rafael Castellanos
LIGHTING
David Page
NOTE FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER
"A Night on Cranberry Street" draws inspiration from the artist John Rhoden. This ballet explores a glimpse of his story through the perspective of his wife, Richanda Rhoden, highlighting their growth as artists and as a couple. In the second movement, their artwork comes to life, with each dancer embodying a different piece and sharing its narrative. The music holds special significance for me; part of it was composed specifically for this piece by two dear friends, and the song "You Better Go Now" features a band my father played with. Collaborating with my peers was a fulfilling experience, and I'm truly proud of what we've created together.
A Light That Burned My Eyes
Choreography by: Michael Matthews
MUSIC
Featuring “Mine is a Lonely Life “, “You’re Not Fun Anymore” and “On the Edge of a Brightness”
Thank you to Will Stewart and Sarah Lee Langford who generously extended permission and usage rights of their musical works for this collaborative performance.
COSTUMES
Designed by Wendy Gamble in collaboration with Michael Matthews
Constructed by Wendy Gamble
LIGHTING
David Page
NOTE FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER
"Art is long, Life is short."
15 MINUTE INTERMISSION
Negative Space
Choreography by: Kendia Bennett
MUSIC
“Blue Bossa” - Bobby McFerrin
“Sweet in the Morning” - Bobby McFerrin
“Round Midnight” - Bobby McFerrin
Rights for use with performances acquired from ASCAP & BMI
COSTUMES
Designed by Wendy Gamble as envisioned by Kendia Bennett
LIGHTING
David Page
NOTE FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER
There are so many reasons and ways for a relationship to form. Whether it is with another person or even with yourself; there are spaces within our aura and physical being that we look to occupy.
EQUALIBRIUM
Choreography by: Aidan Nettles
MUSIC
“Celeste” written and composed by Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar, performed by BICEP “Dahlia” written & composed by Andrew Ferguson, Hamilton Rory, and Matthew McBriar, performed by BICEP and HAMMER
Rights for use with performances acquired from ASCAP
COSTUMES
Designed by Wendy Gamble as envisioned with Aidan Nettles
Constructed by Wendy Gamble
LIGHTING
David Page
NOTE FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER
Hayward Oubre and John Rhoden exemplify the brilliance of Southeastern United States artists. As a choreographer raised in the South, I am proud to present EQUALIBRIUM, a new work inspired by the layered textures of Oubre’s paintings, the structural precision of his wire sculptures, and the unique curvature and obscure forms of Rhoden’s sculptures. Thanks to Christopher Stuart’s vision and leadership, true innovation is flourishing in the performing arts here in Alabama. I am grateful to the Alabama Ballet for providing a space to collaborate with its exceptional dancers while honoring the legacies of Oubre and Rhoden. New York City is not the only place where artists can develop and showcase new work—this vital creativity is thriving right here AT HOME.
