Alabama Ballet presents 'At Home'
Artistic Director | Christopher Stuart
Choreography | Julia Eisen, Christopher Stuart, Roger VanFleteren
'Alabama Pines' - World Premiere
Choreography by Julia Eisen
Music by Andy Timmons and Jason Isbell
Lighting Design by David Page
Costumes by Wendy Gamble
Note from the Choreographer:
This piece represents moments in time, memories and thoughts, questions and answers. It tells a story of strangers that are unfamiliar, but by the end you feel as if you know them well. When listening to Jason Isbell, you are captivated and taken on a journey with his songs and lyrics, which is what drew me into wanting to create movement to his words. He's a story teller and what batter what to capture his stories than through dancing.
I want to thank the dancers, Chris Stuart, and all of the staff and faculty that made this piece come to life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this vision become reality.
The Alabama Ballet takes great pride in introducing the world premiere of 'Alabama Pines.' As the foremost ballet company in our state, we consider it a profound privilege to present this new ballet, a choreographic masterpiece created by our esteemed guest choreographer, the remarkably talented Julia Eisen. This ballet encapsulates the unparalleled beauty and the very essence of our beloved state. Set to music by four-time Grammy award winner and Alabama native Jason Isbell, 'Alabama Pines' peaks into the lives of unknown people, with unknown stories with which the audience is free to interpret their own understanding of the relationships portrayed in the piece.
- PAUSE -
'Under the Lights'
Choreography by Christopher Stuart
Music by Johnny and June Carter Cash performed by Sugar & the Hi Lows
Lighting Design by David Page
Costumes by Billy Ditty
Note from the Choreographer:
'I'll just keel over and die on stage, under the lights, with my band and family around me...
That's every performer's dream, you know.'
-Johnny Cash
Originally created for Nashville Ballet, 'Under the Lights' draws inspiration from the legendary Johnny and June Carter Cash. Through his creative journey in Nashville, Artistic Director Christopher Stuart developed a close friendship to the Cash family, imbuing the ballet with an authentic connection to the iconic musician. Staying true to the vibrancy of Cash's music, Stuart knew the ballet needed to be danced to live music. He collaborated with local Nashville artists who performed Cash's songs live for the performances. Alabama Ballet is proud to offer a glimpse of 'Under the Lights' in an excerpt for this season's 'At Home' production.
- INTERMISSION -
'Messin' with Mozart'
Choreography by Roger VanFleteren
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lighting by David Page
Costumes by Wendy Gamble
Note from the Choreographer:
Drawing inspiration from a cherished childhood memory of a neighbor's music box ballerina, I wanted to create my own music box. I took the sharp, mechanical movements and paired them with Mozart's enchanting melodies to create a music box of live ballerinas. In the 2nd Movement, I took five ballerinas, giving them each their own distinctive personalities; each moving in a toy-like style. The ballet breathes life into memories of a familiar and beloved toy to all.
First premiered in 2009 for our production of Alabama Ballet @ Home - At the Barre, 'Messin' with Mozart' transcends traditional boundaries, offering a fresh and innovative interpretation of Mozart's compositions through a fusion of intricate choreography and modern artistic expression. We are honored to bring this crowd favorite ballet to the stage again for this year's production of 'At Home'.
