DANCE | BOSTON AND BEYOND/ART & ENTERTAINMENT

HURRAH! NUMEROUS DANCE COMPANIES ARE OFFERING PROGRAMS. ALSO, CONTACT THE COMPANIES LISTED BELOW FOR THEIR FUTURE PROGRAMS.

APRIL 25 – MAY 5: CARMEN

Boston Ballet brings to the stage of the Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston this searing depiction of a woman who craves love, but creates obsession and jealousy instead. One of the most popular operas ever written. Bizet‘s Spanish-inflected score is bursting with passionate melodies and famous numbers such as Carmen’s seductive ‘Habanera’ and Escamillo’s ‘Toreador song’. As a ballet, it is as exciting and provocative as is Georges Bizet’s original opera that now has been adapted by Rodion Shchedrin. The choreography for Boston Ballet’s production is the creation of the noted Jorma Elo with Costume Designs by Joke Visser, Lighting Design by Mikki Kunttu and Set Desigm by Benjamin Phillips further enhance the production.. This is performed by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. In addition, the program will include the Kingdom of the Shades, choreographed by Florence Clerc, after Marius Petipa’s works and danced to Music by Ludwig Minkus. Tickets for this magical world of dance that tells the story of the provocative Carmen, may be obtained at www.bostonballet.org

APRIL 20: IN BETWEEN VIVEK RAMANAN

The Dance Complex at 536 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge brings Vivek Ramanan to their facility at part of the DC’s DIY Performance series. Through South Asian music, dance and poetry, In Between explores the position of being in-between two concepts. The work reflects on the binaries that can affect us in a myriad of ways: between people, places, identities, school of thought, and arts. Through the lens of South Asian poetry that spans from centuries ago to modern thought, In Between delves into the performance traditions of Bharatanatyam using novel compositions of Carnatic music and its respective visualization. Vivek Ramanan is a multifaceted and dynamic artist, working in Bharatanatyam dance and South Indian percussion arts including konnakol and mridangam. He is an experienced solo performer and choreographer, performing extensively in the United States and India. Vivek has created multiple video productions for social media as well as co-created stage productions on new thematic ideas using the Bharatanatyam grammar. He actively performs in a trio collective with Aarthy Sundar and Surya Ravi, accompanies artists on nattuvangam and mridangam, and performs as a member of the Kritya Ensemble of Kuchipudi and Carnatic music. Vivek currently studies with Dr. Apporva Jayaraman. The DIY Performance Series is The Dance Complex’s collaboration with local and international artists, offering co-presentation of diverse works of dance, film, and performing arts. For information on events, please visit www.dancecomplex.org/events

APRIL 26 – 28: FOURTH DIMENSION TAP CO’s NOSTALGIA

The DIY Performance Series, The Dance Complex’s collaboration with local and international artists, offering co-presentation of diverse works of dance, film, and performing arts brings this exciting Tap Dance troupe to their stage at 536 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge. Fourth Dimension Tap Company was founded in 2022 with the mission to create, engage audiences, and extend the reach of tap dance through new works, collaborations, and performances. To expand the boundaries of what is expected. To present work that ignites the interest of experienced tap dancers as well as the general public and draw new audiences to the art form. The copany embarks on a journey through time with it’s Nostalgia which brings a captivating exploration of cherished memories and heartfelt emotions. Audiences are invited to relive the magic of days gone by through the art of tap dance. These talented dancers and choreographers present music that transcends generations, igniting fond memories and stirring the soul. From the infectious rhythms of rock ‘n’ roll to the smooth melodies of Motown, Nostalgia offers a diverse tapestry of musical treasures that will transport the audience back in time. For more information and to obtain tickets, visit www.dancecomplex.org

MAY 2 – 5: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Y. Lebrun, P. Coker, X. Mack, R. Maurice in Alvin Ailey’s “For ‘Bird’ – With Love” :Photo by Dario Calmese Hurrah! This unprecedented dance company returns to the the stage of the Boch Center Wang Theatre at Tremont St. in Boston for their annual showcase performances. Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, for 65 years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has presented the work of diverse choreographers that magnificently and with breath taking athleticism has amplified a wide range of voices alongside the great, late Alvin Ailey’s own repertoire. The company has been performing in Boston since 1968, expanding Ailey’s tradition of fabulous works while adding to its roster of rising dancers and choreographers.

“REVELATIONS” Long time fans look forward to viewing the many new productions along with the company’s traditional favorites including the exquisite “Revelations”. New works are always added and this visit will include the area premieres of Jamar Roberts’s “Ode”, a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life in a time of gun violence,. Set to Don Pullen’s Suite (Sweet) Malcolm (Part 1 Memories and Gunshots), it is reimagined with an all-female cast.

“CENTURY, CENTURY” Amy Hall Garner brings ” Century, Century” to the stage. This is a deeply personal piece inspired by Hall Garner’s grandfather on the eve of his 100th birthday. Set to music by Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more, this piece celebrates life, resilience and joy.

“Dancing Spirit” Ronald K. Brown’s “Dancing Spirit”, set to music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis and War, evokes the elegance, dignity and generosity of the legendary Ailey Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s James Gilmer and Coral Dolphin in Alonzo King’s “Following the Subtle Current Upstream”: Photo by Paul Kolnik In addition to the new works is the introduction of Alonzo King’s “Following the Subtle Current Upstream”. It is an audacious, non-stop piece with movement that mirrors life’s boisterous ups and downs. On May 4th (2pm) this singular performance is set aside to present a Kaleidoscope of Ailey Classics that span the breadth of Alvin Ailey’s rich catalog. The production will include excerpts from “Memoria”,” “Night Creature”, “Pas de Duke”, “Masekela Langage”, “Opus McShann”, “Love Songs”, “For ‘Bird’–With Love”, and “Hidden Rites”. All performances traditionally culminate with “Revelations” (1960). This incredible dance creation has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work. It has always moved audiences with its powerful storytelling, soul-stirring music and spectacular dancing. “Revelations” sprang from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up and attending church services in his small town in Texas. The ballet pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American community while exploring the emotional spectrum of the human condition. Each scheduled date on the company’s visit boasts a different program. For more information and to obtain tickets visit www.celebrityseries.org

MAY 9–19: SPRING EXPERIENCE

Boston Ballet brings to the stage of the Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston, this exciting event containing three works. that will include a World Premiere…Choreographed by Ken Ossola.

Ken Ossola by Gregory Batardon Ken Ossola has pulled inspiration from Michelangelo’s “non-finito” sculptures Prisoners. By doing so he explores the tensions between our mind and body and the perpetual human state of both emergence and incompleteness. The ballet features a score composed by Boston Ballet Music Director Mischa Santora, with electronics composed by Michael Cain that are designed to envelop audiences into a world of sound, music, and dance.

Seo Hye Han and Haley Schwan by Erin Baiano Jiří Kylián’s popular Bella Figura is also on the program. It is an exploration of the human form that sensuously captivates viewers with its raw beauty, sense of curiosity, and delicate intimacy. Known for its enticing music, the ballet is set to a selection of Baroque music, including selections by Lukas Foss, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Alessandro Marcello, Antonio Vivaldi, and Giuseppe Torelli. The Costume Design is by Joke Visser, along with Lighting Design by Kees Tjebbes and Set Design by Jiří Kylián.

Ji Young Chae by Liza Voll The third ballet in the program is Blake Works III (The Barre Project) by William Forsythe. This outstanding choreographer again pushes dance as an artform into new territory with this masterpiece that was created specifically for Boston Ballet in 2022. This absolute powerhouse of dance is set to the propulsive and beautifully structured music of composer James Blake. It is riveting, watchching Boston Ballet dancers master Forsythe’s challenging and innovative technique. The Costume Designs are by  William Forsythe, Howard Merlin, Tiler Peck Designs by BodyWrappers, along with Lighting Design by Brandon Stirling Baker. Tickets for this stunning performance may be obtained at www.bostonballet.org