DANCE | BOSTON AND BEYOND/ART & ENTERTAINMENT

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

FEB. 27 – MARCH 9: CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS

ANIKAYA Dance Theater returns to Arrow Street Arts, One Arrow Street in Cambridge. This dance company has been captivating audiences in Washington DC, Vermont, India, South Africa, Palestine and Mozambique. The “Conference of the Birds” was inspired by a 12th-century poem written by the Persian poet Farid Ud din Attar. It is a multimedia movement piece that weaves together stories from modern-day refugees and migrants. Directed by Wendy Jehlen, the performance features an international ensemble of dancers from Africa, South America, Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. Together they beautifully blend their cultural traditions in a shared spirit of collaboration. The performance is accompanied by original music and projections created by French, Irani, and U.S. artists that exquisitely enhance the experience. The dance tells the tale of a group of birds that are in search of a mythical land of Simurgh. Upon arriving, they find that they have become the Simurgh, thus defining the narrative that it is truly a collection from refugees that symbolizes their journey and their assimilation into a new place while allowing them to maintain their diversity. Tickets for this thoughtful and heartwarming presentation may be obtained at www.arrowstreetarts.org

FEB. 27 – MARCH 16: SWAN LAKE

Boston Ballet presents Mikko Nissinen’s production that brings the return of this epic classical ballet to the stage of the Citizens Opera House at 539 Washington St. in Boston. Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen stated, “The production showcases a timeless story, physical and emotional depth, with powerful opposing themes. I am excited to bring Swan Lake to today’s audiences to experience the enduring relevance of this masterwork.” The original production of Swan Lake premiered in Moscow in 1877 at the Bolshoi Ballet, with choreography by Julius Reisinger. It was not warmly received. The Swan Lake we know today was created in 1895 for the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, with choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. This was after Tchaikovsky’s death, so he never saw his beautiful score as a successful ballet. Ivanov’s second act is historically considered the finest piece of classical choreography for the corps de ballet of swans. Boston Ballet’s production of Swan Lake , “Vividly showcase[s] the company’s excellent depth and range”, noted The Boston Globe. To bring this vision to life, Nissinen collaborated with renown designer Robert Perdziola to create sets and costumes inspired by the late Gothic and early Renaissance period. Nissinen’s production of Swan Lake begins with an added prologue that depicts the genesis of Von Rothbart’s evil curse, transforming a young woman into a swan named Odette. As Prince Siegfried celebrates his coming of age, his mother reminds him that he must select a bride at the grand ball held in his honor. As a distraction, the young prince goes to hunt at the lakeside where Odette appears, revealing herself as the Swan Queen, and tells Siegfried of the sorcerer’s spell. Siegfried vows his eternal love. In the third act, Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile, who appears as Odette through her father’s sorcery, arrive at the grand ball. Believing that Odette has come to him in masquerade, the prince happily selects Odile as his bride and unknowingly breaks his vow to Odette, dooming her to remain a swan forever. In the final act, a heartbroken Odette and regretful Siegfried reunite and destroy the evil sorcerer. Odette tenderly forgives Prince Siegfried but the spell cannot be undone. Overwhelmed by his love for Odette, Siegfried follows the Swan Queen into the lake and is overtaken by the waves and his grief. Boston Ballet’s Music Director Mischa Santora or Associate Conductor Alyssa Wang will conduct the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the second largest musical organization in New England, in P.I. Tchaikovsky’s masterful score. Swan Lake performance length is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes including 1 intermission. Tickets for this memorable experience may be obtained here at www.bostonballet.org

APRIL 8 – 13: RIVERDANCE

The Boch Center Wang Theatre at 270 Tremont St. in Boston, brings to their stage the return to the city of Riverdance, now observing their 30^th Anniversary bringing its wonderful fusion of Irish and international dance and music. Since coming onto the world stage, the production has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of the show boasts mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances that leaves audience in in awe and are what originally established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. This all new anniversary tour is a spectacular production that rejuvenates the much-loved original show as well as contains new innovative choreography, costumes, state of the art lighting, along with depth additions of stunning projections and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show originated 30 years ago John McColgan, Director of Riverdance said “ It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has…” continuously evolved…”yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.” Audiences, new as well as solid long term fans, will enjoy a unique and memorable performance as it blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble. Composed by Bill Whelan, Produced by Moya Doherty and Directed by John McColgan, Riverdance should not be missed. Tickets may be obtained at www.bochcenter.org