The wide range of styles from classical ballet to contemporary dance offer a performance that will satisfy many preferences. The classical challenges of “Paquita” with music by the ballet composer Ludwig Minkus, is full of Spanish–themed melodies. This is a piece performed annually at the Vaganova School in St. Petersburg, Russia, as a showcase for its graduating students. This school counts as its alumni the likes of Baryshnikov, Nureyev, Makarova, Nijinsky and George Balanchine.
“Ancient Voices” will feature the music of German composer, Carl Orff, who in the '30s set an orchestral and choral score using poems from a medieval text of the same name. Themes of the pieces include the the passion for life’s simple pleasures, the fickleness of Fate, the ephemeral nature of life, the joy and vibrancy of spring. The dances will also feature dances making references to historical and mythical themes using current musical genres.
Isaac Hollis, a guest from the Philadelphia Ballet, professional company will dance the principal male role in “Paquita”. He will also dance a solo and duet with Dover High School senior, Lauren Miles in ‘Ancient Voices’. He will be dancing exciting and challenging role of Mercutio in the Philadelphia Ballet’s new production of ROMEO & JULIET.
The show will feature four (4) dancers who are graduating seniors from area schools, several of whom are pursuing career pathways in dance at Mercyhurst College and Rowan University.
