http://www.balletmemphis.orgBallet Memphis RSS News Roomhttp://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=50If 2007-10-04 7:44:13http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=51 Shop! Till You Drop! Saturday, October 13th Make a $5 donation and save 20% or 10% all day! Plusreceive$10 off* a single $20 purchase with you shopping pass Passes are available exclusively through Ballet Memphis, stop by and pick yours today! Call 901.737.7322 for details 2007-10-04 8:16:28http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=52The splendor of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—where cases of mistaken identities and enchanted forest fairies weave a glorious tale—is being presented by Ballet Memphis at The Orpheum, October 27 and 28. In this stunning work, Ballet Memphis sets to motion Mark Godden’s deeply resonant yet classically contemporary choreography, combined with one of Shakespeare’s most exuberant works. The performance comes alive as we eventually discover that love is all around—in the midst of a forest, in the confusion of romantic entanglements, in the joyful beginnings of marriage. And for the first time, two Memphis performing arts organizations are delivering the same famous literary work in two outstanding, yet radically different interpretations, as Theatre Memphis brings their version of A Midsummer Night's Dream to their stage October 12-28. Tickets for the Theatre Memphis performances can be purchased through theatrememphis.org or by calling 682-8323. At each Theatre Memphis performance, you'll receive a card good for $10 off your Ballet Memphis ticket when purchased through our box office. You will also receive a card at our Orpheum performances good for $5 off any Theatre Memphis adult ticket. You'll also notice around town that all of the performance materials for both shows features a callout to the other organization's show dates. So support your local arts community; see A Midsummer Night's Dream both at Theatre Memphis and Ballet Memphis; and then impress your friends and family with your intelligent comparison of Shakespeare's work brought to life! 2007-10-10 19:46:00http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=53Choreographer Mark Godden has conceived his third original work for Ballet Memphis with this season's main stage opener, A Midsummer Night's Dream. He choreographed and premiered Carmina Burana for Ballet Memphis in 2002, and Two Jubilees in 2006. Once again, he brings his singular, deeply rich perspective and interpretation to this much beloved Shakespeare play, and the rich inspiring music of Felix Mendelssohn. "Shakespeare is playing with language all the time, which led to my playing with it here, leading to all kinds of hilarity, but to further the plot as well," comments Godden. "There are many poetic diversions in the choreography, just like in the poetry of the play. Shakespeare's words are a cluster of profound ideas and images." In the ballet, Mark takes the flower as the object which provides the device over which the Fairy Queen and King, Titania and Oberon, quarrel. He has Bottom, the player who becomes a Donkey, really act like an ass, and therefore become an ass, as he (Bottom) destroys the flower. It is Titania's light and life-giving force which rejuvenates the flower. There is also a character, the Writer, who Mark introduces as the playwright, instead of the rustic, drunk peasant players who are traditionally in the work. "I wanted to simplify the numbers of relationships so I could explore the relationships more fully." The ballet is full of visually interesting props, a flying flower, and rich, unusual sets and costumes. Dorothy Gunther Pugh, founder and artistic director for Ballet Memphis, added, "The work is neo-classical, pushing the ballet dancers into a realm of magic with Mark's expanded, fluid, intricate vocabulary. It is, once again, a pleasure to work with a choreographer who is thinking deeply about what one of the greatest writers of the English language is saying. Mark never makes lazy assumptions. He's way too smart for that, and it's a compliment to our dancers and to our audience. He provides challenges to all of us, even as we are laughing uproariously and being delighted with all that is unfolding before us." The cast is being lead by Crystal Brothers as Titania, Travis Bradley as Oberon and an astounding Kendall Britt in the role of Puck. Rounding out the main characters are Rafael Ferreras as Lysander, Julie Niekrasz as Hermia, Stephanie Hom as Helena, Jesus Pacheco as Demetrius and Steven McMahon as Bottom. Also on the program is George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, to the music of Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky. Tickets are available at the Orpheum Theatre, balletmemphis.org or by calling the Ballet Memphis box office at 737-7322. 2007-10-16 20:06:10http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=54Ballet Memphis is pleased to introduce a new way to bring to light the spirit of Memphis dance. Aptly named ELEVATION!, this special evening will showcase different forms of dance and, more importantly, celebrate the Memphis-area young dancers who work so hard to bring these forms to life. ELEVATION! will take place Friday, October 26 at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. General admission tickets are $25 and may be purchased only through Ballet Memphis at 737.7322. “We came up with ELEVATION! because we know that so many wonderful dancers and dance companies here in Memphis do not have access to the large professional stages, such as the Orpheum Theatre, nor to working with an acclaimed professional company” said Dorothy Gunther Pugh, founder and artistic director of Ballet Memphis. “ELEVATION! is a great way to give these deserving and talented dancers access to such a well known venue, and to expose the wider community to the depth of talent we have in Memphis.” ELEVATION! will take place the evening before Ballet Memphis begins its two-show run of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” also at the Orpheum: Saturday, October 27th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 28th at 2 p.m. All young dancers will receive complimentary tickets to either performance of “Midsummer.” “When you purchase a ticket to ELEVATION! through the Ballet Memphis box office, you’ll also receive a $10 discount off of a ticket to either Saturday or Sunday’s performance of ‘Midsummer’,” said Pugh. After the local companies perform, the Ballet Memphis professional company will perform George Balanchine’s “Allegro Brillante” to close the evening. Companies scheduled to perform at ELEVATION! include: • Ballet Memphis Junior Company Janet Parke, School Principal “What Can I Tell My Bones?” • Ballet on Wheels, Theatre of Dance Chauniece Conner, Artistic Director and Choreographer “The Chorale” • Classical Ballet Memphis Pat Gillespie, Artistic Director “Infinity” • Dance Works Inc. Karen Zissoff, Artistic Director To be announced • Memphis Grizzlies Kathalene M. Taylor, Artistic Director and Choreographer “Our Stylz” • River City Dance Company Tevita L. Williams-Dumas, Artistic Director and Choreographer “In His Shoes…A Tribute to Alvin Ailey” • New Ballet Ensemble Katie Smythe, Artistic Director Kevin Guy (Ballet Tech NYC), Choreographer “People Get Ready” In its 21st season, Ballet Memphis serves as a creative resource to the nation as a maker and interpreter of the South’s cultural legacy through its innovative neoclassical and contemporary repertoire, as well as production and training of the highest caliber. Founded by Dorothy Gunther Pugh in 1986, Ballet Memphis employs 16 professional dancers with a $3.2 million operating budget and has performed around the world. The combined programs of Ballet Memphis–dance company, ballet school, educational enrichment and Pilates Centre–serve 75,000 people each year. 2007-10-26 6:49:36http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=55Take fabulous food, pair it with incredible dancing, add a great cause and stir: It’s time for Ballet Memphis’ third annual “Connections: Food” event on Saturday, December 1st at 7 p.m. “Connections: Food” will take place at BRIDGES, Inc., 477 N. Fifth Street. Tickets are $250 for single, $450 per couple and a table of eight is $1,750. All proceeds benefit Ballet Memphis and its programs. At “Connections: Food,” each chef’s course will be paired with an original interpretive performance by Ballet Memphis, relating to the chosen cuisine. FIRST COURSE: Appetizer Menu: Grilled lamb rib confit, spicy rosemary pepper jelly over creamy Delta Grind grits Chef: John Currence, City Grocery, Oxford, Miss. Performance: Lambs Go to Heaven Karl Condon, choreographer (Karl is the associate artistic director of Ballet Memphis.) Cast: Hideko Karasawa, Nicole Corea, Jonathan Powell, Rafael Ferreras, Michael Crawford, Caitlin Ryland SECOND COURSE: Soup Menu: Lemongrass coconut consommé with seared scallop, crispy Serrano ham, baby corn, kaffir lime and Thai chili Chef: “Lena” Thirawadee Jones, Automatic Slim’s, Memphis Performance: Dinner Guests Jane Hope Rehm, choreographer (Jane is a dancer with Ballet Memphis.) Cast: Stephanie Mei Hom, Steven McMahon, Kendall Britt Jr., Rachel Shumake ENTRÉE Menu: Heritage Farms pork porterhouse, Membrillo-glazed over Granny Smith apple-celery gelee, creamed parsnips, crispy apple garnish with fennel-coriander nut dust Chef: Karen Blockman Carrier, The Beauty Shop, Do Sushi, Automatic Slim’s Memphis and New York, Another Roadside Attraction Catering, The Mollie Fontaine Lounge Performance: Pork Songs Trey McIntyre, choreographer (Trey is a world-renowned choreographer who is in his sixth season as Ballet Memphis’ choreographer-in-residence.) Cast: Travis Bradley, Kendall Britt Jr., Crystal Brothers, Julie Niekrasz, Virginia Pilgrim, Jonathan Powell, Jane Hope Rehm, Scott Spivey DESSERT Menu: Ginger Gala apple pie with Southern Comfort Caramel Chef: Martha Foose, Viking Cooking School, Mockingbird Bakery, Greenwood, Miss. Performance: Vivaldi Sweets Travis Bradley, choreographer (Travis is a dancer with Ballet Memphis.) Cast: Crystal Brothers, Nicole Corea, Hideko Karasawa, Steven McMahon, Julie Niekrasz, Jesus Pacheco, Virginia Pilgrim, Rachel Shumake, Scott Spivey For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Ballet Memphis at 737-7322 or balletmemphis.org 2007-11-20 5:07:46http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=56AbunDANCE is a celebration of something larger than ourselves and how we manifest that hope and belief. Based in four great faith traditions–Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism–AbunDANCE showcases that we, as human beings, do not need to think, look, worship,or dance and sing alike.But we do need to be our best possible selves, find our own deep truth and respect others as theysearchfortheirs.AbunDANCE brings together the works of four world-renowned choreographers, each working within the traditions in which they were raised.•Trey McIntyre’s “Grace” is set to a live gospel choir and was created specifically for Ballet Memphis five years ago. This will be Ballet Memphis’ third performanceofthe piece. • French/Tunisian choreographer Abou Lagraa’s untitled piece is comprised of music from Hadra from Fadhel Jaziri.Songs include “En joiela nuit,” “L’Artisan” and “Nativite.”• Canadian Julia Adam’s untitled work will be set to ancient Jewish choral music. • Korean-American dancer and choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess’s untitled work is based in the spirituality of Buddhism and is set to various selections from composer Lou Harrison’s La Koro Sutro. In its 21st season, Ballet Memphis serves as a creative resource to the nation as a maker and interpreter of the South’s cultural legacy through its innovative neoclassical and contemporary repertoire, as well as production and training of the highest caliber. Founded by Dorothy Gunther Pugh in 1986, Ballet Memphis employs 16 professional dancers with a $3.2 million operating budget and has performed around the world.The combined programs of Ballet Memphis–dance company, ballet school, educational enrichment and Pilates Centre–serve 75,000 people each year.2008-01-02 8:49:51http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=57New mat session starts January 7 and teacher certification starts February 1. The next 10-week winter mat session runs January 7 through March 15. The cost for one session per week (10 classes) is $160, or two sessions per week (20 classes) is $255. We also are excited to announce our next teacher certification course begins the first weekend of February with a mat teacher-certification course February 1-3. Become a STOTT-certified Pilates instructor with Ballet Memphis for only $950. This includes six months of free equipment classes at the Pilates Centre to allow you to complete your observation and practical hours, which help prepare for the certification exam to be taken within a six-month period after the course. Click on Pilates Classes under "About Ballet Memphis" to learn more or call Tamara Hoffman at Ballet Memphis, 901-737-7322.2008-01-02 9:02:28http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=58Buy it nearby or brown bag it and come have lunch with some true professionals downtown this Thursday. Ballet Memphis is hosting an open rehearsal of their upcoming world premiere of AbunDANCE, and you are invited for this "free taste." We guarantee you'll want to join us for more at The Orpheum, February 9th and 10th. Ballet Memphis would like to thank the Center City Commission and the Garland Companies Realty for making this possible. WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 11:30a-1p WHERE: 94 South Main Street, between Union & Gayoso WHAT: Open Rehearsal of AbunDANCE 2008-01-28 13:18:16http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=59 Ballet Memphis is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with H&R Block that will help raise funds to support our education and outreach programs by doing something you have to do anyway. It's easy and convenient for everyone! Just take your taxes and the attached referral form to any H&R Block and Ballet Memphis receives a $25 donation. Only new clients to H&R Block are eligible for this program which runs from now through November 1, 2008. And there's no limit to the number of referral donations Ballet Memphis can receive, so be sure to tell your friends, too! H_R_Block_Referral.pdf 2008-03-03 9:05:35http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=60An exciting range of works—including a collaboration with Ballet Memphis’s Associate Artistic Director, Karl Condon and the STAX choir—will offer audiences a glimpse of up-and-coming talent led by Junior Company Director, Janet Parke. Performances will be held Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students with an ID. The show is open to the public. Other collaborative highlights debuting at the Spring Show include: • a piece from Jane Rehm, a Ballet Memphis dancer, joining a live performance of Suzuki string students • a work from Steven McMahon, a Ballet Memphis dancer, working with local elementary school art students, incorporating actual paintings by dancers onstage • a performance by Rachel Shumake, a Ballet Memphis dancer and former Ballet Memphis Junior Company dancer, incorporating spoken answers about growing up from students at Grahamwood Elementary and White Station High School students • a piece from Sarah Schneider, Ballet Memphis school instructor and Junior Company ballet mistress, joining a live performance from Paul Davis and the Rhodes College String Ensemble • a work from Brittany Church, Junior Company member and Harding Academy senior, incorporating Harding Academy advanced art students Following the two Junior Company performances will be Ballet Memphis's dazzling and family-friendly show Under the Sea—a pairing of The Little Mermaid and Barramundi—Saturday, April 19, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 20, at 2 p.m. The Junior Company is the nonprofessional wing of Ballet Memphis. Its goal is to provide young, aspiring ballet dancers from West Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi with the artistic and technical challenges needed to reach their highest potential, and for those who are capable, to prepare them for a career in dance. For tickets to the Spring Show call 901.737.7322. 2008-03-05 17:49:54http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=61 Ballet Memphis is holding its second open rehearsal this Thursday, March 27, in the heart of downtown and smack dab in the middle of the lunch crowd. Thanks to the Center City Commission and Belz Enterprises, Ballet Memphis is able to bring this free taste of the Memphis arts scene to downtown businesses and residents at a time and place that is easily accessible for everyone. The Belz space at 100 Peabody Place, across from the Majestic Grille and facing Main Street, sits right on the trolley line, and gives Ballet Memphis a chance to introduce their nationally-acclaimed dancers to people who may not have seen a performance before. These come-and-go rehearsals are not only free to the public, but the public is encouraged to brown bag it, grab a chair and watch the dancers and choreographers at their gritty best. Rehearsal time will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The company is following their open rehearsal with two, free, mini performances during the South Main Trolley Art Tour on Friday, March 28. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., company dancers will be performing pieces from some of their favorite past performances at two South Main galleries, Art Village Gallery, 410 South Main, and the Jay Etkin Gallery, 409 South Main. "Taking it to the streets" is an important part of the mission of Ballet Memphis to keep the arts accessible for all, while educating Memphians on the wealth of talent that Memphis has right here at home. And holding these free viewings downtown is part of their commitment to downtown where most of their main stage performances are held. 2008-03-26 12:33:50http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=62From the amazing scenery that takes the audience to a new place under the shimmering, fluid sea, to the amazing dancers that take the audience through an experience like none other, Under the Sea will definitely make for a wonderful family adventure. Under the Sea is actually the pairing of two short ballets, The Little Mermaid and Barramundi. In the Litte Mermaid, every child and child at heart will delight in the costumes, the movement and the music that reminds us of the fairytale for which the ballet is named. In Barramundi, the audience will find themselves following schools of fabulous fish around the stage while the dancers cleverly evolve just like the barramundi fish in real life. "It's not only important to expose our children to various art forms, it's crucial to their development," said Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Founder and Artistic Director. "That's why we look each season to bring shows that both challenge us to see things in a different light, and that bring us together as families and as a community." To ensure that this mission is met, Ballet Memphis is offering children under 12 half-priced tickets. Call the Ballet Memphis box office at 737-7322 to order yours today. 2008-04-10 7:40:19http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=63This Friday, May 9th, Connections: Fashion combines the talents of one up-and-coming fashion designer, three innovative choreographers and a company of professional dancers for one event like no other. The Memphis Zoo becomes the ultimate catwalk as Ballet Memphis puts its unique spin on the fashion arts in this collaborative event. Connections: Fashion features three short, original ballets choreographed by company members Steven McMahon, Jesus Pacheco and Jane Rehm. The first piece, "Andante," was choreographed by McMahon and is danced to music written and performed by LCD Soundsystem. "Tied," from Jane Rehm, follows with music by the Kinks. The final piece of the evening, "Amor En Perlas," (Love in Pearls) uses a variety of Latin music from artists Yerba Buena, Bebo and Cigala and Sergio Mendez. Each ballet showcases how fashion, like dance, works to accentuate the best in human form, movement and expression. Memphis-born and New York-based fashion designer Ellis Dixon worked closely with the choreographers and with Bruce Bui, Ballet Memphis’ wardrobe manager and resident costume designer, in what she termed “a creative meeting of the minds.” “Where Ballet Memphis is concerned, there’s a beautiful balance between tradition and novelty,” said Dixon. “My job becomes easier when those on whom I am relying are so on top of their game.” Immediately after the show, the staging area will be transformed into a DJ-infused disco for the audience to enjoy “Dancing with the Dancers.” Ellis Dixon's designs will also be available in a trunk show setting. The event is expected to end at 11 p.m. Connections: Fashion is the second “Connections” event and the final show for Ballet Memphis’ 2007-2008 season. Ticket are $35 for general admission and $75 for reserved seating. Hors d'oeuvres included. Cash bar. Rain date is Saturday, May 10, 8pm at Ballet Memphis' studios at 7950 Trinity at Germantown Parkway. 2008-05-05 12:08:08http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=64InteriorWorks, the annual dancer-produced Ballet Memphis post-season performance, celebrates its ninth year with nine choreographers and a showcase of the company’s deep and diverse talent pool. Each of the nine original short pieces will be shown at three different performances, running Thursday, May 29th through Saturday, May 31st. Each performance will start at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in Studio A of Ballet Memphis’ studios at 7950 Trinity Road. InteriorWorks 9 is a benefit for Ballet Memphis’Artist Resource Fund, created to help provide a financial cushion to Ballet Memphis company members in transition. A minimum donation of $5.00 per person is suggested in lieu of tickets. The setting is casual and seating is limited. InteriorWorks 9 is co-directed by company members Steven McMahon and Jane Rehm who each have a piece in the showcase. The other seven choreographers are dancers Travis Bradley, Nicole Corea, Kate Feuer, Julie Niekrasz, Caitlin Ryland and Scott Spivey, as well as Ballet Memphis’ associate artistic director Karl Condon. “InteriorWorks is a great opportunity for our dancers to work in a way that we may not usually,” said Rehm. “It’s a chance for us to try new things and to really explore the talent pool in our company. “Even though InteriorWorks traditionally takes place the week after our company contracts end, we always invite the artistic staff to participate and they are always supportive.” The evening is also a fun, casual way for patrons and newcomers alike to meet the dancers, up close and personal. "Seating is stadium style, right on the floor where the dancers perform, so you really see how hard everyone is working and feel a part of the action," said McMahon. There will also be food and drinks to round out the festive atmosphere, provided by Karen Blockman Carrier of Another Roadside Attraction and other local chefs. 2008-05-20 7:35:05http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=65In Ballet Memphis' mission to serve the community, the Pilates Centre of Ballet Memphis takes center stage. The Pilates Centre is the only STOTT-certified teaching and instructor training center in Memphis, and strives to help Memphians to strengthen the core, improve the flexibility and relax the mind. And now you can do it in the newest, state-of-the-art studio facility in East Memphis at 1789 Kirby Parkway, Suite 8, behind Shara's Paparie in Orleans Square. The Grand Opening party is set for May 31, from 2-4 p.m. On hand will be six of the STOTT-certified instructors and Ballet Memphis dancers to illustrate Pilates techniques and demonstrate moves on all the new equipment. There will be food, drink and lots of information and discounts to get you well on your way to an invigorated new you. 2008-2009 Ballet Memphis season tickets will also be available at a discounted rate for anyone signing up for a new Pilates class. Considered the gold standard of Pilates, STOTT Pilates will challenge and invigorate you, body and soul, no matter your beginning level. The new Kirby location will complement Ballet Memphis' other Pilates locations, the Hope and Healing Center in midtown and the Ballet Memphis Studios in Cordova. 2008-05-20 7:46:23http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=67Nationally acclaimed Ballet Memphis, under the direction of Dorothy Gunther Pugh, is pleased to announce its 22nd season, opening in September 2008. Known for its innovative and original repertory as well as its own interpretations of the classics, Ballet Memphis offers seven unique events this coming season. Momentum X September 5-6, 2008 Cadre Building Kick perceptions to the curb with this 10th installment of the series that showcases the hottest new choreographers. See things in a new perspective from all around the venue, as our dancers explore our world with original and emotionally powerful work. Connections: Food October 18, 2008 Bridges, Inc. Join us for our annual fundraiser where more than the perfect wine is paired with your meal. Five courses from renowned regional chefs are matched with fresh choreography and inventive interpretations to make an evening of edible delicacies and delectable dance. Firebird November 1-2, 2008 Orpheum Theatre Enter the realm of the dazzling Firebird who holds the key to one prince’s happiness. This new interpretation by world-renowned choreographer Mark Godden is paired with Stravinsky’s evocative score for a magical event. Then, come with us as we follow a whimsical parade of the animal kingdom as seen through the innocence of childhood with Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by our own Steven McMahon to the classic Saint-Saens score. Nutcracker December 5-7, 2008 Orpheum Theatre We’re adding new surprises to our 20th anniversary interpretation of the perennial family favorite. Imagine a magical land filled with mice, glistening snowflakes, dancing sweets and of course, all of your favorite professional, junior company and Ballet Memphis School dancers. Abundance: Art in Motion February 14-15, 2009 Orpheum Theatre Join four renowned choreographers and the nationally acclaimed Ballet Memphis company as they bring to life, through dance, works from the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, the PowerHouse Gallery and the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Connections: Puppets March 21-22, 2009 Clark Opera Memphis Center You hold the strings to the imagination as classic and contemporary dance pair with life-sized marionettes, puppets and dolls for works evoking love and contentment. Ballet Memphis is honored to have world-renowned modern dancer and choreographer Jane Comfort working with us on this “Connections” showcase. Cinderella April 18-19, 2009 Orpheum Theatre There’s more to this tale than sewing mice and magical pumpkins. Prokofiev’s famous score is matched by Steven McMahon’s rich choreography for a new take on the story of a shy woman who is transformed into a beautiful princess. Can true love be found before the clock strikes midnight? Season Tickets Season tickets are currently on sale. Full-season ticket subscribers who order by August 1st will enjoy no per-show price increase over last season as well as first priority for seating, free ticket exchange for alternate performances, free parking and a 20 percent discount on any additional tickets. Individual season ticket packages start at $80 for six shows (Connections: Food, as a fundraiser, is not included in season ticket packages.) Three-show Family Packs start at $40 per individual package, and the new Allegro Pack is the perfect way to jump into a love of ballet or give a taste to someone else. Choose six tickets from any combination of our mainstage Orpheum Shows…a tremendous value at only $250 with best available seating for each show. Season tickets may be purchased through Ballet Memphis at 901/737-7322. 2008-06-05 18:35:05http://www.balletmemphis.org/news/news_detail.php?news_id=66Dear Ballet Memphis Friends, This past weekend we closed our official season with a very vital program of our Interiorworks performances, produced and choreographed by our professional dancers, benefiting the Dancers' Resource Fund. Over the years I have been able to see a great deal of dance, and talk to a number of people in the field. Many of us feel that there is a serious need for good, thoughtful, well-crafted, relevant and meaningful choreography. This year in particular, as a judge at a choreography competition, and having just returned from the dance festival in St. Louis where Ballet Memphis performed, and as I am looking over choreographic dvd's from around the world, I feel the need particularly strongly. And, I can't help but remark on how our years of guiding choreographic creation seem to be bearing fruit. All the Interiorworks programs were well-done, and well conceived, and it goes without saying that they were well-danced. Excellently danced. And, if you were fortunate enough to see us perform Connections: Fashion at the ZooMay 9th, you know that you saw three works of strength, vitality, and unfettered joy, all choreographed by our dancers. In St. Louis, we were on the final evening of a 3 day long dance festival, and were part of the powerhouse show. We performed In Dreams, by Trey McIntyre, to the music of Roy Orbison. The dancers were impeccable, the choreography is excellent, in my opinion the best I saw while I was there, and the audience exploded with bravos at our closing. Another interesting part of the festival was being there with a 4 year old company from New York, funded by a WalMart heiress. What does this mean? Well, it was a company that could afford to bring 30 of its dancers, (we brought 5). It is a company that gives its dancers 52 weeks of work, as opposed to ours at 38 weeks. It is a company that has bought a theatre and a building in New York. If Ballet Memphis is to be able to continue to demand an excellent standard in all our work and continue to make a significant contribution to all the lives it touches, we will need to depend on all of our efforts and contributions to make it happen. We live in a city where people understand giving to their churches and their schools, yet too often view aspirational work as some sort of frivolity. In the coming weeks you should be receiving our season brochure for the new season. If you become a season ticket holder or a donor at a certain level of giving, you will receive our beautiful calendar after that. We hope to be able to continue to give people deep, resonant, and transformative experiences, whether they watch us perform, study within our school or Pilates programs, or are touched by the joy of celebration we hope to have together at special events. We look forward to another remarkable season of remarkable offerings, one you have to see to believe! Have a good summer, Dorothy Gunther Pugh Founding Artistic Director and CEO Ballet Memphis 2008-06-05 7:23:05