This week’s Dance First Insight is from La Boutique Fantasque!
Attention dancers and ballet lovers of all ages!
If you and your family enjoy extraordinary ballet, you don’t want to miss
presented by New Ballet. A 1919 ballet originally choreographed by Leonide Massine, “The Enchanted Toyshop” has been re-imagined with choreography by Dalia Rawson and animation by Atlquetzalli (Ketzi) Rivera.
New Ballet’s dancers will introduce you to a toyshop in Paris where dolls are brought to life. A classic score, magical scenes created in collaboration with animator Atlquetzalli (Ketzi) Rivera, and vibrant costumes and sets.
Director, Founder, and primary choreographer of New Ballet, Dalia Rawson and animator Atlquetzalli (Ketzi) Rivera (originally from Veracruz, Mexico), worked together in 2016, when New Ballet dancer Brennan Wall performed in the documentary “Ruth Weiss, The Beat Goddess.” Rawson was struck by the animation and figured out how to incorporate Rivera’s animation into this live ballet performance. They worked together on character and scene design for the animated scenes that sets this ballet in Paris and introduces characters from the ballet.
“I’ve always seen a similarity between animation/anime as well as comic book art/manga and ballet,” says Rawson. “The idea of telling a story through gesture and with the body rather than through words is important in all these mediums. I love the idea of setting scenes and introducing characters through animation, then seeing the characters come to life on stage.”
New Ballet presents two performances on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose:
11am: My Very First Ballet: La Boutique Fantasque,
as a special performance for families with toddlers and preschoolers. One hour with no intermission. Tickets: Reserved Seating $12.50 – VIP $65
2pm: La Boutique Fantasque. For the whole
family. Tickets: Reserved Seating $19 – VIP $100
The 2pm show includes “Paquita,” a highlight of the classical repertoire featuring bravura choreography, a stunning classical score, and dancers with tutus, tiaras and all that glitters. VIP tickets include access to the VIP Lounge starting one hour before the show and at intermission, plus access to a post-performance Cast Party with the dancers, featuring sweet and savory bites and elegant wine
“It’s the most special show I’ve ever put together,” says Rawson – “with Ketzi’s animation, the colorful costumes and sets, and the timeless theme of bringing toys to life through the power of love and imagination.”
