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Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil Present Their Sixth Annual Collaboration

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) and Cirque du Soleil present its annual A Choreographers’ Showcase on Sunday, October 6 at 1 pm and Sunday, October 13 at 1 pm at the Mystère Theatre, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, 3300 South Las Vegas Blvd. 

Tickets can be purchased for $25 and $45 by calling the Mystère Theatre Box Office at (702) 894-7722 or online at www.nevadaballet.org.

A one-of-a-kind collaboration that began in 2007 between NBT, the state’s largest performing arts organization and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, the sixth annual A Choreographers’ Showcase will make its return to the Mystère Theatre stage with added elements and surprises over two weekends. A benefit for NBT’s main stage productions, training Academy and Education and Outreach programs, this critically-acclaimed production features 51 artists, showcasing their talents in three works by dancers from NBT and five from KÀ, Zarkana and The Beatles LOVE.

“A Choreographers’ Showcase offers a platform for emerging artists from both Cirque du Soleil and NBT to develop and perform original work. This exciting annual collaboration between the two organizations continues to be an opportunity for us to support the talent in both companies,” says Jerry Nadal, Senior Vice President Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil.

This year, as a special addition, celebrated contemporary dance work Read My Hips by internationally recognized dancer and choreographer Danny Ezralow (The Beatles LOVE), will make its Las Vegas debut on the Mystère Theatre stage. Performed by artists from both NBT and Cirque du Soleil, this breakthrough piece debuted in 1990 by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. “We felt that bringing in an established choreographer would allow artists from both companies a new experience and a valuable opportunity – as well as the chance to perform together in a work not choreographed by one of their peers,” says NBT Artistic Director James Canfield. “Danny possesses the knowledge of the contemporary dance arena, yet has a keen understanding of ballet; Read My Hips communicates the diversity as well as the commonalities of both NBT and Cirque du Soleil artists.”

Emphasizing the mission of the showcase, a special school matinee will once again be held for students in Clark County as well as those from NBT’s Education and Outreach Program, Future Dance, on Friday, October 4. Since its inception, almost 5,000 local students have received the opportunity to witness this one-of-a-kind production bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and dance styles. As an added bonus, children will witness their own peers on the Mystère Theatre stage, when 22 students ages 8 to 17 perform a special hip-hop number, choreographed by NBT Education and Outreach Director, Terané Comito. This number will also be performed during both ticketed performances.

“We strive to provide the students of Future Dance unique dance and theatre experiences – as well as additional performance opporttunities that they wouldn’t receive otherwise,” said Terané Comito, Director of Education and Outreach for NBT. “Exposure to various artists and choreographers is a key ingredient in their growth and increases their knowledge of the art form.”

For the past five years, this partnership has raised NBT’s visibility among the Las Vegas entertainment industry, while enabling Cirque du Soleil the opportunity to further root itself in the local cultural community. The collaboration has garnered rave reviews and sold-out houses in addition to significant media attention including the LA Times and LIFE Magazine.

“We are excited to once again present the Las Vegas community with this spirited and powerful dance collaboration,” says NBT Executive Director & CEO, Beth Barbre. “Working together, the artists of NBT and Cirque du Soleil have developed performances of surprising creativity and diversity.”

Tickets for A Choreographers’ Showcase can be purchased for $25 and $45 by calling the Mystère Theatre Box Office at (702) 894-7722 or online www.nevadaballet.org. Purchasing a premium $45 ticket will provide guests with preferred premium seating while supporting the NBT’s Education & Outreach Program, Future Dance. All proceeds from the collaboration benefit NBT’s professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach.