Nevada Ballet Theatre & Cirque Du Soleil Present an Exciting and Diverse Collaboration of Works for 7th Annual “A Choreographers’ Showcase”
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) and Cirque du Soleil once again join forces to present the highly creative and collaborative 7th annual A Choreographers’ Showcase, featuring over 60 local artists from NBT and Cirque du Soleil.
The artists will perform 11 original works on Sunday, October 26 at 1 pm and Sunday, November 2 at 1 pm at the Mystère Theatre at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino.
Designed as a project to stimulate and encourage artistic growth, A Choreographers’ Showcase provides emerging artists from both NBT and Cirque du Soleil the necessary resources and support to conceptualize, develop, create and execute an originally choreographed work from beginning to end. “The importance of this project brings something special to the artists from both organizations as well as local audiences; and that is the gift of the creative process,” said NBT Artistic Director and Co-Creative Director for A Choreographers’ Showcase, James Canfield. “Opportunities for developing artists are becoming scarce due to the lack of resources and time available. Projects such as A Choreographers’ Showcase allow artists to explore new directions; and when the seeds are planted early enough, artists can continue to develop their craft over a longer period of time.”
Over the past seven years, A Choreographers’ Showcase has cultivated an appreciative local audience and become a media favorite. An organic and ever-evolving endeavor, each year possesses its own unique flavor, energy and area of focus. “For this year’s showcase, we encouraged the artists to incorporate more of an acrobatic element into their works,” said Katy Tate, from Cirque du Soleil and Co-Creative Director for A Choreographer’s Showcase. “Their challenge as choreographers is to forgo the use of an apparatus, utilizing movements which celebrate the abilities of the physical body without the technical support of a physical object.”
Each artist is responsible for all of the artistic elements of their piece – from choreography, to costumes, to lighting and sound. “The Showcase encourages mentorship and allows artists to step outside of their comfort zone,” said Tate. “Because performers in both organizations must materialize their creative visions and possibly perform new styles they haven’t yet explored, they experience tremendous professional growth.”
Furthering the mission of the project, students of low-income means will not only receive the opportunity to witness this one-of-a-kind collaboration as part of an exciting school matinée on Friday, October 24, but Scholars from NBT’s Future Dance program will have a presence throughout the show – aiding in the transition of works as well as the finale. Since its inception, thousands of local students have witnessed this one-of-a-kind collaboration bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and dance styles. Proceeds from each $45 ticket sold to the October 26 and November 2 public performances enable NBT and Cirque du Soleil to present this special school time matinée.
As a benefit for NBT, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, proceeds generated from A Choreographers’ Showcase provide necessary support for the company’s main stage productions at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, its affiliated Academy in Summerlin and the many initiatives of Future Dance, its Education and Outreach program, which successfully reached over 10,000 underserved students during the 2013-2014 Season.
Ticket prices for A Choreographers’ Showcase may be purchased for $25 and $45 by calling the Mystère Theatre Box Office at (702) 894-7722 or online at www.nevadaballet.org. Purchasing a premium $45 ticket will provide guests with preferred seating and the opportunity to support NBT’s Education & Outreach Program, Future Dance.