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Nevada Ballet Theatre Announces its 2009-2010 Season: Nevada Ballet Life Move

Nevada Ballet Theatre is pleased to announce its 2009-2010 season set to include two Las Vegas premieres, Coco and Jungle choreographed by Artistic Director James Canfield as well as a revival of George Balanchine’s Rubies. Three world premieres will also comprise this colorful season including Song of the Nightingale by KÀ Artist Gail Gilbert, a new work by New York-based choreographer Thaddeus Davis and James Canfield’s first original work for the company, Cyclical Night.

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s annual holiday favorite The Nutcracker will also be presented as well as A Choreographers’ Showcase, the company’s third annual collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. To add to this exciting lineup, a new introductory series subscription will be offered for just $20. 2009-2010 Subscriptions will be on sale at the end of April by calling the UNLV box office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or online at www.nevadaballet.com.

Beginning in October, the company will present Timeless Innovation including Balanchine’s jazzy and upbeat Rubies, from his full-evening ballet, Jewels as well as Canfield’s Coco, homage to the life of world-famous fashion designer Coco Chanel with music by French coloratura Edith Piaf. Rounding out the program is Canfield’s nationally-renowned Jungle, which comprises energetic choreography set against a neon-colored backdrop and costumes both designed by visual artist Tom Cramer. This provocative piece is surrounded by the eclectic sounds of electronic super group Future Sound of London.

“I am extremely inspired to begin my first full season with Nevada Ballet Theatre,” said Canfield. “My hope is that this season will educate, elevate and entertain our subscribers and patrons and be a much-needed respite during this global downturn in the economy.”

The holidays will usher in one of Las Vegas’ most beloved holiday events, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s annual classic The Nutcracker. Always an audience favorite, this cherished tradition will feature a production new to Las Vegas.

In March 2010, the company will present Brave New World, which will mark the debut of its new “Signature Series” generously underwritten by Wendy and Richard Plaster. This “signature” program will consist of three world premiere works: Song of the Nightingale by KÀ’s own Gail Gilbert with music by Igor Stravinsky, a new work by contemporary choreographer Thaddeus Davis and the debut of Cyclical Night, James Canfield’s first work created exclusively for Nevada Ballet Theatre. Loosely inspired by the tango, it is set to the music of Astor Piazzolla.

The company’s third annual A Choreographers’ Showcase will be presented in late spring, where Cirque du Soleil and the Las Vegas-based ballet company combine forces to bring local audiences the best and brightest in new, emerging choreography. Premium tickets will continue to subsidize a special school matinee for Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Future Dance students.

“My hope is that our patrons will experience an artistic journey with this new season,” said Canfield. “From the neoclassicism of George Balanchine to the very contemporary A Choreographers’ Showcase with Cirque du Soleil, our season will evolve in the same way in which dance as an art form has evolved over the centuries.”

As a part of the new season, the company will perform its fall and spring programs in Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, with patrons having the choice to attend on Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons, a change from the company’s usual Friday night opening. In addition, prior to Timeless Innovation and Brave New World, “Insights,” a free pre-performance perspective will offer patrons an insider’s view into the performance they are about to see. Held in the lobby, “Insights” will take place 45 minutes prior to curtain. Furthering this, the company will present “Talk Back,” an interactive Q & A following the performances that will lend patrons a greater understanding into the world of dance and the artists who make it happen.

Additional programs will include “NBT Unveiled” and “NBT 4×8,” both of which will be catalysts for education and outreach and offer a closer, more intimate experience into the beauty of dance as an art form.