JUNEAU — Juneau Dance Theatre will present an an exciting mixed repertoire during their annual Spring Showcase.
The performance series will incorporate all JDT youth programs, including Pre-Ballet thru Ballet V, Children’s Hip Hop, Modern, and Choreo Workshop.
The program features excepts from “The Sleeping Beauty” and Matthew Neenan’s “11:11,” a contemporary ballet danced to the music of Rufus Wainwright. A murder mystery set to Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre conceived and developed by the Choreo Workship dancers. Also, singer Jocelyn Miles, winner of Juneau’s Got Talent will perform at least one song.
JDT has been granted permission from the Balanchine Trust to perform “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” from George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?”
“We are honored to be performing Balanchine’s choreography,” said Julie Diana, JDT’s executive director.
“Not many schools are allowed to dance his work! This piece in particular is a tremendous gift to our dancers and a wonderful introduction for people who’ve never seen a Balanchine ballet.”
Diana will coach the variation, serving as the Balanchine Trust’s repetiteur for JDT.
Also on the program is a duet to Judy Garland’s Me and My Shadow, staged by Artistic Director Zachary Hench, a lyrical ensemble piece called Waves, and new works by JDT instructors Alexandra Brown and Marisha Bourgeois.
“It will be a powerful moment when the curtain goes up on 85 students from our thriving ballet program,” Hench said. “But we’re so proud of all our dancers! These performances will reflect the excitement and quality that our school is cultivating.”
JDT’s Spring Showcase will take place at the Juneau Douglas High School Auditorium on Friday, May 27, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth and students and available at juneaudance.org, the JACC, Hearthside Books, or atthe door.
For more information about JDT’s Spring Showcase, visit www.juneaudance.org/events or call (907) 463-5327.
