JOURNAL CULTURE
Justo’s celebration of women continues
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32 THE JOURNAL | MARCH 8, 2013
By CINDY LANDRUM | staff
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CBT artistic director revisits ballet he wrote after birth of his first daughter
Women are just as much of a mystery to Carolina Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Hernan Justo now than they were when he wrote his original ballet, “Celebration of Women,” after the birth of his first daughter. “As creatures women are so perfect, so sophisticated. They’re complex beings,” Justo said. “Men are so simple.” “Celebration of Women” is one of three of Justo’s original ballets to be performed at CBT’s 40th anniversary season finale performance on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Peace Center. “Celebration of Women” is designed to honor women and their contributions to humankind. The ballet – which premiered at the Peace Center in 2004 and has had its choreography revisited since – comes during Women’s History Month. “When I wrote the ballets, I was in a place emotionally different from where I am now,” he said. “And I am more experienced.” The ballet’s central figures are four of history’s best-known women. Each represents unique female characteristics. Joan of Arc represents bravery and faith; Helen Keller, determination and the overcoming of obstacles; the Virgin Mary, maternal love; and Giselle, the fictional embodiment of purity. Another of the ballet’s movements references Rosa Parks and her refusal to sit in the back of the bus during segregation. “I am fascinated by the way women operate. Women sometimes defy explanation,” he said. “It amazes me how they can pour hot wax on their legs and then scream when they see a bug on the floor.” The production has live accompaniment by two female pianists, Anne Kocielny and Ileana Posada Shaner. Kocielny is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist and used to teach Shaner, a “dance mom” and president of the
Guild of Carolina Ballet Theatre. Shaner was named volunteer of the year for CBT’s 40th anniversary season. In addition to “Celebration of Women,” the program includes “8:25 PM: The Chestnut of Your Eyes Erased,” a ballet that Justo wrote as a tribute to his mother’s love of Eva Perone. The ballet concludes with “Tangofusion.” Guest dancers from the Boston Conservatory and the North Carolina Dance Theatre will perform with the CBT’s company dancers. The evening will include a special tribute to Barbara Selvy, the woman who founded the ballet in 1972. A celebratory gala will be held in Genevieve’s, the Peace Center lounge, following the performance. Tickets are available for the performance and the gala. Packages include tickets to both. Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@communityjournals.com.
SO YOU KNOW WHAT: “Black +White,” a 40th anniversary season finale performance and gala WHO: Carolina Ballet Theatre WHEN: March 15, 7:30 p.m. performance, Three Hernan Justo original ballets; “Celebration of Women,” “8:25 p.m.: The Chestnut of Your Eyes Erased,” and “Tangofusion.” 9 p.m. gala TICKETS: Performance-only tickets, $15 to $45. Gala-only tickets, $75 TICKET PACKAGES: $90 to $120 INFORMATION: 864-467-3000