Often I am asked how a season is put together—what goes behind the selection of the companies and what they will perform. Some times there is a personal connection and often times there’s not, but what you’ll see in 2013-2014 is a season where old meets new, where companies that I have established histories or personal relationships with meet companies and productions that are new to St. Louis.
There’s something incredibly uplifting in watching a company that you’ve known, admired and worked with for not just a few years but decades. And for me that can be seen in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which returns again, as all favorites should. I knew Mr. Ailey personally. I saw his early performances in the 1960s and worked with some of his dancers. We even spent time together in Chile, when by chance his company was touring and I was visiting my parents. It was a magical time, and as the world has come to see the company is magical. We share that magic with you again, but now under the direction of Robert Battle, who is the company’s brilliant new artistic director and someone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at New World School of the Arts in Miami.
Shanghai Ballet and I also go way back. It was 1986 and I was one of the first choreographers from our parts of the world to travel to China after the Cultural Revolution. The company performed an entire evening of my works and I later returned to create another work. I continued to follow them over the years and know that you will find The Butterfly Lovers, a classical Chinese story, nothing short of enchanting, which can be said about the company as a whole.
But along with the companies that carry great nostalgia for me come some new sizzlers like Diavolo and Wizard of Oz. I have marveled at Diavolo’s physicality and visually striking moments though I have never worked with them before. Ballet Memphis, which has become one of the most sought after small companies in America, will perform Wizard of Oz, which brings charm, beauty and appeal to everyone from children and adults to dance enthusiasts and those who may never have seen a ballet.
And just as important as acknowledging how the old meets the new is recognizing the making and continuation of Dance St. Louis history. We open and close the 2013-2014 season with two programs that have set Dance St. Louis aside from any other organization in the country: New Dance Horizons II and the 7th Annual SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL These two programs challenge the local companies and our local audiences to appreciate the variety that is dance, and all at reduced ticket prices. These two programs have created such excitement throughout the country that other dance presenters are asking to present them.
So there you have it—2013-2014—a season where old meets new while enchanting and exciting audiences.
Love and Peace,
Michael Uthoff
Artistic & Executive Director, Dance St. Louis
UTHOFF, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF DANCE ST. LOUIS, IS NOT ONLY AN INNOVATIVE PRESENTER—HE’S A MATCHMAKER, TOO — Dance Magazine
HORIZONS HORIZONS NEW
OCTOBER 4 & 5 2013
Oct. 4, 8 PM • Oct 5, 2 & 8 PM
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
After a highly successful inaugural year in what the St. Louis PostDispatch called “a showcase for spellbinding work,” New Dance Horizons returns. This year, an entirely new set of choreographers contributes to the Dance St. Louis-commissioned production, where four nationally renowned choreographers collaborate with four local professional dance companies to create four world premieres. Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company, Leverage Dance Theater, MADCO and Saint Louis Ballet perform new works by former Alvin Ailey principal dancer and founder of Minneapolisbased TU Dance, Uri Sands; the evocative, Washington D.C.-based visionary Nejla Yatkin; the world-renowned Connecticut-based company of dancer-athletes, Pilobolus; and Emery LeCrone, the young, prolific rising star of the ballet world. It’s four companies for the price of one and the making of a St. Louis dance tradition. dancestlouis.org
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES:
Premium Evening: (5 shows) included Saturday Matinee: (4 shows) included
SINGLE TICKETS: All seats $30
Single tickets on sale Tuesday after Labor Day, 2013
Free Speaking of Dance talk in the Terrace Lobby beginning 45 minutes before the performance
MADCO
COMMON THREAD CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY
LEVERAGE DANCE THEATER
SAINT LOUIS BALLET
— ballet.co.uk
The Butterfly Lovers
NOVEMBER 8 & 9 2013
Nov. 8, 8 PM • Nov. 9, 2 & 8 PM
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Founded in 1979, the Shanghai Ballet boasts a history of over thirty years, holding a prestigious position in the international ballet world. Shanghai Ballet’s production of The Butterfly Lovers is often considered the Chinese equivalent to Romeo and Juliet. The piece premiered in December 2001 at the Third Shanghai International Art Festival, choreographed by company director Xin Lili. The legend relates the story of a young woman named Zhu, who disguises herself as a man to obtain admittance to school. She falls in love with schoolmate Liang, but her betrothal to the evil and violent Ma complicates her feelings for Liang. In a jealous rage, Ma kills Liang when he attempts to intervene and profess his love for Zhu. Distraught, Zhu sacrifices her own life in order to spend eternity with Liang, and the two are reunited in the afterlife as a pair of colorful butterflies.
shanghaiballet.com
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES:
Premium Evening: (5 shows) included Saturday Matinee: (4 shows) included
SINGLE TICKETS: Evening: $35-$55
Matinee: All seats $35
Single tickets on sale Tuesday after Labor Day, 2013
Free Speaking of Dance talk in the Terrace Lobby beginning 45 minutes before the performance
Wizard of Oz
JANUARY 24-26 2014
Jan. 24, 8 PM • Jan. 25, 2 & 8 PM • Jan. 26, 2 PM
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Ballet Memphis continues to showcase an outstanding repertoire of original works and fresh interpretations of classical productions, now in its 28th anniversary season. Wizard of Oz is a journey down the yellow brick road which has led Dorothy and her beloved trio of friends to the stage in a new adaptation of the family favorite. A whirlwind away from Kansas, Dorothy and her motley group of friends embark on an adventure to the Emerald City, each in search of something different: a brain, a heart, courage and home. Along the way, red slippers, poppies, munchkins and witches join them in this whimsical and delightful spin on a classic fairytale. Choreographed by one of Ballet Memphis’ own members, Scotland native and choreographic associate Steven McMahon, Ballet Memphis premiered the original production in 2007.
balletmemphis.com
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Premium Evening: (5 shows) included Saturday Matinee: (4 shows) included
SINGLE TICKETS: Evening: $35-$55
$20 child 12 and under
Matinees: All seats $35
$15 child 12 and under
Single tickets on sale Tuesday after Labor Day, 2013
Free Speaking of Dance talk in the Terrace Lobby beginning 45 minutes before the performance
WATCH FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF SPECIAL EVENTS WE ARE PLANNING TO ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE.
AN ENTERTAINING ADAPTATION OF THIS POPULAR AMERICAN TALE... A NEW CLASSIC… — Ballet-Dance Magazines
A WILD MASH-UP BETWEEN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND
AMERICAN GLADIATORS WITH VEGAS-STYLE SHOWMANSHIP. — The Commercial Appeal
FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1 2014
Feb. 28, 8PM • Mar. 1, 2 & 8 PM
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Brace yourself for a thrilling, playful and gravity-defying performance as one of the West Coast’s most prominent dance companies, and designated cultural treasure of the City of Los Angeles, makes its way to St. Louis. Composed of modern dancers, athletes, gymnasts, ballet dancers, martial artists, actors and stunt performers, Diavolo pushes the boundaries of dance through its dynamic movement and signature use of colossal set pieces, including skateboard ramps, a 15-foot staircase, an 18-foot aluminum and steel spinning wheel and a giant cube that turns into a pyramid. Created in 1992 in Los Angeles by Artistic Director Jacques Heim, the Parisian innovator who choreographed Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas show KÀ, Diavolo cleverly mixes together dance, acrobatics and architectural engineering into a powerful, awesome and thought-provoking production. Diavolo dancers fly, leap and fall, and best of all they will utterly amaze you.
diavolo.org
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES:
Premium Evening: (5 shows) included Saturday Matinee: (4 shows) included
SINGLE TICKETS:
Evening: $35-$55
Matinee: All seats $35
Single tickets on sale Tuesday after Labor Day, 2013
Free Speaking of Dance talk in the Terrace Lobby beginning 45 minutes before the performance
ARE THEY DANCERS WHO PERFORM LIKE GYMNASTS OR GYMNASTS WHO MOVE LIKE DANCERS? THIS MAY BE THE QUESTION TO ASK ABOUT THE ADMIRABLY SMOOTH PERFORMERS IN DIAVOLO… —The New York Times
A DEMONSTRATION OF LARGE-SCALE, SUPERGENEROUS, MARVELOUSLY DISCIPLINED HUMAN ENERGY.
— The New York Times
APRIL 25 & 26 2014
April 25, 8PM • April 26, 8PM
FOX THEATRE
Beloved as one of the world’s most popular and iconic dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the few companies today that needs no introduction—its name says it all. Brilliant and electrifying, strong and regal, ethereal and breathtaking, the elegant and athletic dancers of the Ailey company “move as if their bodies are on fire and their souls hang in balance” (Chicago Sun-Times). Recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2002 and recognized in 2008 by a U.S. Congressional resolution as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world,” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has changed the face and perception of American dance. The trailblazers of concert dance have performed for an estimated 23 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents—as well as millions more through television broadcasts. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1958, and guided by Judith Jamison beginning in 1989, the company is now led by Robert Battle, whom Judith Jamison personally selected to succeed her in 2011.
alvinailey.org
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Premium Evening: (5 shows) included Saturday Matinee: not included but opportunity to purchase discounted single tickets at any time
SINGLE TICKETS: Evening: $35-$70
Single tickets on sale Tuesday after Labor Day, 2013
Free Speaking of Dance talk at 7:15 PM in the Marquee Room each evening
YOU KNOW THEY CAN DO ANYTHING, BUT THE VISIBLE EVIDENCE CAN LEAVE YOU REELING… THE COMPANY IS DANCING BETTER THAN EVER.
— The New Yorker
seventh annual
DANCE
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2014
MAY 22-24 2014
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Doors open at 5:30 PM
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
A Memorial Day Weekend tradition returns for a three-night dance extravaganza with the popular formula of 30 dance companies, three nights with a different program every night. It’s diversity of movement and style at its best with dance companies from across the Midwest and beyond performing a variety of pieces from contemporary to classical to tap and more for only $15 a night. Each evening begins at 5:30 with informal, interactive performances in the lobby, continues in the Lee Theatre and concludes on the main stage. Come experience one, two, or all three unique nights of this dance festival and don’t miss one of the most popular springtime events in St. Louis!
springtodance.com
TICKETS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES:
Premium Evening & Matinee: not included but opportunity to purchase single tickets at any time for $10 each
SINGLE TICKETS:
All seats $15
Single tickets on sale April 1, 2014
Free Speaking of Dance talk will not be available for this show
Scenes from previous SPRING TO DANCE® festivals:
Top left: River North Dance Chicago Company, photo by Marc Hauser
Bottom left: Grand Rapids Ballet, photo by Chris Clark
Above: BalletX, photo by Alexander Iziliaev
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
MONSANTO DANCE EDUCATION RESIDENCY PROGRAM Dance
St. Louis brings teaching artists from our performing companies for intensive three-week residencies each semester, culminating in free attendance at matinee performances and Young People’s Performances. In the 2013-2014 season, residencies related to Shanghai Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will reach more than 200 under-served students at urban middle and high schools. Classes include not only dance technique but also career exploration, health and links across the school curriculum.
DANCE CAREER AWARD PROGRAM
During each fall residency, Dance St. Louis identifies students from the Monsanto Dance Education Residency Program who are exceptionally talented and motivated with the potential for a career in the field of dance. Dance Career Award Students are offered guidance and support towards conservatories, college dance programs, professional auditions and, ultimately, careers in the challenging world of professional dance.
THE
YOUNG PEOPLE’S PERFORMANCE A one-hour, school-time show tailored to young audiences is offered each year to 1,400 school children in grades K-12 from all over the St. Louis area. In the 20132014 season, the Young People’s Performance will be Wizard of Oz with Ballet Memphis.
Deborah Patterson, president of Monsanto Fund (l.), and Dance St. Louis Artistic & Executive Director Michael Uthoff present the 2013 Dance Career Awards
Monsanto Dance Education Residency students pose with Pilobolus teaching artists and company members at Grand Center Arts Academy.
MASTER
CLASSES
With each dance company we present, Dance St. Louis provides the opportunity for local students and teachers of dance to take a master class from ballet masters or principal dancers. Classes are offered on the campuses of our college partners: Webster University, Washington University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
THE MARJORIE ORGEL SPEAKING OF DANCE PRE-PERFORMANCE
TALKS Hosted by Dance St. Louis Artistic and Executive Director Michael Uthoff, enjoy a free, informal talk before each performance by the artistic directors and members of the performing dance company.
THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS FUNDERS OF OUR DANCE ST. LOUIS EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Monsanto Fund
Arts and Education Council
Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Trustee
Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis
William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee
Missouri Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts
Regional Arts Commission
St. Louis Service Bureau
U.S. Bank, NA
Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts, Inc.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet principal dancer, Jo-Ann Sundermeier (l) , teaches a master class at Webster University.
Dance Education Residency students receive free matinee tickets to New Dance Horizons from Dance St. Louis.
SEASON TICKET PACKAGE BENEFITS
COST SAVINGS
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Season ticket packages save you money off single ticket prices.
ADDITIONAL SINGLE TICKETS:
As a season ticket holder you receive a 10% discount off the regular single ticket price when you buy additional tickets to our shows at any time during the season1. Simply call the Dance St. Louis Box Office at 314.534.6622 and identify yourself as a season ticket holder to purchase your additional single tickets.
TICKET EXCHANGE FLEXIBILITY
SAME SHOW: You may exchange your tickets from one performance of a show to another performance of the same show free of charge. Simply return your tickets up to 48 hours in advance to the Dance St. Louis Box Office.
DIFFERENT SHOW: You may exchange your tickets from one show to a different show for a $5 processing fee. Make your request one week prior to the performance. If the ticket prices are different, season ticket holders forfeit any refund and are responsible for any payment due. Some restrictions apply.
TAX CREDIT
You may release your tickets for a tax credit up to 48 hours before a performance through the Dance St. Louis Box Office. Ticket exchange and tax credit requests may be done in person, by mail, by scan / email; or by faxing the tickets with a note describing the request to the Dance St. Louis Box Office. Email your scan of the tickets to boxoffice@dancestlouis.org. FAX 314.534.5001
BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE
As a season ticket holder you receive priority seating and are guaranteed the same seats for every performance. For current season ticket holders, on renewal, you’ll receive your same seats unless you request a change. If you request a change or upgrade before new season ticket orders are processed, every effort will be made to accommodate your request.
PREFERRED SEATING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
Season ticket holders have the opportunity before the general public to buy seats for Dance St. Louis special events and co-presentations.
1 This discount ticket offer is good for New Dance Horizons II, Shanghai Ballet in The Butterfly Lovers, Ballet Memphis in Wizard of Oz, Diavolo and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. There is a special ticket price of $10 per ticket for the 7th annual SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL 2014. Not included in this additional single ticket discount benefit are special engagements announced at a later date.
Ailey American Dance Theater
7th SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL 2014
BENEFITS FOR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
n Priority seating and a discount on package seats
n All tickets are exchangeable
n Seats are eligible for renewal
n Opportunity to purchase additional single tickets at a 10% discount so your friends can come too at any time throughout the season (some restrictions apply)
ADD-ON TO YOUR PACKAGE (for an additional cost)
n 7th Annual SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL 2014 Memorial Day Weekend May 22-24 2014 • Touhill
n Matinee package holders may add discounted tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
n Productions in the Fox US Bank Broadway Series (TBA) at the Fox Theatre
Seating Charts
SEATING CHARTS
Seaon Ticket Seating Charts
TOUHILL
Season Ticket Package Seating Sections and Prices
Orchestra
Orchestra
Lower
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER PHOTO BY PAUL KOLNIK
ENJOY GREAT DANCE BEYOND THE THEATER
EMAIL CLUB Receive special ticket offers, be the first to know about our special events, and learn about dance events all around town. To register, go to dancestlouis.org and click the link in the upper right corner of any page.
MARJORIE ORGEL SPEAKING OF DANCE SERIES Enjoy free preperformance talks beginning 45 minutes before the show hosted by Dance St. Louis Artistic & Executive Director Michael Uthoff and a representative from the performing dance company. See the education pages in this brochure for more information.
GIFT CARDS Contact the Dance St. Louis Box Office at 314.534.6622 to purchase gift cards for any performance or for a specific dollar amount.
MASTER CLASSES Dancers: seize the opportunity to learn from world class dancers and choreographers. See the education pages in this brochure for more information.
GROUP SALES Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount off single ticket prices and receive one complimentary ticket for every 20 purchased. (Some restrictions apply.) For more information, call the Dance St. Louis Box Office at 314.534.6622.
AUDIENCE SERVICES All events at the Fox Theatre and Touhill Performing Arts Center are fully wheelchair accessible and equipped with assisted listening devices at no charge. Make any special requests when you are purchasing your season packages or single tickets.
Visit our Website: dancestlouis.org
Friend us on Facebook Follow us @DANCE_STL Follow Michael Uthoff’s Blog
FOX THEATRE fabulousfoxtheatre.com
TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER touhill.org
Get sneak peaks of our shows on YouTube!
ARTISTIC & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MICHAEL UTHOFF
Centene Center for Arts and Education in Grand Center 3547 Olive St. St. Louis, MO 63103-1014
Box Office: 314.534.6622
Fax: 314.534.5001
dancestlouis.org
THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SEASON SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR PAST SEASON SPONSORS:
THANKS TO OUR OTHER MAJOR SPONSORS:
Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Trustee
Dula Foundation
Edward Jones
Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis
Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation
William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee
Whitaker Foundation
Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts, Inc.
The Marjorie Orgel Speaking of Dance Series
The Wilma E. Messing Matinee Series
Dance St. Louis is supported by the Arts and Education Council, Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, Mid-America Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts–Art Works. Member of Dance USA
Dance St. Louis is a proud participant in the
Dance St. Louis is proud to partner with the Fabulous Fox Theatre and the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
