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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Ballet at BCT introduces new choreography to Bloomington community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Just weeks after its successful presentation of "An American Evening" Spring Ballet, the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Department of Ballet presents its annual "Ballet at the BCT: The Choreography Project" at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington. "Ballet at the BCT" takes place April 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. As with many Jacobs School of Music events, the performances are free and open to the public.

The choreographic workshop will feature 25 new works choreographed and danced by ballet majors. While the choreography has its foundation in classical ballet, the choice of music is limitless and the choreography extends ballet performance into innovative directions, said Michael Vernon, chair of the department.

"This year, all music is recorded, which opens up limitless possibilities for our students," said Vernon. "The selection continues to broaden from year to year, inspiring some very interesting choreography and dancing.

"This is a rare opportunity to see world-class ballet students perform in an intimate setting, something you don't get at the larger productions in the Musical Arts Center," Vernon said. "Just like the American Ballet Theatre company in New York, we use a smaller theater for experimental, more contemporary works. Since the audience members can see the dancers so well in such close proximity, they are able to develop a close connection to them, giving the evening a personal and more intimate experience."

Vernon said one big difference between here and New York is that the IU Ballet performance at the BCT is free for anyone to enjoy.

The IU Ballet Department provides the highest level of professional ballet training within an academic, intellectual and artistic university environment. The department trains dancers of a technical and artistic level who succeed as performers, choreographers, teachers and administrators. The faculty is composed of experienced ballet teachers, each with major professional company experience.

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