January 13, 2009

Nashville Ballet will be showcasing an outstanding line-up of dance works its 2009 Winter Series.

Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s light classical piece, Adjustable Wrench, opens the program, followed by international choreographer Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite, a debonair tribute to the romantic vocals of Frank Sinatra. The third work, Clowns and Others, choreographed by Salvatore Aiello, is an audience favorite in which dancers frolic through a variety of everyday vignettes, examining the foibles of human nature.

Set to Prokofiev's "Visions Fugitives, Op. 22”, and performed live by pianist Robert Marler, the twenty-minute ballet is set for 14 dancers in clown-like costumes.

Closing out the program is the bold energetic Jungle, choreographed by James Canfield. Imagine exotic birds of paradise coming to life in this lush and urban environment. The set is painted by artist Tom Cramer in fluorescent colors, featuring objects that transform into other things: An outline of lips becomes a cat, a drum becomes a plant. The costumes appear to be painted on the dancers bodies as they athletically navigate the many levels of jungle. Each of these four ballets will be performed at every performance.

A special Family Matinee has been added to this performance series with one show only on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 pm. This collection of dances is geared towards the younger audiences of age three and up. It is the perfect introduction to dance and music in a professional setting utilizing shorter pieces with “kid-friendly” story lines. The matinee will feature Clowns and Others, “The Rose Adagio” from Sleeping Beauty (where Princess Aurora must choose among the handsome princes), and the charming narrated ballet, Degas and the Little Dancer.

Ballet Buddies tickets will be available for the Family Matinee. A Ballet Buddie ticket includes a kid-friendly lunch and free valet parking at the Hermitage Hotel, a premium seat for the matinee, and the opportunity to meet dancers, have photo taken with a dancer, and have a backstage tour after the performance.

Tickets for Ballet Buddies are $84.00 per person, and available by calling 615-297-2966, ext. 10.  Single tickets are available with prices ranging from $21.50 - $72.50. Tickets are available by calling 615-255-ARTS, online at Ticketmaster.com, in person at the TPAC box office downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall of Green Hills, or by visiting www.nashvilleballet.com. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount and can be ordered through Nashville Ballet by calling 615-297-2966, ext. 10 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Performance Dates:
Friday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15 matinee 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

**Special Family Series matinee on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 pm (Features Clowns & Others, “The Rose Adagio” from Sleeping Beauty, and the charming Degas and the Little Dancer)