Joffrey’s 2011-2012 Season

Victoria Jaiani and Miguel Angel Blanco in this season's "The Merry Widow". Photo by Herbert Migdoll.

The Joffrey Ballet recently announced the ballets to be performed for the 2011-2012 New Generation season.  Artistically, the company is consistently on the highest level continually bringing in new works to challenge the dancers and the audience.  Next season is no different.

The season opens on October 12th with former Bolshoi dancer, Yuri Possokhov’s version of Cervantes’ classic story Don Quixote.  Set to the Léon Minkus score, which will be played by a live orchestra, this version of Don Q was originally choreographed for the San Francisco Ballet in 2003.  I’m excited for this full-length ballet to have its Joffrey premiere.  I haven’t seen this version, though I’ve admittedly seen the 1999 Baryshnikov version (via dvd) at least 100 times.  I’m especially looking forward to the dream scene in Act II with the Joffrey’s strong female dancers.

On to The Nutcracker.  This holiday classic is a must-see for anyone that loves dance.  Robert Joffrey’s version is by far one of my favorites with the Waltz of the Flowers being a musical and visual delight.  Rumor has it that Ashley Wheater is starting to make some changes and adding his own touch to the production, which will be interesting and welcome to see.  Look for bravura turns by almost every company member in the run from December 9 – 27.

The winter and spring has the company offering a mixed rep.  In February, Wayne McGregor’s Infra (US premiere) and William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated (Joffrey premiere) will showcase the company’s technical diversity and contemporary edge.  Spring has the group revisit Jerome Robbins’ In The Night and Edwaard Liang’s Age of Innocence, in addition to a world premiere from American choreographer Val Caniparoli.

 

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