A Message from the Artistic Director

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

A Warm Welcome to Dance Theatre of Harlem

It’s a thrill to welcome you to Alberta Ballet for this special occasion—an evening with Dance Theatre of Harlem. For over 56 years, this extraordinary company has been redefining ballet, proving that this art form belongs to everyone. We’re honoured to have them on our stage.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was created to make ballet more inclusive, opening doors for dancers who had been historically underrepresented in the art form. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Garland, they continue to push boundaries, sharing a bold vision for ballet in the 21st century. Their influence extends far beyond the stage, serving as an inspiration for ballet companies around the world to embrace greater diversity and innovation.

The company of 18 members brings to life a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary works, from treasured classics to innovative new pieces. Garland’s choreography, influenced by the neoclassical style of George Balanchine, adds a fresh perspective to their repertoire. Each performance is a testament to the power of dance to inspire, connect, and uplift.

Tonight’s program highlights what makes Dance Theatre of Harlem so special—their artistry, their history, and their commitment to making ballet more accessible to all. We are so proud to welcome them and hope you enjoy this remarkable experience.

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Programme & Casting

NYMAN STRING QUARTET NO. 2

(World Premiere March 1, 2019, Eisenhower Hall, West Point, NY)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Robert Garland
MUSIC: Michael Nyman
COSTUME DESIGN & EXECUTION: Pamela Allen-Cummings
LIGHTING DESIGN: Roma Flowers  

Intermission

TAKE ME WITH YOU

(DTH Premiere February 9, 2024)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Robert Bondara
LIGHTING & COSTUME DESIGN: Robert Bondara

‘The catchy percussion beat of the Radiohead song “Reckoner” became the first trigger and source of inspiration for movement language and choreography. Getting deeper into the creative process and vague lyrics of the song in a very personal way, the content of the choreography got closer to reflection about our existence, our efforts to grasp the meaning of life despite “bittersweet distractors”. What is essential for the piece is metaphysical experience, an elusive atmosphere determining relations between the dancers on the stage.’ Robert Bondara

This duet was created in 2016 for Polish National Ballet soloists Yuka Ebihara and Kristof Szabo. Take Me With You was later performed by many leading dancers, including Roberto Bolle and Melissa Hamilton among others, and in theatres across the globe and on Polish, Czech and Italian TV. In 2021, Robert created a larger one act ballet that includes this duet for Poznan Opera Ballet and in 2022 was staged by West Australian Ballet.

Reckoner by Radiohead. Thom Yorke, songwriter, vocals. Jonny Greenwood, songwriter, guitar. Colin Greenwood, songwriter, bass. Philip Selway, songwriter, drums.

Music by arrangement with Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Pause

PAS DE DIX

CHOREOGRAPHY: George Balanchine, ©The George Balanchine Trust
MUSIC: Alexander Glazunov
LIGHTING: Recreated by Andrea Sala
COSTUME DESIGN: Pamela Allen-Cummings
REPETITEUR: Kyra Nichols

"The performance of Pas de Dix, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service standards established and provided by the Trust."

Intermission

RETURN

(World Premiere September 21, 1999)

CHOREOGRAPHY: Robert Garland
MUSIC: James Brown, Alfred Ellis, Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin
COSTUME DESIGN & EXECUTION: Pamela Allen-Cummings
LIGHTING: Roma Flowers

Return was choreographed for Dance Theatre of Harlem's 30th anniversary. Choreographer Robert Garland calls the ballet's style "post-modern urban neoclassicism - an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one." Staged for 12 dancers to songs performed by James Brown and Aretha Franklin, Return is "... a witty fusion of ballet technique and street gait whose irony toward rhythm-and- blues had the audience in stitches." (The New York Times)
 

"Mother Popcorn " and “Superbad” performed by James Brown
"Baby, Baby, Baby" performed by Aretha Franklin
By arrangement with Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. 

 “Call Me” performed by Aretha Franklin
Courtesy of Pronto Music and Fourteenth Hour Music, Inc. 

"I Got the Feelin’" performed by James Brown
By arrangement with Round Hill, Inc.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Artistic Team

Casting

Subject to Change

Dance Theatre of Harlem Dancers

Up Next…

Alberta Ballet
Don Quixote Artistic Team

Alberta Ballet Artistic Support

Stage Manager | Marisa Mireau
Pilates | Jo-Anne Bunbury / Calgary Pilates
Company Teachers | Francesco Ventriglia, Yoshiya Sakurai, Brian Waldrep
Company Pianists | Marina Federov, Michael Levin,
Juanita Faas, Lorel Leal, Helena Barker

Production Team

Technical Director | Jason McLellan
Lead Fly | Kevin Green
Lead Props | Christina Hantos
Second Props | Cassandra Thorbjornsen
Lighting Lead | Chris Axford
Second Lighting | Oliver Petti
Lead Sound and Multi-Media | Dan Plumtree
Head of Wardrobe | Michele Merrells
Second Wardrobe | Karen Crocker
Second Wardrobe/Stitcher | Erin LeBaron
Cutter | Anne Nguyen

The Alberta Ballet Foundation
is proud to support

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Welcome to this evening’s performance featuring the exceptional artistry of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. At Alberta Ballet Foundation, we celebrate our province’s vibrant communities and are dedicated to creative endeavors which make the arts a vital part of Alberta’s cultural landscape. Your presence here tonight is a testament to the power of dance to unite and inspire us all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Endowment Donors for bringing performances like tonight to life. Donor contributions to our Endowment are matched through the Canada Cultural Investment Fund with the goal to grow the Endowment to $20 million, ensuring an annual disbursement of $1 million.

To learn more or make a donation, please connect with us at
PaulC@AlbertaBallet.com and be a part of keeping Alberta Ballet’s legacy live.

Paul Chambers
Executive Director
Alberta Ballet Foundation

Alfred Sorensen
Chair
Alberta Ballet Foundation

ALBERTA BALLET DONORS 2023/24 & 2024/25

Tonight we welcome you to the unique performance from the internationally recognized Dance Theatre of Harlem. As always we extend our deepest gratitude to all of our donors who support Alberta Ballet and sincerely thank you for your contributions, support and dedication. If you notice an error or omission, please accept our apologies and kindly inform us at ElizabethR@AlbertaBallet.com.

Dance Circle Membership $1,500

Patron Program

Tier I $5,000 to $9,999

Tier II $10,000 +

We’ve prepared a full calendar of inspiring activity for our donors in the 2024/25 season!

If you’re a passionate Alberta Ballet subscriber, consider taking part in our donor activities.

To learn more, please contact us at ElizabethR@AlbertaBallet.com.

Elizabeth Reade
Director, Campaigns and Partnerships
403-245-4222 ext 510
ElizabethR@AlbertaBallet.com

A whole community is working behind-the-scenes,
helping us inspire you with dance!

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2024)

2024/25 GOVERNMENT FUNDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS