Nevada Ballet Theatre is Now

"We are a product of now." As arts organizations in Southern Nevada face bleak economic times, James Canfield, the artistic director of the Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT), is pragmatic but optimistic. Canfield says, "We are working under a new economy, therefore we in the performing arts must change to survive." He says, "We made the necessary changes within NBT early on, thanks to the direction of Beth Barbre, the company's executive director and CEO, and the expertise of our Board of Trustees." The result is a company that is living within its means while exploring exciting, cutting edge new productions.

NBT's Fall Series opener at Ham Concert Hall at UNLV, October 15-17, is a tribute to Canfield's mentor Robert Joffrey of the famed Joffrey Ballet, and reflects Canfield's commitment to preserving Joffrey's legacy while exploring contemporary directions. Joffrey envisioned "a company that happened out of America" and NBT's tribute reflects this. Canfield has invited fellow directors Adam Sklute of Ballet West, Tom Mossbrucker of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Glenn Edgerton of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago to partner with him to "showcase the next generation of directors as we continue on the path of the man who inspired each of us during our years at the Joffrey."

Joined by dancers from the three companies, NBT will present the premier of "Sinfonietta" by Jiri Kylian from Ballet West as well as works by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet's Jorma Elo ("Red Sweet") and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's celebrated Spanish modern ballet dancer and choreographer, Nacho Duato (pas de deuxfrom "Gnawa"). NBT will open and close the evening with two original works by Canfield, the classical, "Degas Impressions," inspired by the impressionism of painter Edgar Degas, with music by Chopin performed by the Las Vegas Philharmonic's Concertmaster DeAnn Letourneau and Principal Keyboardist Voltaire Verzosa, and Canfield's critically acclaimed, "Equinoxe."

Canfield says, "Ballet is NBT's base and it is from here that everything begins. I believe that dancers trained in classical ballet technique are best capable of responding to anything a choreographer can envision, in any dance idiom." By showcasing Joffrey's legacy, NBT is presenting an evolution of dance, from the early beginnings of classical ballet to the most contemporary dance of today.

Looking forward to the Spring Series March 4-6, 2011, NBT will be showcasing the work of famed classical choreographer George Balanchine's "Donizetti Variations." The company will once again be partnering with another regional company, Pennsylvania Ballet, to present the premier of choreographer Matthew Neenan's "At the Border," with music by contemporary composer John Adams. Canfield will also be premiering his second original work for NBT, "Pas De Deux."

NBT will continue its popular Studio Series April 7-17, 2011 with "Beyond Words and Text." This intimate performance series at the Ballet's Summerlin studio allows the audience to experience an NBT performance up-close and personal. These new works are inspired by a variety of texts from literary works to cartoons.

The highlight of a Vegas Christmas is the NBT's magical production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" presented at the equally magical Paris Th��tre at Paris Las Vegas. This ageless classic is being presented in a new version choreographed by Peter Anastos. Season subscribers receive a 25 percent discount.

The current 2010/2011 NBT season is entitled "The Next Step" and Canfield says, "As we move toward the opening of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in 2012, NBT stepping foot on that stage is a highlight of giant proportion." But Canfield says, "What gets me most excited year after year, is the time I spend in the studio with the dancers. This time is magical."

Join the magic with single ticket prices as low as $10 and season subscriptions under $100 at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office at (702) 895-2787 or online at www.nevadaballet.org.