Your Anniversary.

If you messed up one too many times this year, gave her a disgusting perfume for Christmas or managed to forget Valentines Day, do yourself a favor. Suck it up and take her to the ballet. Yes, you might not get it; there are no plays or pyrotechnics to enthrall you. But it’s a cliche for a reason. Take her to the ballet, and you’re telling her, “I’m man enough to admit that I’m uncomfortable in a room with men wearing tights and not wrestling each other to the ground. But you seem to love it, so I’ll try.” The Czech National Theatre Ballet is a classic. The Mark Morris Dance Group performance is perfect for a more worldly lover of ballet–and it is Romeo and Juliet, so you really can’t go wrong. And the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company’s intense, powerful performance, which isn’t ballet however, will win over any passionate connoisseur of modern dance.

Czech National Theatre Ballet

Czech National Theatre Ballet. Discover one of the oldest and most renowned companies in Europe! Founded in 1883, this legendary company combines brilliant technique with breathtaking energy, performing the great classics as well as works by contemporary choreographers. Prepare to be enthralled as you witness these dancers, who “seem to fly rather than dance” (Pravo).

Petite Mort choreographed by Ji?í Kylián
D.M.J. 1953 -1977 choreographed by Petr Zuska
Sinfonietta choreographed by Ji?í Kylián

Sat May 2, 7:30 pm
Sun May 3, 2:30 Pm
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
$50, $35, $20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Mark Morris Dance Group

Mark Morris Dance Group

Romeo and Juliet, On Motifs of Shakespeare
Stefan Asbury, guest conductor
with Virginia Symphony

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular ballets of the 20th century—but until recently, no one knew that the ballet so  beloved by audiences was not, in fact, the one imagined by its composer. Prokofiev’s original setting of the story imagined a happy ending, with the star-crossed lovers united in triumph over tragedy. But the repressive Soviet regime forced Prokofiev to alter his vision, and the original was never heard until the lost score was discovered in Moscow. Now, in a  stunning new work co-commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival, the brilliant choreographer Mark Morris brings Prokofiev’s authentic score to vivid life. Be among the first audiences in the world to see this new masterwork!

Patron advisory: this performance includes partial nudity.

Don’t miss the pre-performance discussion!
Choreographer Mark Morris discusses the journey of discovery and process of creating this ground-breaking new work. Included with ticket.
FRI, MAY 8, 7 pm • Chrysler Hall Dress Circle

Fri May 8, 8 pm
Sat May 9, 8 pm
Sun May 10, 2:30 Pm
Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
$75 Gold Circle, no discounts; $50, $35, $20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company

Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. This extraordinary company’s lineage traces back to the beginnings of Israel’s kibbutz movement, through its founder, Yehudit Arnon, and artistic director, Rami Be’er. Their powerful, visceral performances capture the tragedy and triumph of human spirit in works that propel audiences to their feet. “Powerful…hypnotic…strong in visual imagery, intense in feeling and deep in intellectual content” (Cleveland Plain Dealer).

“The movement in “Upon Reaching the Sun” ran the gamut of contemporary dance styles and was executed throughout with astonishing brilliance. Accompanying it was an eclectic mixture of music, mostly rock… a fantasy full of hidden meanings… companies still have very far to go before they reach a level of artistry comparable to that displayed by the Kibbutz troupe” (Moscow Times).

Sat May 16, 8 pm
Sun May 17, 3:00 Pm
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
$47, $37, $22
Call 1-888-3-COXTIX or visit www.vafest.org for tickets.

Back | For more of the insiders’ guide to this year’s Virginia Arts Festival, read the full preview.