Orlando Ballet Reflections: 50th Anniversary Celebration

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Reflections is a celebratory launch of Orlando Ballet’s 50th season and offers a look back as well as ahead in terms of how the organization evolved from its very humble start to becoming one of Central Florida’s leading performing arts organizations. We begin with the premiere of our own anniversary film that tells a story about love for the art form and the risk-taking that helped build the organization, including missteps and victories that occurred along the way. We’ve collected conversations from many of the talented artists and community leaders who were involved from the beginning while we celebrate today’s highly respected professional dance company. In honor of this milestone, Artistic Director Jorden Morris has curated a sophisticated season that doesn’t just challenge his dancers but gifts the audience with new productions never-before performed or seen in Orlando.

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Paul Taylor’s “Company B”

Iconic ballets earn that distinction by being innovative, timeless, and for always stirring up a range of emotions. While dramatically different artists, choreographers Paul Taylor and George Balanchine define iconic ballet through their artistic creativity, influence, and endurance.

Set during World War II, Juilliard-trained Taylor’s wildly popular “Company B,” is a lively yet poignant representation of good, old-fashioned American optimism set against the stark and painful realities of war. Taylor’s self-described modern “dance scribbling” and avant-garde style are fittingly supported by a musical backdrop by The Andrews Sisters, whose recognizable songs carry the audience and dancers through a journey of love and loss. Taylor’s masterful choreography balanced by simple, subtle sets and costumes, makes for a mesmerizing dance experience for all.

Balanchine® Ballet: Serenade

Russian-born George Balanchine’s universally beloved Serenade presents elegance and highly structured movement fostered by the choreographer’s renowned musicality. Serenade will be performed to live music by the Bach Festival of Winter Park, conducted by John Sinclair. The production includes 28 dancers in gauzy blue attire, performing four unique movements before a minimalistic backdrop of blue. Serenade has no plot; rather this ballet thrives emotionally and visually on the choreographer’s preference for precision and graceful movement inspired by Balanchine’s affection for all things Tchaikovsky. Balanchine is said to have been influenced by Tchaikovsky’s lush and hypnotizing “Serenade for Strings in C, Op.48,” setting the framework for his textured, thrilling variations that create an intoxicating experience of pure dance. Artistic Director Jorden Morris notes that the performance’s conclusion of a woman being lifted off the stage toward the light serves as a quiet nod to Orlando Ballet’s next 50 seasons.