Gaite Parisienne and Other Ballets

Ballet Ensemble of Texas (BET), one of Dallas’ only pre-professional ballet companies, will present an evening of classical and contemporary ballets on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 pm at the Irving Arts Center. “This evening of ballet is a journey from purely classical, to neo-classical, to post-classical ballet genres, ending with a touch of comedy,” said Allan Kinzie, artistic director, Ballet Ensemble of Texas. “From the essence of the imperial palaces of Russia to the Can-Can girls of 19th Century Paris, audience members can expect an exciting excursion through time.”

The program opens with a new work choreographed by Ballet Ensemble of Texas’ director Allan Kinzie titled Jardin Sacré. Honoring the traditions of the classical ballet of Russia, BET members dance to the sublime music of Anton Arensky after a theme by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The dancers are adorned with classical white tutus and glistening crowns as an homage to the era.

Following Jardin Sacré, BET will present Three Themes of The Four Temperaments choreographed by George Balanchine. Permission was granted to offer this work from the Balanchine Trust and was set by former New York City Ballet member, Michele Gifford. Three Themes exemplifies the master of neo-classical style and purity of movement often associated with Mr. Balanchine’s works.

Next on the program is Diamonds, a dynamic ballet of athleticism and power by Thom Clower. Diamonds is a pulse-pounding balletic extravaganza that is designed to have the audience on the edge of their seats. The ballet appears to have no start or stops and limitless boundaries - showing the physicality of the art of ballet.

“Diamonds is truly a ‘hold on to your seat’ joy ride of brilliant dancing,” added Kinzie. “The audience will be left breathless and in awe of what ballet dancers are really capable of doing.”

The evening closes with Susan Trevino’s Gâité Parisienne, a delightful and fun ballet for the entire family. The music, by Jacques Offenbach, is romantic, whimsical and naturally “danceable” for the company. Choreography by Susan Trevino, the ballet transports the audience to the glory days of 19th Century Paris conjuring up images of the paintings of Toulouse Lautrec and the Bohemian world that exemplified the city’s Golden Era.

BET’s production is supported by The Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Coppell and The City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board.

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