TITAS, the music-and-dance presenter, has announced its 2012-13 season at the AT&T Performing Arts Center (tickets are already on sale). The big headliners are the first return of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Dallas since 1993 and the Joffrey Ballet performing its celebrated recreation of the Stravinsky-Nijinsky Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) for the 100th anniversary of its revolutionary debut in Paris (above).
There are also TITAS audience favorites returning, notably Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Mexico’s Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Meanwhile, the new attractions include R&B musician Marc Broussard, the Stephen Petronio Dance Company, Doug Varone and Dancers, the Brazilian company Grupo Corpo and the Bella Gaia World Tour (“Beautiful Earth”), a musical/visual performance with a live ensemble performing to footage of the planet “from fires in the Amazon basin to time-lapse images of melting Arctic ice.”
The full release is below:
The AT&T Performing Arts Center and TITAS Announces 2012-2013 TITAS Season
TITAS lineup to feature a diverse and exciting roster of international artists:
The Ahn Trio in Concert, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bella Gaia, Marc Broussard in Concert, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Doug Varone and Dancers, The Joffrey Ballet, Brazil’s Grupo Corpo Dance Company, Mexico’s Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Stephen Petronio Dance Company, and TITAS’ Command Performance Gala Performance
DALLAS (May 24 ) – TITAS in association with the AT&T Performing Arts Center announced today that the 2012-2013 TITAS season will feature an exciting and diverse lineup of artists that range from the internationally celebrated Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Joffrey Ballet to the visually and musically stunning Bella Gaia and the incomparable Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.
“The TITAS seasons are always great, but this season sets the bar at a whole new level!” Charles Santos, TITAS executive director/artistic director.
TITAS 2012-2013 SERIES
(in association with the AT&T Performing Arts Center)
Mexico’s Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan (Music Series)
8 p.m. September 26, 2012
Winspear Opera House
Following an unprecedented sold-out debut at the AT&T Performing Arts Center during the 2010-11 TITAS season, Mariachi Vargas returns to Dallas to an adoring audience and a host of new fans.
Often billed as “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo, or “The Best Mariachi in the World,” the group of 13 musicians and vocalists was formed in 1987 by Don Gaspar Vargas in the Mexican village of Tecalitlán. With five generations of performers now keeping their deeply rooted traditions alive, Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán entices audiences worldwide. The transcendent concert experience is everything you love about mariachi music—from the singing and musicianship to the costumes and pageantry. Quite simply, Mariachi Vargas are the quintessential kings of mariachi music.
Outside of the U.S. and Latin America, the internationally acclaimed group has performed in Spain, the Czech Republic and Japan. In 2011, they performed in Paris for a European premiere of their first mariachi opera, “To Cross the Face of the Moon,” produced in conjunction with the Houston Grand Opera.
Doug Varone and Dancers (Dance Series)
8 p.m. September 29, 2012
Winspear Opera House
“Varone’s ability to convey depths of emotion through highly charged, physically exciting choreography has made him a rarity among his generation.” The New York Times
Doug Varone and Dancers creates modern choreography that is as accessible as it is groundbreaking. The renowned company relies on its technical and physical prowess to keep audiences engaged and energized as they explore the complexities of the human spirit. From the smallest gesture to the most powerful bursts of movement, Doug Varone and Dancers reveals the subtle beauty and raw energy in everyday moments. The result is a performance that will draw you in, surprise and delight you, challenge and reward you—and take your breath away.
Award-winning choreographer and director Doug Varone works in dance, theater, opera, film, television and fashion. By any measure, his work is extraordinary—not only for its emotional depth and kinetic breadth, but also for its effortless adaptation to so many media. As a company, Doug Varone and Dancers is recognized for its vision, versatility, technical ability, storytelling, and sheer physicality.
Marc Broussard in Concert (Music Series)
8 p.m. November 2, 2012
Winspear Opera House
Marc Broussard has an uncanny knack for translating the classic languages of R&B, rock and soul into something totally contemporary and entirely his own. He’s been a part of the new music conversation since 2002, when he independently recorded and released his debut album, “Momentary Setback,” at the age of 20. But the buzz about Broussard goes back even further—when a lucky audience heard him belt out “Johnny B. Goode” at age 5 as he sat in with his father’s band.
Tapped as a talent to watch pretty much all his life, Broussard has already toured with giants like Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, Chris Isaak and Bonnie Raitt. With his powerful, soulful and bluesy voice, he’s destined to become a TITAS favorite.
Stephen Petronio Dance Company (Dance Series)
8 p.m. November 16, 2012
Winspear Opera House
“He is one of the few contemporary dance makers who have created an instantly recognizable style…fresh and unpredictable…infused with emotional texture and wit…jarring and just right.” The New York Times
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Stephen Petronio is widely regarded as one of the leading dance-makers of his generation. Music, visual arts and fashion collide in a dazzling scene for the senses. Petronio has worked with some of the most provocative composers, visual artists and fashion designers in the world—including Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Michael Nyman, Cindy Sherman, Anish Kapoor, Donald Baechler, Rachel Roy and Manolo. Since their founding in 1984, Stephen Petronio Dance Company has performed in 26 countries. The troupe boasts 35 New York City engagements, including an impressive 15 seasons at The Joyce Theater.
TITAS welcomes Stephen Petronio Dance Company to the Winspear Opera House for their debut Dallas appearance. With an evening that pushes visual and technical boundaries, their spellbinding choreography and distinctive style blurs the lines between performance and art.
The Joffrey Ballet (Dance Series)
8 p.m. January 18 & 19, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“The Joffrey Ballet’s revolutionary style combined with unique and varied choreography—and exquisite execution—brought them to the forefront of the classical dance world….These highly trained dancers move with unparalleled elegance, in a performance that will mesmerize our audience with its flawless beauty.”
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Nijinsky’s iconic Le Sacre du Printemps (Rite of Spring), TITAS and the Joffrey are proud to present this classical masterpiece—complete with its original choreography.
The Joffrey Ballet has been hailed as “America’s Company of Firsts.” Among their long list of notable performances: first dance company to perform at the White House (at the invitation of Jacqueline Kennedy), first to appear on television, first American company to visit Russia, first to commission a rock ‘n’ roll ballet, first (and only) dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine, and the first company featured as the subject of a major motion picture (Robert Altman’s “The Company”).
Founded in 1956 by visionary dancer, teacher, choreographer Robert Joffrey, the Joffrey Ballet is known for its unique, inclusive perspective on dance. The company, the audiences and the repertoire reflect America’s rich diversity through story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.
Guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, and now thriving under Artistic Director Ashley C. Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway, the Joffrey Ballet is one of America’s most recognizable arts institutions—and one of the top dance companies in the world. This season, TITAS and the AT&T Performing Arts Center are proud to welcome the Joffrey Ballet back to Dallas after a 20-year absence.
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (Dance Series)
8 p.m. February 9, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“Combining voluptuous physicality with classical technique… Cedar Lake is one of the most exciting companies performing today.” New York’s Joyce Theater
In their highly anticipated return to the TITAS season and the Winspear stage, we welcome Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet back to Dallas, The program features new works by some of the world’s most sought after choreographers and composers—including famed Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián, UK-based Hofesh Shechter and Canada’s Crystal Pite.
Since their last appearance in the 2010-11 TITAS season, Cedar Lake have garnered rave reviews for their sexy, Euro-styled “dance installation”—and were voted “Best Dance Event of 2011” in Dallas by TheaterJones.com. The New York-based company is taking the dance world by storm with its combination of exquisite classical technique and edgy physicality. The result, says the New York Times, “…pulls viewers right out of their seats…” with its “…weird and wonderful poetry of the body.” The Village Voice offers its own assessment of Cedar Lake: “…fierce, athletic and compulsively sensual.”
Cedar Lake performs under the leadership of artistic director Benoit-Swan Pouffer—a native of Paris and a former Alvin Ailey dancer. Always a TITAS favorite, Cedar Lake promises to be a highlight of the 2012-13 season.
Bella Gaia World Tour – A Poetic Vision of Earth from Space (Music Series)
8 p.m. February 25, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“Musically beautiful, visually stunning, Bella Gaia is a feast of sight, sound and science.”
Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) is a “Living Atlas” of our world. Experience the beauty of Earth as few humans have—set to music and seen through the eyes of astronauts. Created in collaboration with NASA by award-winning director and classically trained violinist Kenji Williams, Bella Gaia features a live performance by Williams’ world-class ensemble—paired with magical images of our majestic home planet.
From fires in the Amazon basin to time-lapse images of melting arctic ice, Bella Gaia creates a stunning musical/visual journey through our miraculous universe.
Through an evening of beautiful world music and stunning projected images, the performance includes virtual visits to exotic Japanese temples, Egyptian pyramids and beyond—making Bella Gaia a powerful experience that casts a broad world view. Featured at the COP15 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, at top festivals such as the Smithsonian Folklife/NASA festival, and in sold-out performances at digital planetariums, Bella Gaia has delighted everyone from students to heads of government in countries from Europe to the USA and Japan. And speaking of students, Bella Gaia is an excellent program for introducing children to the magic of live performance. Beautiful and magical, Bella Gaia promises to be a surprise hit in the season.
Command Performance (Special Event)
7 p.m. March 2, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“A mix of classical and modern dance…awe inspiring, powerful and dazzling.” Dallas Morning News
Stunningly beautiful and creative, Command Performance is the definitive dance event of the year. A spectacular evening featuring ten of the world’s most renowned stars performing the best of dance today – from classic pas de deux to awe-inspiring contemporary works. It is the pyrotechnics of dance – the most exciting, innovative and beautiful works all in one evening. Recognized for exceptional programming and world-class dancing, Command Performance has also become the showcase for premieres of TITAS-commissioned new choreographic works by dance’s brightest stars including Dwight Rhoden, Mia Michaels, Jessica Lang and Twyla Tharp. Year after year, Command Performance brings thrilled audiences to their feet. Experience the beauty and passion of this tour de force dance event.
Grupo Corpo (Dance Series)
8 p.m. March 8, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“Grupo Corpo’s unashamed mission seems to be to tempt the rhythm of life out of us all.”
– The Guardian (UK)
Passion lives in the Brazilian DNA. The parties, the food, the futbol—and, of course, the dance—are all lived with unbridled exuberance and undeniable energy. For more than 35 years, Grupo Corpo has channeled the Brazilian spirit, using it as a sort of mantra that inspires their passionate, cultured and memorable dance works.
With their own unique language of movement, Grupo Corpo captures the soft, sinuous form of ballet—stoked by the fiery influence of Latin American dance—and creates a smoldering, sensual experience unlike any other. The company’s physical virtuosity—with inexhaustible dancers moving to relentless rhythms—is matched only by their highly conceptual storytelling. The result is something innovative, exciting and altogether authentic.
Grupo Corpo was founded in 1975 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and quickly earned a reputation for developing its own theatrical language. To date, the company has created 35 choreographies and more than 2,200 performances. Annually, Grupo Corpo maintains 10 ballets in repertoire and gives 70 performances a year in places as distinctive as Iceland and South Korea, the United States and Lebanon, Italy and Singapore, the Netherlands and Israel, France and Japan, Canada and Mexico, and now… Dallas.
The Ahn Trio (Music Series)
8 p.m. April 16, 2013
Winspear Opera House
“Exacting and exciting musicians,” L.A. Times
Whether performing in Vienna’s Musikverein, New York’s Lincoln Center, Beijing’s Concert Hall, the White House or touring in China or Korea, the Ahn Trio continue to share their innovative spirit and ever-evolving vision of music. The three sisters (Lucia on the piano, Angella on the violin, and Maria on the cello) were born in Seoul, Korea, and Juilliard educated. The Ahn Trio bring a new energy and excitement to the music world and have earned a distinguished reputation for embracing 21st century classical music with their unique style and innovative collaborations. Luminary composers as Mark O’Conner, Michael Nyman, Maurice Jarre, Pat Metheny, Paul Schoenfield, Kenji Bunch, Nikolai Kapustin, and Paul Chihara have written works for them.
The Ahns have performed in over 30 countries, and have recorded six albums. They have won multiple music awards including Germany’s prestigious ECHO Award. An MTV appearance on Bryan Adams’ “Unplugged” inspired the trio to make “Ahn-Plugged” (EMI), and “Groovebox” (EMI) soon followed. They also made a joint album with the Czech Grammy-winning rock group Tata Bojs. Inspired musicianship, commissioned works and awe-inspiring performances are the trademark of any Ahn Trio performance. This TITAS concert will be their debut appearance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Dance Series)
Fri. 8pm/ Sat. 2pm, 8pm, May 3 & 4, 2013 (3 shows)
Winspear Opera House
“Possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet.” The New York Times
In a now-fabled 1958 performance at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York City, Alvin Ailey led a group of young African-American dancers in an event that forever changed the perception of American dance. Today, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues its reign as an American “Cultural Ambassador to the World”—having performed live for an estimated 23 million people in 48 states, 71 countries, and six continents.
The gifted and gorgeous Ailey dancers infuse energy and emotion to classics and new works alike. Now guided by the vision of new artistic director Robert Battle, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater remains the nation’s leading modern dance company. That’s why TITAS believes the stunning Winspear Opera House is the most appropriate place to welcome Ailey back for their first Dallas performance since 1993.
Tickets for TITAS performances range from $12 to $200.
Series Supporting Sponsor: Fidelity Investments
TITAS Official Hotel Sponsor: Sheraton Dallas
Season Sponsors include: Heritage Auctions, American Airlines, TACA, Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Mid-America Arts Alliance
Tickets can be purchased online at www.attpac.org by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.
Media can download photos and additional bio information at the following link:
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About TITAS
TITAS, now led by Charles Santos, has been presenting dance and music in Dallas for 30 years. It has a long history of artistic excellence and innovative programming. As the only Dance Presenter in Dallas, TITAS dance presentations fill a unique niche in our cultural landscape. Over TITAS’ history, it has presented over 500 performances, with artists from more than 59 countries, over 150 debut events and well over 600 educational outreach events that include master classes, lecture/demonstrations, artists in residencies and Q&A post-performance sessions. Now in partnership with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, TITAS brings its eclectic and innovative mix of contemporary dance and music artists to the Arts District.
About the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Texas Ballet Theater and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.
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