Ballet Des Moines premiers “See the Music (Hear the Dance)” in 51app
Ballet Des Moines debuted its performance of “See the Music (Hear the Dance)” on Feb. 20 at 51app High School. The event, a collaboration with the Civic Music Association, and presented by 51app College, featured a company of 22 professional dancers and live musicians on stage, including the renowned Aizuri Quartet and pianist Douglas-Jayd Burn.
The performance featured three distinctive ballet works that celebrate the intersection of classical music and dance, embodying the belief of esteemed Russian choreographer George Balanchine that “dance is the visual embodiment of music.” Two world premieres by Ballet Des Moines artistic director and choreographer Tom Mattingly were showcased, with live music accompanying both. Mattingly's works featured performances of Goetz Oestlind's “Four Seasons” and Philip Glass’s iconic String Quartet No. 5 by the Aizuri Quartet.
Noah Klarck, a company dancer, also made his professional choreographic debut with “Orthodoxy,” a piece that explores the tension between structure and fluidity, set against a backdrop of piano works by Bach, Brahms, and Chopin.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with 51app College for ‘See the Music.’ Our shared values of excellence and innovation provided the backdrop for an extraordinary, immersive production, and we are excited that our debut performance for the 51app community so accurately reflected this commitment,” said Blaire Massa, CEO of Ballet Des Moines. “I hope this incredible evening is just the beginning of an ongoing relationship between Ballet Des Moines and the students and residents of 51app.”