Visceral, powerful, and impossible to forget, Canada’s leading contemporary dance company Ballet BC will debut at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m., delivering a sophisticated, technically masterful performance, set to music from Bach to Ravel’s masterwork, “Boléro.”
Led by Artistic Director Medhi Walerski, Ballet BC is known for pushing the physical and emotional boundaries of contemporary dance. The company presents mesmerizing performances filled with gorgeous flows of movement and liquid transitions.
Ballet BC’s Blacksburg performance features three works, including the daring, hypnotic “BOLERO X.” Set to Ravel’s “Boléro,” one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of classical music ever, 20 dancers take the stage in a pure celebration of the power of dance. A wildly popular work that has traveled around the world, “BOLERO X” is described as breathtaking, a triumph, and a sweeping expression of joy.
In Walerski’s “Pieces of Tomorrow,” bold, sculptural movement meets reimagined Bach sonatas, weaving a story of loss and renewal that transforms destruction into beauty.
The evening also includes “Silent Tides,” a tender duet that reflects the ebb and flow of human connection, capturing both intimacy and eternity in each gesture.
Founded in 1986 by David Y.H. Lui, Jean Orr, and Sheila Begg, Ballet BC performs throughout British Columbia and on the world’s best stages.
Deeply committed to new creation, in addition to presenting masterworks from today’s most sought-after voices in dance, Ballet BC’s diverse repertoire includes works by choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Johan Inger, Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar, Out Innerspace, Imre and Marne van Opstal, Roy Assaf, and Micaela Taylor.
Please note, costumes include sheer tops that may reveal partial nudity.
This performance is supported in part by gifts from Bruce Prichard and Nancy Beville Prichard and Kelli Whitfield. Additional funding is provided by the Joe and Linda Hopkins Arts Enrichment Fund.
Related events
Learn more about the iconic music and choreography of “Boléro” with a pre-show talk by James Robey, professor and chair of Radford University’s Department of Dance, from 6:30-7 p.m. in the Cube. Robey will explore the rich history of Ravel’s musical masterpiece and its contemporary ballet origins. The event is free, but registration is required.
During their visit to Blacksburg, Ballet BC dancers will lead residents of Warm Hearth Village in a creative movement workshop.
Tickets are $25-$65 for general audience and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Center for the Arts box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
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