BALLET WEST
Grand Pas from Paquita
Choreography by Elena Kunikova, after Marius Petipa

ABOUT THIS PIECE
Grand Pas from Paquita, choreographed by Elena Kunikova after Marius Petipa’s 1881 version, premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Petipa’s additions for Paquita survived long after the full-length ballet left the stage. Today, the Grand Pas from Act III is considered one of the most beloved and enduring classical showpieces in the world.

COMPANY BIO
Ballet West was founded in Salt Lake City in 1963 and boasts a rich and varied repertoire, elegant and versatile artists, and an American style that is as dynamic, expansive and unexpected as the Rocky Mountain region it represents. Ballet West ranks among the top professional ballet companies in America. Since 2007, Artistic Director Adam Sklute has further energized and expanded Ballet West’s repertoire with works by the most renowned choreographers of today and introduced historical masterpieces from the great Ballets Russes, while continuing to preserve Ballet West’s classical legacy. Ballet West made its network television debut in May 2012 on the CW Network’s docu-drama “Breaking Pointe.”

TU DANCE
High Heel Blues
Choreography by Uri Sands

ABOUT THIS PIECE
High Heel Blues, a New York premiere choreographed by Uri Sands, is a sassy, playful duet based on a woman’s desire for a pair of high-heeled shoes and the salesman who helps her along the path to fulfillment.

COMPANY BIO
TU Dance, led by Alvin Ailey veterans Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, has quickly become a leading voice on the Minnesota dance scene. Founded in 2004, TU Dance has garnered audience and critical acclaim for its diverse repertory, versatile artists, and for performances that are engaging, dynamic and generous. Modern dance, classical ballet, African based and urban vernacular movements are combined in inventive and unpredictable ways to provide opportunities to experience the connective power of dance.

NAN JOMBANG
Tarian Malam (Night Dances)
Choreography by Ery Mefri

ABOUT THIS PIECE
Tarian Malam (Night Dances) (2012) a U.S. premiere choreographed by Ery Mefri and adapted for Fall for Dance, came about after an earthquake struck the city of Padang, where the dancers of Nan Jombang were rehearsing, in September 2009. Barely escaping injury when the building collapsed around them, the company members were inspired to accelerate plans for their own choreographic center and to create Tarian Malam. In it, the dancers reflect on the fortunes and endeavors of humanity through natural disasters. The haunting wails of women, deep rhythmic pounding of drums and powerful choreography all come together to create a stunning, emotive performance.

COMPANY BIO
Nan Jombang was created in 1983 in Padang, West Sumatra, by choreographer Ery Mefri. The company has become renowned for its melding of traditional West Sumatran Minangkabau culture and contemporary Indonesian dance expression. Nan Jombang has been presented in Indonesia and at major dance festivals abroad, including Singapore, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Australia and Switzerland.

MOISEYEV DANCE COMPANY
Moiseyev’s Classics
Choreography by Igor Moiseyev

ABOUT THIS PIECE
Moiseyev’s Classics, a selection of works choreographed by Igor Moiseyev, includes "The Kalmyk Dance," “Tartar Dance,” “Dance of the Bessarabia Gypsies,” and “A Suite of Moldavian Dances.”

COMPANY BIO
Moiseyev Dance Company was founded in Moscow in 1937 by Bolshoi Ballet soloist Igor Moiseyev, who believed classical ballet is the best foundation for all dancing. Moiseyev earned international acclaim with his theatrical blend of folk dance, classical ballet and sheer spectacle. He used classically trained dancers and his sophisticated choreography was inspired by dances of the former Soviet states, as well as dances from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company’s 1958 U.S. tour was the first-ever visit by a Soviet dance group to America. Today, under the artistic direction of Elena Shcherbakova, the world-renowned company continues to create new works, adding to its vast repertoire of over 200 dances.