The Ordway Presents New Work by Ballet of the Dolls Tonight, 5/4

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents a newly commissioned work for Minneapolis-based dance theater company Ballet of the Dolls, choreographed by the esteemed MyRon Johnson, artistic director of the company. This new work titled "Faith: A Dance for Life" will be showcased in a one-time-only public performance tonight, May 4 at 7:30 p.m., the last performance in the Ordway's 2011-2012 Target Dance Series.

"MyRon Johnson and his Ballet of the Dolls dancers are gems in the Twin Cities dance community and we're thrilled to be commissioning his new work and presenting them on our stage," says Dayna Martinez, artistic director of world music, dance and international children's festival. 

Johnson says, "I have always been inspired by the idea that every piece of work I create is only about the moment of time in which it was created, and my Ordway commissioned work, 'Faith: A Dance for Life,' embodies this creative mindset." 

"Faith: A Dance for Life" is a world premiere ballet work based on one man's dream and/or reality in the time required to take a singular breath. Created from the inspiration of a similarly titled work performed in 1991, "Faith: A Dance for Life" explores the idea of a man who finds himself in a life-or-death situation; an encounter filled with surreal and haunting moments where faith is put to the test. Humorous and outrageous, "Faith: A Dance for Life" follows one man's story in glimpses of life that range from the very beginning to his final conversations with his maker. In familiar Ballet of the Dolls' fashion, this presentation uses an eclectic array of dance and musical styles including ballet, modern and hip-hop all set to classical, world and contemporary music.

"I think this work is much like the prayerful mandalas Monks create in the sand and then when the wind blows, they're gone forever," says Johnson. "'Faith: A Dance for Life' has a similar fragility in the essence that it will never be danced again after this public performance at the Ordway."

An Ordway Extra will take place at 6:30 p.m. on May 4 in the Ordway's Marzitelli Foyer. Join Twin Cities-based dancers and choreographers who create artistic work inspired by their faith and spirituality in a conversation about the relationship between dance and faith. These panelists will share examples of their artistic work and will explain how their styles of choreography evoke images and ideas correlating with their religions and spiritual beliefs from across the globe. In addition, the Ordway will host a talkback directly following the public performance.

Prior to the public performance, the Ordway and Ballet of the Dolls are hosting a series of open rehearsals intended to give attendees an exclusive sneak-peek into the artistic process of Johnson's creation of this new dance work. Through viewing the rehearsals and engaging in dialogue, attendees will get a glimpse of what it takes to create compelling dance work for the stage, and understand the motivation behind the content.

Ballet of the Dolls Open Rehearsal Schedule:

Open Rehearsal
Wednesday, April 18, 6 – 7:30pm
Ordway's McKnight Theatre
[345 Washington Street, Downtown Saint Paul]
Enter through the Ordway's main entrance
Suggested parking: metered street parking or parking ramps near the Ordway
Refreshments provided

Open Rehearsal
Wednesday, April 25, 6 – 7:30pm
Ordway's Drake Room
[345 Washington Street, Downtown Saint Paul]
Enter through the Ordway's Stage Door on 5th Street
Suggested parking: metered street parking or parking ramps near the Ordway
Refreshments provided

Admission to open rehearsals is FREE, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Amy Miller at amiller@ordway.org or 651.282.3017 to reserve your space.

Performance and Ticket Information

Ballet of the Dolls

FAITH: A Dance for Life

Friday, May 4, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

345 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN  55102

Ordway's Music Theater

Tickets start at $26 (including fees) 

More Articles by This Author...