Atlanta Ballet Presents
‘The Best of Modern Choreographic Voices’

Atlanta Ballet is bringing back three of audiences’ favorite innovative works from past seasons.

Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic mixed-rep program Modern Choreographic Voices (MCV) showcases the freshest and most innovative works from all corners of the globe. The ballet presents Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin’s ultra-modern and infectiously raucous “Minus 16,” Alexei Ratmansky’s hypnotic “Seven Sonatas,” and Gina Patterson’s imaginative “Quietly Walking.”

The program, billed this season as The Best of Modern Choreographic Voices will run for one weekend only, March 17-19, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

MCV is an evolution of the program created by Atlanta Ballet in 2010, titled then Ignition: New Choreographic Voices. Over the past five seasons, artistic director John McFall has molded the program into a barometer of what’s new and exciting in the dance world, presenting new works by up-and-coming artists as well as premieres by modern day greats.
Ohad Naharin’s “Minus 16”

Atlanta Ballet will go “Gaga” once again with the return of renowned Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin’s critically acclaimed “Minus 16.” “Gaga” is Naharin’s signature, free-flowing movement style that embraces the unconventional and thrives on the unexpected. “Minus 16” made its Atlanta Ballet debut in March 2013 and is also a part of the repertory of companies such as New York’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Chicago’s Hubbard Street Dance. “Minus 16” has been described as a choreographic masterpiece, with a musical score that ranges from Dean Martin and mambo to traditional Israeli songs. The unique experience calls for the audience to get in on the action as well as they are invited to be a part of the dance, breaking the barrier between performer and spectator.

Alexei Ratmansky’s “Seven Sonatas”

Power, precision and stamina are three words that may spring to mind when watching Alexei Ratmansky’s intense, fast-paced “Seven Sonatas” – a work that has become a hallmark for the Russian dancer-turned-choreographer, who, at 46, has already become an icon in the ballet world.

Ratmansky, who currently serves as artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York, is known as one of the prolific choreographers of his generation and was even regarded by The New York Times as “the most looked-to choreographer in Western ballet” and “the most gifted choreographer specializing in classical ballet today.”

Atlanta Ballet premiered “Seven Sonatas,” on its March 2014 Modern Choreographic Voices. The work is a classical piece for six dancers who engage with each other in a variety of intricate combinations, set to seven “Keyboard Sonatas” by composer Domenico Scarlatti. It was one of the first works Ratmansky created for his dancers at ABT in 2009 and Atlanta Ballet has the distinction of being the first outside of ABT to perform it – a major tribute to the growing national reputation of the Company. “Seven Sonatas” has been described by critics as “remarkable,” “miraculous,” “spellbinding,” and an “indelible imprint of beauty.”

Gina Patterson’s “Quietly Walking”

Hailed as a choreographer of “startling originality” (Back Stage) and “a standout on the soulful front” (Sun-Sentinel), choreographer Gina Patterson will reprise her “Quietly Walking,” which originally debuted on Atlanta Ballet’s inaugural New Choreographic Voices program in 2011.

Atlanta Ballet’s The Best of Modern Choreographic Voices opens Friday, April 17 and runs for four performances at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339). Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com or call 404-892-3303. For groups of ten or more, call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at 404-873-5811, ext. 207.