Dance St. Louis presents Joffrey Ballet

Alestle Staff Report

Dance St. Louis continues its 35th anniversary season of bringing great dance of the world to St. Louis audiences. The Fox Theatre is presenting the ever-popular Joffrey Ballet of Chicago at 8 p.m. March 30 and 31.

Joffrey Ballet of Chicago is an American classic and is a St. Louis favorite. Dance St. Louis has presented this company eight times, more than any other ballet company.

The company will perform an exquisite, purely classical program that includes the luscious "Viva Vivaldi" and dazzling "Suite Saint-Saens" by Joffrey's Artistic Director Gerald Arpino. Antony Tudor's moving drama of love "Lilac Garden" will also be performed.

"Viva Vivaldi," a sparkling composition of dance and technical dazzle with a Spanish sound, immediately became one of Joffrey Ballet's signature works at its premiere in 1965. It has remained a favorite ever since.

"Suite Saint-Saens" celebrates the music of 19th century French composer Camille Saint-Saens. The ballet blends classical technique with an American style. Choreographer Agnes DeMille described the dance "like standing in a flight of meteors."

Between these two pieces is Tudor's haunting 1936 masterpiece "Lilac Garden." The ballet unfolds during an engagement party in Edwardian times. In less than 20 minutes, Tudor creates an unforgettable story between two lovers torn by society and their passionate longings.

The Joffrey Ballet was founded in 1956 in New York by Robert Joffrey and Arpino. After the death of Joffrey, Arpino became and remained the company's solo artistic director. In 1995 the company moved to Chicago and has become a huge success.

Ticket prices range from $24 to $49 and are available through the Dance St. Louis box office at the Fox Theatre. Tickets are also available by calling Dance St. Louis at (314) 534-6622 or MetroTix at (314) 534-1111. For additional information, visit the Dance St. Louis Web site at www.dancestlouis.org.