🩰 Orlando Ballet performance to celebrate pioneers in the artform

ORLANDO, Fla. – George Balanchine is considered one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. He’s also known as the father of American Ballet.

Martha Graham reshaped American dance, and her style is still taught worldwide.

Orlando Ballet is calling them the original “influencers” of dance, and they will be celebrating their works through a special performance that also includes work from Alysa Pires.

Jorden Morris is the artistic director behind the “Balanchine, Graham, Pires” show. He explained how everything came together.

“I started with picking choreographers that would work well together on a program, yet be totally different in architecture/movement and musically. Then I approached the George Balanchine Trust, the Martha Graham Trust, and Alysa Pires to get the rights to perform the pieces,” said Morris.

“Then stagers, experts in the work who know all the steps and music, come to teach the movement to the dancers. Alysa came herself to set her piece. We rehearse the pieces to perfection, acquire costumes and move to the theatre to add lights and sets, and then finally the audience,” he went on to say.

The show is designed to be a celebration of dance, fashion, style, and artistry.

Morris said Orlando Ballet has never performed a Martha Graham dance. He also said George Balanchine’s works are considered masterpieces, and Alysa Pires will be bringing a new generation of choreography, pushing the boundaries of dance.

“I hope people come and enjoy three very different works of dance spanning almost a century. I hope at least one piece, or all, will resonate with the audience member, and they will have an enjoyable experience of beautiful music and dance,” said Morris.

“Balanchine, Graham, Pires” will be performed March 27-30 inside Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Click here for ticket information.