HGOco Premieres New Opera Inspired By the Experiences of Soloist Nao Kusuzaki

From April 9-14, Houston Grand Opera will present The Memory Stone, a new opera loosely inspired by the experiences of Houston Ballet Soloist Nao Kusuzaki. The opera, which is composed by Marty Regan with a libretto by Kenny Fries, will be performed free of charge April 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. at Asia Society Texas at 1370 Southmore Boulevard in The Museum District. Additional performances will be given at the Japan Festival in Hermann Park on Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14 Japan Festival in Hermann Park.

Dancers: Nao Kusuzaki and Christopher Coomer; Ballet: Falling; Photo: Amitava Sarkar

The Memory Stone takes place after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. A mysterious woman appears with a memory stone in Houston’s Japanese garden. The woman’s powers cause two Japanese-American women to relive crucial moments from their respective pasts. The Memory Stone explores the invisible bond between the women, and how they support those who have been affected by the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

This presentation of The Memory Stone is part of HGOco’s East + West series, which celebrates Houston as a crossroads for Eastern and Western cultures. All performances are free and open to the public. Asia Society Texas Center performances require reservations which can be done online.

Legendary Ballerina Monique Loudières Coaches Sugar Plum Fairies

For two weeks legendary ballerina Monique Loudières has been in Houston, coaching dancers performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Soloist Nao Kusuzaki gives an update on what she has learned from this remarkable teacher.

Amy Fote in Ben Stevenson’s The Nucracker. Photo Amitava Sarkar

Guest writer: Soloist Nao Kusuzaki

“Take pleasure in your dancing”, Monique Loudières reminded me during a recent sugarplum fairy rehearsal.  She is our newest guest teacher to join the Houston Ballet for 2 weeks, teaching morning classes and coaching the sugarplum fairies and princes. Petite in size but full of energy, Monique’s presence is luminescent. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in time for the the Nutcracker to open on November 25th. This week was especially exciting.  Along with our family of ballet masters, Damian Welch, Stanton Welch’s brother is here teaching the men and coaching for the Jubilee as well as The Nutcracker, Ben Stevenson is here to oversee the Nutcracker, and Monique takes care of the morning classes and the Grand Pas de Deux rehearsals. Yes, it’s true the Nutcracker happens every year, and yes, this one is particularly invigorating. With all of the staff and the fiercely talented dancers, each of the 12 casts are dancing with their own delicious blend of spices. You really want to come see all 12 sets.

Our special guest from France, Monique Loudières, danced from 1972 to 1996 with the Paris Opera Ballet, where she was appointed Danseuse Ètoile in 1982. She danced leading roles in all of the major classical works. Her favorites include dramatic characters in Mat Ek’s and traditional Giselle, Manon, Eugene Onegin, and Romeo and Juliet, along with a large number of ballets by master choreographers in the neoclassic and contemporary repertoire  (Balanchine, Lifar, Kylián, Béjart, Ek and Neumeier). She was handpicked by Rudolph Nureyev to dance the role of Kitri in Don Quixote, and they danced together on many occasions. Her special partners also include Manuel Legris, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Fernando Bujones, to name a few.

After a steller career at the Paris Opera and as international guest artist, Monique Loudières was artistic and pedagogical director at l’Ecole Supérieure de Danse Rosella Hightower in Cannes till 2009.

In 1996, she was awarded the title Commandeur des Arts et Lettres. She was recently named Officier dans l’Ordre du Mérite National.

Ballet fans can still see her dance on DVD: 

Rudolph Nureyev’s Romeo and Juliet (Opera National de Paris)

Comme les Oiseaux 

      Translates into English as “like a bird” and applies to Monique Loudières.  A biographical documentary by director Dominique Delouche.  Delouche shot much of the performance footage at the Paris Opera, where she interprets selections from works including Giselle, Don Quixote, and In the Night.

Yvette Chauvire: France’s Prima Ballerina Assoluta 

      Monique Loudières dances Nauteos in the film

When I asked about her impression of the company, she replied, “This company has positive energy to work, and positive energy together.  This kind of energy, day by day in class is a very good way to work. Because they are serious workers, as a result, dancers are ready very quickly.”  She adds, “Even within the class, there is progress. When they repeat the exercise again, I see that they understand. I see improvement…..  This is a gift for me–to receive this positive energy and to rediscover through teaching.”

“I learned so much from these wonderful people in my career, and I think I can help use it for dancers’ future and for classical ballet– to be more articulate in their movement and have freedom, even in classical ballets. Always ask “what does it mean?” what can I do, what can I say.  what does it mean for me.Take the freedom to feel first. When you are aware, you’re prepared to work with any choreographer.”

Opening Night Excitement

It’s opening night of Giselle and Indigo! Aren’t the wilis gorgeous?

 

Kelly Myernick in Giselle Photo: Amitava Sarkar

Getting to Know You: Our Summer Bloggers

Guest writer: Jaclyn Youngblood, Academy intern

In addition to a weekly update about the extracurricular offerings of the Summer Intensive Program, we’re bringing you a series of video interviews with some of our dancers. In Weeks 1, 3, and 5, you’ll hear from our dedicated video bloggers, Allie and Lauren. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, you’ll find montages of dance-related videos, like “What’s In Your Dance Bag?” (Week 2) and “Keeping Your Balance: How Dancers Stay En Pointe” (Week 4).

Allie is a Level 6 student from Arizona. This week, she explains what écarté is and why she loves wearing pointe shoes.

Lauren is a Level 7 student from Iowa. In her interview, she talks about the unique experience of “being the art” and how proud practicing a difficult role makes her feel.

Stay tuned!

-Jaclyn

Just Add Pilates: Developing a Dancer’s Toolbox

Guest writer: Jaclyn Youngblood, Houston Ballet Academy Intern

Dancing isn’t the only intensive aspect of the 2011 Summer Intensive Program. One of the goals of the program, especially under Academy Associate Director Shelly Power, is to offer students a comprehensive variety of classes and tools that will enhance their life experiences, even if they don’t pursue careers as professional dancers.

One way the program seeks to provide that balance is through the Pilates program. Students can sign up for five half-hour appointments throughout the course of the summer with one of four Pilates teachers. I spent a few minutes with one of the teachers, Jo Yost Ulrich, a former Houston Ballet company member, to find out more about the Pilates program and what makes it so successful.

Ulrich said the classes are kept small—no more than 3 students are scheduled at a time—on purpose; each student receives meaningful attention and an opportunity to work one-on-one with the instructor. This summer, 75 students are taking advantage of the Pilates program.

Body Conditioning Room at Houston Ballet Center for Dance

As with all cross-training programs, Ulrich said the Pilates training enables students to strengthen already developed muscles while targeting harder-to-reach muscles, too. It also balances out the muscle-work they do in the studio to prevent over-training and injury.

The students are shown some basic Pilates exercises, a sort of “highlights reel” of tools they can use on their own.  It is helpful for the dancers to see they don’t need to have expensive equipment to take care of their muscles and bodies.

 “The ability to do self-maintenance and have these tools to take home is invaluable,” Ulrich said.

It’s clear the dancers appreciate the opportunity to have small-group appointments. I intercepted three dancers, each of whom participated in the Pilates program last summer, on their way out of their appointments. Charlotte (TX) said having an instructor coach her through the exercises helps her understand how each muscle works. Erica (TX) looks forward to her Pilates appointments because she knows they will be tailored to the needs of her body and muscles. Alana (TX) said she likes that the training in her Pilates appointments translates to the work she does in class.

“This year, we have a packet with explanations and pictures of the exercises so we can work on things on our own, too,” Charlotte added.

Ulrich said the Pilates training in its current form has been part of the Summer Intensive Program for about 10 years. She has been a Pilates instructor for seven summers and has enjoyed seeing the extracurricular offerings grow during that time. She mentioned one newcomer to the alternative class list this summer: Dance Fitness with Sarah Irvine. The class is a way to develop strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Ulrich said the goal is to create a stronger base so dancers can focus on what’s most important: for example, focusing on technique in technique class instead of working on baseline breath capacity.

“The more we give them new knowledge, the better they can take care of themselves,” Ulrich said.

Championing health and wellness is the best way to prepare dancers for the future, whether that future is on or off the stage.

-Jaclyn

Ms. Youngblood is interning with the Houston Ballet Ben Stevenson Academy for the summer. She is currently a senior at Rice University, studying history and political science. She will be posting blogs about the 2011 Summer Intensive Program twice a week on a range of topics, like career studies and nutrition classes. You can also look forward to a video interview series with some of the dancers participating in this summer’s intensive. You can stay updated via our “Meet the Dancers” series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/houstonballet.

My First Experience at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Guest writer: Lauren Ciobanu, demi soloist

When I joined Houston Ballet last year and was informed that the company performs annually at an outdoor theater, I was intrigued. Coming from Florida we had nothing of the sort. I had never performed outdoors, so images of ancient Greek amphitheaters came to mind. Comedy, tragedy, catharsis…fantastic! Theater in the open air, classic. Way to step it up, Houston!

Miller Outdoor Theatre. Photo by Ron McKinney.

I was also excited because I was given a chance to perform one of the pas de deux from Stanton Welch’s Falling, which is a beautiful ballet, and a big opportunity for me as an artist.  So, curious as to what I should expect, I asked around, and the other dancers quickly informed me that although spectacular, the Miller Outdoor Theatre was not the classic dramatic venue I envisioned. I was told that you can sit on the lawn and have a picnic, bring the dogs, kids, bikes, anything you like, and oh yeah, it’s free to the public year-round.   Turns out it’s better than a grand amphitheater with Greek columns and elegant seating. It’s a laid back venue where you can have a good time with your friends and family while watching a great show (plus you can leave the formalwear at home!).  Hmm…lawn seating for a ballet. This could be something!

As the time grew closer to performing, I felt those little butterflies tingling. When the day finally came, it was thrilling. We got to the Miller Theatre and promptly set up camp for the next three days. Having dress rehearsal onstage for the first time was exciting and strange. It was still light outside so the stage lighting felt differently than it does in a dark theater. It was odd to look out and see everything in daylight, but fortunately the performances take place around dusk so the lights act a little closer to normal by that time of night. The backstage area is very cozy so all the dancers crowd around the wings waiting to get out there. There are lots of “Merdes!” and “Toi Toi Tois!” (ballet terms for good luck) whispered from the wings, and then you go on stage, and then lots of “Great Jobs!” and pats on the backs as you finish. It’s a real family experience on and off stage. But the best part of the night is being able to perform in a relaxed atmosphere knowing that most of the people watching were lounging on the lawn, kiddies in their laps, ready to be entertained, which set a different mood than our normal set up at the Wortham. Not that it made us perform any less than our best, but with the breeze blowing and birds chirping it not only relaxes the patrons, but the dancers too.

Lauren Ciobanu with Ian Casady in Stanton Welch's Tu Tu. Photo by Ron McKinney.

The performance went well, and after I performed Falling I snuck out to the lawn to meet some friends and watch the rest of the show. Looking around and seeing kids dancing on the grass, dogs relaxing next to their owners, people smiling and genuinely happy watching the company was such a reward. Knowing that you are reaching a wider audience and that someone out there just might think differently, or take something away after seeing a ballet performance, is really rewarding.  Looks like a bit of catharsis after all…

So now that I’ve got a year under my belt and am wise to the workings of the Miller Outdoor Theatre, I’m even more excited about performing this year. I am privileged again to be featured in a principal role in Stanton Welch’s Tu Tu (you can watch a clip of me dancing this role on HB’s YouTube page). It’s visually stunning. Set to Ravel’s music it’s as beautiful to watch as it is to listen to—a  masterpiece. It’s a role I dearly love and can’t wait to perform again. Also on the bill is Christopher Bruce’s Hush. A Houston Ballet staple, it’s based around a family of clowns and set to music by Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin. And last but not least, Stanton Welch’s The Core is set to music by Gershwin. It includes the entire company and really showcases the heart of Houston Ballet. It’s fun and exciting and great for the whole family (especially mom!).

So my advice is to head out to the Miller this Mother’s Day weekend and stake your claim on the lawn (covered seating available if you don’t like to get dirty). Bring some snacks, kids, dogs, friends, or family and sit back, soak in the outdoors, and enjoy the world class program that Houston Ballet has to offer. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

-Lauren

Houston Ballet performs May 6-8 at 8 PM all three days at Miller Outdoor Theatre (6000 Hermann Park Drive in Hermann Park).  Additional information can be found on the Houston Ballet website, or call 281.373.3386.

Join Us for the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Guest writer: Lori Lang, PR intern

Happy holidays from Houston Ballet! To get into the holiday spirit, join us at Wortham Theater Center as we celebrate the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 24 from 11 AM to 1 PM.  The best part: this family favorite is free and open to the public! Come watch as corps de ballet member Lauren Ciobanu, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, lights the 25 foot Christmas tree in the theater grand foyer. Entertainment includes live holiday music, and delicious drinks and snacks will be served. Kids will also have the chance to get their picture taken with Santa Claus! What better way to kick off your holiday season than with Houston Ballet and all of your favorite characters from The Nutcracker? See you there!

Photo by Zuzana Leckova of Art Institute of Houston North

More information about the Tree Lighting Ceremony can be found on our website.

“Dance with Camera” Exhibit at CAMH

The Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, located at 5216 Montrose Boulevard, is currently displaying their “Dance with Camera” exhibition. This exhibit features film, video and photographs from 1965 onwards documenting the work of celebrated dance artists as George Balanchine (and the famous pas de deux from his landmark 1957 work Agon), modern dance legend Merce Cunningham, the hip punk ballerina Karole Armitage, and a 1960s film of singer/dancer Toni Basil (who went on to record the smash pop single “Mickey” in 1982).

In addition to the exhibited works, CAMH has also planned a series of live events along with the exhibit, including Deborah Hay’s lecture on “The Performance of Beauty” and a rare screening of Michael Clark’s notorious 1987 Hail the New Puritans.

“Dance with Camera” continues through October 17. For more information and a list of events relating to the show, visit www.camh.org.

Click here to read the Houston Press’s opening report on the exhibit.

Scenes from Theater District Open House

Here’s a great photostream of images from yesterday’s Theater District Open House.  The Sugar Plum Fairy was kind enough to join us for the day and take pictures with kids and adults alike!

Theater District Open House

Guest writer: Sarah Stern, marketing manager

You may think the artistic and administrative staff gets a break during the summer since we’re on performance hiatus from June-September. Unfortunately for us, this is not the case.  Here are a few things we’ve been working on in the office:

-The production department has had their hands full keeping up with the Academy’s multiple performances.  Everyday life at the studios has also been borderline chaotic since all studios are filled with students from the summer intensive.  There are two summer intensive performances today and tomorrow at San Jacinto Community College, and every time we perform in a new and different space, it produces some challenges for the production staff.
-The wardrobe department is in high gear building tutus and working with designer Kandis Cook on shopping for fabrics for Stanton Welch’s world premiere of Marie. They’re also building from scratch costumes for another world premiere of his, Medieval Babes, which will be performed in September.  All while they’re re-habbing some costumes from The Nutcracker to keep them fresh and in good repair.
-The development department is working away on The Nutcracker Market (the giant that never seems to sleep!)
-The academy staff, as you read from Lindsey’s blog, is working to pull off 4 successful performances this week to cap the summer intensive.  After these are over, they will take a much-deserved break before full-time students arrive back in August.

As for me, I’m busily preparing for this year’s Theater District Open House, which will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 12-5pm.  This event is a unique opportunity for patrons like you to go backstage in all of the theater district venues, meet the performers, watch free performances, and take advantage of some great ticket deals. Houston Ballet will be displaying costumes and props from the 2008-2009 season, and we will have costumed characters from The Nutcracker ready to take pictures with you.  HBII, our professional training company, will perform at noon in the Cullen Theater of Wortham Theater Center. The performance is free and seating is first come, first served.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday afternoon in downtown Houston, this event is great–free food, free entertainment, and a great way to get to know Houston Ballet a little better!

-Sarah