December 2017 – TULSA, OK – Tulsa Ballet launched their 61st Season with the annual program dedicated to creating new dances. They will now export two of those new works, created specifically for Tulsa Ballet, to New York in March of 2018, along with a world premiere creation from Resident Choreographer Ma Cong. Along with Cong’s untitled new work, Tulsa Ballet will showcase Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Shibuya Blues and Helen Pickett’s Meòal (Among). Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “Our dancers are citizens of the world, coming to Tulsa from all four corners and enjoy performing wherever they have an opportunity to showcase their craft and artistry. We are all very proud of what we built here in Tulsa Oklahoma, and relish each and every opportunity to put on display the results of our hard work and commitment to the art form.”
Tulsa Ballet will present a contemporary triple bill program for their Joyce engagement in New York City, which will take place March 6-10, 2018. The company last performed at the Joyce Theater in 2009 and the return tour has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Mollie Williford and Suzanne and Jim Kneale.
Angelini had several goals when crafting this program. Firstly, he wanted to bring three ‘made in Tulsa’ dances, meaning works specifically created for the company. . Tulsa Ballet is an arts organization committed to preserving the tradition of classical ballet, presenting the works of the most relevant dance makers of our time while committed to the creation of new works. He says, “We aim to be a contributor to the growth of the field of dance and the only way to do that is by nourishing the growth of talented choreographers by providing opportunities to choreograph and produce a body of new and exciting pieces to share with the rest of the dance community. Therefore, our first objective was to craft a program that would portray the creativity and quality of the company, staying true to our artistic values while providing a show that would be both exciting and entertaining.”
The first two works of the program will be by two of Marcello’s favorite female dance makers: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Helen Pickett. He says, “I love Annabelle’s work because it’s edgy, aesthetically attractive, artistically unapologetic and direct in its delivery. I enjoy Helen’s works because they are introspective, charged with emotions and unafraid of exploring new choreographic spaces.” The third piece will be a new work from Tulsa Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Ma Cong. Cong has been what Angelini describes as Tulsa Ballet’s “Creator in Chief” for over a decade. Originally from China, he joined Tulsa Ballet in 1999 and danced with the company for over a decade, while also exploring his first tentative steps as a dance maker. Upon retirement from dancing, Cong moved directly to the position of Resident Choreographer. Angelini says, “We have invested heavily in his development as a dance maker and are so proud of his growth and accomplishments. How fitting that his new work, yet to be titled, will make its World Premiere in New York!”
Tulsa Ballet was proclaimed an official Cultural Ambassador for the State of Oklahoma by Governor Brad Henry in 2007. New York City is viewed as the arts and cultural capital of the United States. It’s a testament to the world-class quality of Tulsa Ballet’s company that they have been invited back for a week-long engagement at the Joyce Theater. Tulsa Ballet’s Managing Director Scott Black says, “When Tulsa Ballet tours nationally and internationally, our community sees direct business benefits associated with economic development initiatives related to positioning the city of Tulsa as a great place to do business, and assisting with efforts to recruit and retain a high-quality and diverse work force. Tulsa businesses benefit from the ability to recruit from larger markets because of the rich culture that our city provides. National companies looking for a place to relocate or expand heavily consider the cultural profile of their target city, knowing that a thriving arts and cultural scene is essential to retain and recruit talented employees.”
While Tulsa Ballet is now in its 61st year of continuous operations, Angelini says, “The company is still young at heart. In fact, I think ‘restless’ better describes the philosophy of this organization.” The company views each achievement as a platform from which to spring to the next adventure. Angelini says, “Accomplishing a goal is never a point of arrival but rather the opening of new possibilities. We never look at who we are but rather at what we can become.”
Tulsa Ballet at The Joyce
What:
Tulsa Ballet at The Joyce
A mixed repertory evening of three ballets featuring a world premiere creation from Resident Choreographer Ma Cong, and new works created for Tulsa Ballet by Choreographers Helen Pickett and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
Where:
The Joyce in Chelsea
175 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Dates:
Shows from March 6-10, 2018:
Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 at 8pm
Friday, March 9 at 8pm
Saturday, March 10 at 2pm
Saturday, March 10 at 8pm
Show-times and Ticket Information:
Call (212) 242-0800 or visit https://www.joyce.org/
Tickets to the program start at $10 for select performance dates.
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Ryan Allen, PR & Communications Manager
918.392.5949, ryan.allen@tulsaballet.org