FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOBA
August 1, 2005
Contact: Megan Uebelacker, Marketing Manager
Phone: (504) 522-0996 x 26
E-mail: muebelacker@nobadance.com
New Orleans Ballet Association
225 Baronne Street, Suite 1410
New Orleans, LA 70112
www.nobadance.com
B RINGING D ANCE TO L IFE
NOBA ANNOUNCES ITS
2005-2006
SEASON OF DANCE
New Orleans, LA – The New Orleans Ballet Association, the Gulf South region’s premiere presenting and service
organization dedicated solely to dance, is proud to announce its 2005-2006 season.
Kicking off the season is the energy-filled and technically astounding COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY DANCE
on Saturday, October 22 at 8 PM, whose previous performance in New Orleans in 2003 was a sold-out show.
December brings the New Orleans premiere of BALLET FLAMENCO JOSÉ PORCEL on Saturday, December 3 at 8
PM, an acclaimed company of Spanish dancers known for an astonishing command of the fiery footwork of flamenco and
passionate performances.
2006 begins with DIAVOLO on Saturday, January 28 at 8 PM. Under the direction of Jacques Heim – who is also the
choreographer of Cirque du Soleil’s newest work, Ka – Diavolo brings together dancers, acrobats, and athletes onto
colossal sets to create unforgettable stories.
Next will be the JOFFREY BALLET performing John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score
and performed live by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, at 8 PM on both
evenings.
Finishing the main stage season will be the whimsical, wonderful, and world-renowned PARSONS DANCE
COMPANY on Saturday, May 13 at 8 PM, featuring live music from the Ahn Trio.
In addition, NOBA is pleased to announce a special co-presentation with The NOCCA Institute of RONALD K.
BROWN | EVIDENCE on Friday, April 7 at 8 PM, Saturday, April 8 at 2 PM and 8 PM, whose previous sold-out appearance
in New Orleans amazed audiences with a unique fusion of traditional African and modern dance.
“What makes this season extra special is the amazing range of types of dance our audiences will see,” said NOBA
Executive Director Jenny Hamilton. “We’re thrilled to have assembled a group of companies that are not only the world-class
caliber our audiences have come to expect, but also bring such diversity of dance traditions to the stage.”
All performances except Ronald K. Brown | EVIDENCE take place at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing
Arts. Ronald K. Brown | EVIDENCE will take place at NOCCA | Riverfront’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall.
Subscriptions are currently on sale; single tickets will go on sale on September 1. Both may be purchased by
calling the NOBA box office at (504) 522-0996 or by visiting the NOBA web site at www.nobadance.com. Subscription
tickets, which offer up to 20% discounts off the regular price, range from $23 to $316. Single tickets range from $27 to $76.
Subscriptions features discounts for students; single tickets feature discounts for students and seniors.
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July 20, 2005
B RINGING D ANCE TO L IFE
ABOUT THE COMPANIES
COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY DANCE – Saturday, October 22 at 8 PM
“…full of life…virtuosic dancing…high-voltage choreography…gales of energy.” – The New York Times
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Boasting a “complete mastery of every conceivable form of dance you can think of”
(Backstage), COMPLEXIONS is a diverse group of dancers led by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater stars
Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. Hailed as “one of the great modern dancers of his time” by The New York
Times, Richardson leads a group of dancers who make it “sensationally jaw-droppingly clear that we live in the age of
the super-dancer,” while Rhoden creates choreography that has been described as “hot molten lava, flowing with
undeniable power.” COMPLEXIONS’ commitment to expressing the uniqueness of each culture, race, and
background through dance has made them one of the most fascinating companies in the world. A “microcosm of
today’s hottest dance talents” (Attitude Magazine), COMPLEXIONS is sure to wow audiences with sizzling
choreography, astonishing feats of technical savvy, and ferocious energy.
BALLET FLAMENCO JOSÉ PORCEL – Saturday, December 3 at 8 PM
“José Porcel is an artist from his head to his feet.” – Almuerzos de Lido-Sociedad y Cultura
DIRECT FROM SPAIN – NEW ORLEANS PREMIERE! A fusion of influences – Middle Eastern, Spanish, Eastern
European, Indian, and even jazz – have come together over hundreds of years to create the unmistakable dance and
music we now know as flamenco. BALLET FLAMENCO JOSÉ PORCEL brings together the traditions of flamenco
with pieces from the most respected and acclaimed choreographers in the flamenco world, including the great
Antonio Canales, pioneer Israel Galván, the renowned Isabel Bayón, and Porcel himself. A master of flamenco's fiery
footwork and sensuous movement, Porcel and his company also bring the spirit of innovation to their work. Let the
sorrow of the soleá, the flirtatious fun of alegrías and the contagious joy of bulerías take you on a journey to the world
of passion and exhilaration that is flamenco!
DIAVOLO – Saturday, January 28 at 8 PM
“…a brilliant, elaborately theatrical company of highly skilled acrobats…the result is dazzling.” – Newsday New York
FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHER OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S KA! Under Jacques Heim’s guidance, the dancers of
DIAVOLO leap, fly, and twirl to become gymnasts, actors, and athletes as they create oversized, ingenious, and
provocative work. Founded in 1992, DIAVOLO has been nominated over 10 times for a Lester Horton Award and
was named “Best of the Fest” by the London Independent and “Critic’s Choice” by The Guardian at the Edinburgh
Fringe Festival. Whether they involve dancers flying off of a 15-foot staircase or spinning through an 18-foot
aluminum and steel wheel, DIAVOLO’s giant-sized performances simultaneously resonate on an intensely personal
level with stories of dreams, sacrifice, desire, hope, and the strength of the human spirit.
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July 20, 2005
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ABOUT THE COMPANIES, continued
JOFFREY BALLET: Romeo and Juliet – Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 8 PM
“Stunning perfection in the classical style.” – The New York Times
WITH THE LIVE MUSIC OF THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA! At the Teatro Verde in Venice, Italy
in 1958, a ground-breaking vision of a classic tale arrived in the world of dance: John Cranko’s landmark production
of Romeo and Juliet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score. Hailed by critics, the production captured the lushness and
genius of Prokofiev’s score through breathtaking choreography while never forgetting the passion and heartbreak of
young lovers and their families. The renowned JOFFREY BALLET will bring its majestic and enchanting production to
New Orleans with its palatial sets and glorious classically inspired costumes. For over 40 years, the JOFFREY
BALLET has dazzled the world with flawless technique, magnificent choreography, and unerring prowess in the world
of classical ballet. The New Orleans appearance will feature not only Joffrey’s exquisite style but also the live music
of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, all creating an evening of splendor, stunning pageantry, and unforgettable
romance.
PARSONS DANCE COMPANY – Saturday, May 13 at 8 PM
“One of the most successful modern dance companies in the world!” – NBC’s Today Show
FEATURING THE LIVE MUSIC OF THE AHN TRIO! With something to delight everyone, the PARSONS DANCE
COMPANY springs into New Orleans with their characteristic exuberance, showmanship, and inventiveness. The
performance will feature the irresistible combination of Parsons’ sexy, cutting-edge choreography and the live music
of The Ahn Trio. The sounds of the three sisters’ exquisite violin, cello, and piano accompany Parsons’ group of topnotch dancers to create a magical fusion of dance and music. Parsons’ combination of outstanding technique and
whimsy has made them amazingly popular with both critics and audiences alike, earning riotous responses
throughout the world. The Chicago Tribune hailed Parsons’ appeal by saying that he is “the uncontested wit and
wizard of modern dance - even avowed dance haters melt at his enchantment.”
RONALD K. BROWN | EVIDENCE – Friday, April 7 at 8 PM and Saturday, April 8 at 2 PM and 8 PM
A Co-Presentation with The NOCCA Institute at NOCCA | Riverfront’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall
“It’s their collective power that brings you to your knees and then to your feet.” – Raleigh News & Observer
SOLD OUT IN 2002! They’ve been called modern dancers, storytellers, African dancers - but above all else,
RONALD K. BROWN | EVIDENCE is a group of kinetic, ground-breaking artists who challenge views of race, class,
and gender through “exquisitely sculpted movement” (Washington Post) full of ”joyful rhythms and raw emotions”
(Town and Country). Under the guidance of award-winning choreographer and dancer Ronald K. Brown, the group
has gained a worldwide reputation for its unique synthesis of African ritual dance and contemporary dance. Brown’s
choreography passionately pursues timeless questions for modern audiences – questions of spirituality, faith,
equality, and, above all, redemption. The New Orleans performance will feature Ronald K. Brown’s acclaimed piece
Grace, which was originally performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
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