Paintings come to life on Gallo Center stage in latest show from Modesto company
Visitors at a museum become the paintings they view in the latest production from Central West Ballet.
“Pictures at an Exhibition” is part of the Modesto company’s “Creations, Choreography in America” presentation at the Gallo Center for the Arts, planned for March 18-19.
Along with “Pictures at an Exhibition,” two other programs are set to be performed, “Love Duets” and “L’Arlésienne,” according to a press release from CWB.
The release promises “amazing cinematic projections” and “inspired choreographic works.”
Those projections include animation effects and film-like moving parts within static images “to bring an elegant excitement to the dances,” CWB Artistic Director René Daveluy said in an email. “I always think of new ways to use well integrated projections as a compliment to our ballets without distracting from the dances themselves.”
All three programs will include the projections, he said.
The program offers “both ardent ballet aficionados and newcomers to dance a mixed repertory that encompasses contemporary and classical styles,” the release said.
The full version of Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s 1874 suite, “Pictures at an Exhibition,” “is nothing short of amazing, imaginative and robust,” the release said.
Also showcased will be “Love Duets,” an expanded suite of dances with original music and choreography by Daveluy.
Central West first performed “Love Duets” on tour in 2017, but this will be its first showing at the Gallo Center. “A beautiful lyrical work, “Love Duets” elevates the soul with the powerful spirit of Central West Ballet dancers,” according to the release.
“Creations” closes with “L’Arlésienne,” a full-scale traditional ballet set to George Bizet’s musical depictions of French Provence, the release said, “where Mediterranean passions and adventures intertwine. Bizet’s ‘L’Arlésienne’ has a rich orchestration and intense musical moments.”
“Creations, Choreography in America” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 18-19 at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St., Modesto.
Tickets are $30 to $39, and are available at the Gallo Center box office or at www.galloarts.com. For more information, call 209-576-8957 or see www.centralwestballet.org.
