Modesto’s Central West Ballet to hold its not-so-traditional showcase

If beer and ballet sounds like an odd pairing, well, that’s because the upcoming Choreographers Showcase from Central West Ballet is not your typical program.

Modesto’s professional dance troupe offers its annual not-so-traditional show Thursday, a chance for the public to see innovative, original works created by the company’s dancers. And, yes, have a beer (or glass of wine) while doing so.

“It’s a really cool event,” said CWB Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson. “When people think of Central West or ballet, they think of it being very classical. (But this show) is where we give our own company of dancers the opportunity to be the choreographers.”

Indeed, there will be little that is “classical” about the roughly hourlong program, with the dancers/choreographers keying off a range of music. Expect hard rock to Gershwin to David Bowie and beyond, Larson said.

The showcase will feature 13 choreographers presenting 16 new ballets performed by dancers from Central West as well as guests from Strut Performing Arts. Violinist Hayoung Oh of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra also will perform.

It’s a vehicle for the dancers to spread their creative wings and for CWB to show the community the diversity of dance and its productions.

Because ballet often seems synonymous only with classical offerings such as “Swan Lake,” more companies nationwide are offering such glimpses of the modern side of the art form. For Central West, the showcases have become more popular each year they’re presented, Larson said.

“They started really small and now we get people from all cross sections of the city,” she said. “Its really nice, because it’s more cutting edge, contemporary and we’re hoping that will broaden our base and bring a new generation of people who enjoy dance.”

Stella Artois and Peroni beers as well as wines will be served. Nonalcoholic beverages also will be available at the informal, all-ages show. The event is free, but donations to Central West Ballet will be accepted.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Modesto’s Central West Ballet to hold its not-so-traditional showcase."