Sacramento Ballet’s Visions series returns to The Sofia on March 22 – 24, celebrating notable premieres from three of today’s most inspirational world stage choreographers, each offering distinctive global views of modern ballet. Marika Brussel, in demand by Northern California audiences and known for visually stunning topical works, is creating a world premiere titled “Glimmering” for SacBallet. Company premieres include “State of Matter” by Ihsan Rustem and “Carry Me Anew” by Ma Cong.
“SacBallet will put its dancers’ ever-growing skillsets to the test through Visions, our showcase of current dance innovation,” said Anthony Krutzkamp, SacBallet’s Artistic/Executive Director. “We bring to the stage works from choreographers who are changing the global face of dance. Visions promises to be exhilarating, exciting, and rewarding for the dancers and audiences alike.”
Marika Brussel: Northern California’s Marika Brussel is renowned for her explorations of personal stories, plays, and mythology. A boundary-pushing choreographer, Brussel is widely recognized as an outstanding voice in contemporary ballet. Her style is artist-forward, getting to know each dancer and their capabilities as she creates. For SacBallet’s world premiere of “Glimmering,” she not only perfected the orchestrations but also created a special scent for her new work, worn in-studio to inspire the creative process! Brussel’s acclaimed contemporary ballets have been performed at U.S festivals and commissioned by companies including Kansas City Ballet, Madison Ballet, and New Ballet Studio Company.
Ihsan Rustem: Award-winning British/Swiss choreographer Ihsan Rustem built “State of Matter” around Benjamin Wardell’s poem “The Clouds Inside.” Featuring movement representing life journeys often beyond human control, it presents a floating mind’s-eye perspective. Scored with glitchy electronic rhythms from Iceland’s Ólafur Arnalds and orchestration from contemporary composer Max Richter, “State Of Matter” mesmerizes. Artistic Director of Swiss dance company “Cie. La Ronde” and Resident Choreographer for Portland’s “NW Dance Project,” Rustem’s awards for “State of Matter” include the 2012 Sadler’s Wells Global Dance Contest and 25th International Competition for Choreographers’ Public Prize.
Ma Cong; World-renowned choreographer Ma Cong brings “Carry Me Anew” to Sacramento for a company premiere. Featuring beautiful movement, the work centers on complex partnering — trios and duos are standouts — showcasing the dancers’ deep athleticism in a forceful but graceful ebb and flow. Ma Cong is widely recognized by the dance universe for his forward-looking, illuminated artistry. Beginning at the Beijing Dance Academy in the ’90s through his 22-year career at Tulsa Ballet, work with Julie Taymor on M. Butterfly and now as Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet, Ma continues to surprise and inspire.
Event Days and Times: March 22 at 7:30 p.m.;March 23 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.;March 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for Visions are available now, priced between $30 and $70. Get tickets early for the best seating opportunities. For more information, please call the box office at 916-552-5810 or visit: Sacramento Ballet Website
Sacramento Ballet delivers high-quality, world-stage-worthy ballet, dance, education, and outreach initiatives. A modern, forward-leaning organization that respects its past while welcoming the future, Sacramento Ballet aims to unite, include, and inspire diverse audiences. Connecting cultures with the positive power of live dance performance, SacBallet expands its audiences through regional programming, community connections, and educational activities. Guided by Artistic/Executive Director Anthony Krutzkamp — an innovative artist/choreographer who raised the image and reputation of the Kansas City Dance Festival, Moving Arts Kansas City, and Moving Arts Cincinnati — Sacramento Ballet’s 2023/24 season theme is “Escape.”
About Sacramento Ballet
A highly regarded cultural asset renowned for artistic quality, Sacramento Ballet attracts approximately 100,000 people to performances annually. Deeply committed to the Capitol region for nearly 70 years, it conducts extensive outreach, educational, and public engagement projects. It is the only local arts organization to maintain a residency of professional artists attached to a respected conservatory of dance: School of Sacramento Ballet. SacBallet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded by ticket sales, individual donations, corporate, foundation, and government support. SacBallet’s world-class programming demonstrates its agility, commitment, and dedication to the arts. For more information, visit Sacramento Ballet’s Website.
About Sacramento Ballet’s Second Company
Under the direction of acclaimed dancer and respected instructor Jill Krutzkamp, Sacramento Ballet’s Second Company celebrates its second season this year. Second Company is the umbrella company for Trainee Project and its select group of six featured dancers: SB2. A proving ground for pre-professional training, distinctive programming and repertoire are specially selected and choreographed for them. Twenty classically trained, aspiring artists who auditioned to join Second Company regularly perform with the company while they train and hone their skills for careers with major dance companies. Sacramento Ballet’s respected reputation for professional career development is attracting young dancers from across the U.S. and California. Second Company has already inspired expanded audiences with the passion and drive of these young dancers as they grow and gain the skills and confidence necessary for a career in dance.