Atlanta Ballet's Modern Choreographic Voices Begins Tonight

For one weekend only, March 21-23, Atlanta Ballet will offer three unique works by three dynamically distinct choreographers at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for its Modern Choreographic Voices (MCV) production.

MCV is an evolution of the program created by Atlanta Ballet in 2010, titled then Ignition: New Choreographic Voices. Over the past four seasons, artistic director John McFall has molded the program into a barometer of what's new and exciting in the dance world, presenting new works by up-and-coming artists as well as premieres by modern day greats.

This season's production will feature two of ballet's most recognized and well-respected living dance makers - Ohad Naharin and Alexei Ratmansky - joined by Atlanta Ballet's own Tara Lee, veteran company dancer and budding choreographer who'll represent the young, emerging artistic class.

Alexei Ratmansky's Seven Sonatas - Atlanta Ballet Premiere

Power, precision and stamina are three words that may spring to mind when watching Alexei Ratmansky's intense, fast-paced Seven Sonatas - a work that has become a hallmark for the Russian dancer-turned-choreographer, who, at 45, has already become an icon in the ballet world.

In his relatively brief, yet impressive career, he has:

- Revived one of the oldest ballet institutions in the world, the Bolshoi Ballet, where he served as director for four years;

- Staged more than 20 successful works around the world, making him one of the most prolific choreographers of his generation (and possibly of all time);

- Been named a 2013 MacArthur Fellow by the MacArthur Foundation; and

- Currently serves as artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York.

Atlanta Ballet now adds itself to the exclusive list of companies with the fortune of presenting a Ratmansky, especially one as well received as Sonatas, which has been described by critics as "remarkable," "miraculous," "spellbinding," and an "indelible imprint of beauty."

Seven Sonatas is a classical piece for six dancers who engage with each other in a variety of intricate combinations, set to seven "Keyboard Sonatas" by composer Domenico Scarlatti. It was one of the first works Ratmansky created for his dancers at ABT in 2009 and Atlanta Ballet has the distinction of being the first outside of ABT to perform it - a major tribute to the growing national reputation of the Company.

Tara Lee's the authors - World Premiere

Atlanta Ballet dancer Tara Lee will take her artistic range to task in March's Modern Choreographic Voices as she balances the roles of dancer and choreographer, proving she has the ability to do it all.

In addition to the huge undertaking of staging her own world premiere, Lee, who's in her 18th season with the Company, will dance in both Naharin's Secus and Ratmansky's Seven Sonatas.

Lee made her choreographic debut with Sixteen String in 2003. Created for an Atlanta Ballet choreographers' workshop, Sixteen String was handpicked by John McFall for the Company's next season. In 2004, McFall offered Tara another opportunity, which led to the creation of Poem, a dramatic duet that she danced with a fellow company artist to the music of Jeff Buckley. Subsequent commissions include two works for Emory Dance Company; a Margaret Mitchell-inspired duet for Georgia Public Broadcasting; and three works -The Akara, Mind Myself, and En Route - commissioned for Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi. Pavo, her most recent Atlanta Ballet work, premiered in 2012's New Choreographic Voices to critical acclaim.

Her new work, titled the authors, is an examination of human relationships inspired by the idea that adjusting one's focus can reveal a larger truth. The concept is illustrated through an abstract narrative danced by five dancers, each "authoring" their parts in a story the audience will see unfold on stage.

Ohad Naharin's Secus - Atlanta Ballet Premiere

To round out the MCV bill, Atlanta Ballet will present Ohad Naharin's Secus - the Company's second work with the internationally-heralded choreographer.

Naharin, a native of Israel, is a protégé of ballet legend and mother of modern dance Martha Graham. He, himself, is now one of the most unique contemporary voices in dance, employing a movement language - known as "Gaga" - that strips the formality and barriers of traditional dance away in favor of a more organic, sensory dance experience.

Atlanta was introduced to Naharin and his signature style last season with the crowd-favorite Minus 16.

Like Minus 16, Secus is an infectious, fast-paced piece that requires the dancers to rely on their technical skill as well as their athleticism. The physically-demanding work is set to an eclectic mix of music that includes artists such as Chari Chari, Kid 606+Rayon, Kaho Naa, Pyar Hai, Seefeel, and the Beach Boys.

"There's no theme, just many suggested themes," said Naharin of the piece. "I look upon this dance as simply one more offering of the power of imagination...I play with the borders, the limits. There is passion, extreme...It is the pleasure of the moment, like in gastronomy, the same pleasure as in good food."

Secus, which translates from Latin as "this and not this, at the same time," was created in 2005 as a part of Naharin's full-evening work Three.

"From total stillness, the dancers burst into flurries of activity, creating a sense of organized chaos both in the space and within their bodies," said Deborah Friedesa in a 2010 review in The Jerusalem Post. "Their novel movement often defies description, but it constantly commands attention and inspires awe.