BWW Previews: ARB's FALL KICK-OFF PERFORMANCE Weekend, 9/19 and 9/20

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) will present their Fall Kick-Off Performance on September 19th and 20th at Rider University's Bart Luedeke Center. The show opens the company's 2014-2015 season and will feature dance selections to please a wide variety of tastes. ARB's compelling and dynamic works will highlight the company's distinctive movement styles and a varied selection of musical genres. ARB's Fall Kick-Off Performance will feature: Our Town, Fantasy Baroque, Dreams Interrupted, and Confetti.

Broadwayworld.com spoke with the company's Artistic Director, Douglas Martin and their Resident Choreographer, Mary Barton. Martin and Barton are artistic partners and partners in life, married for 25 years. They are currently very busy in rehearsal for the company's Fall Kick-Off. Martin and Barton shared important insights about the success of this renowned regional company and the upcoming performance.

Martin points out that the ARB has a "distinctive style." He said that it was important to keep pieces in their repertoire that the company can develop over the course of many seasons. Much of the company's success has been built on performance pieces that their audiences wish to see again and again. Barton also commented about the virtue of keeping pieces in the repertory and said, "Every ballet allows for growth."

Barton commented that their ballets are part of the company's "legacy," one that has garnered a great deal of critical acclaim. Barton's passion for her work was evident as she spoke about a piece she choreographed, Fantasy Baroque, that will be performed at Fall Kick-Off Performance. With music by Mozart, elaborate costuming and the talented performers, Barton said that she was able to "open the floodgates of her creativity and run away with it."

Martin expressed pride in the company's versatility. He called them an "American, athletic company" with the proven capacity to perform modern works and those with classical difficulty like Confetti. He commented that the piece Our Town has a strong narrative and showcases his dancers' talents. Barton agreed. She stated that the ARB dancers are "well versed" and that their programs are chosen for their variety.

Three of the company members from last season have moved on. Martin points out that the company's newest members and the growth of the repertoire has created "multiple cast changes." Both Martin and Barton are excited about their newest performers.

Exceptional talent, dedication and perseverance; these are all elements that metropolitan area audiences have come to expect from American Repertory Ballet. The Fall Kick-Off Performance will be on both Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th at the Bart Luedeke Center Theater at Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The shows begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and Senior Citizens and $5.00 for Rider University students. For more information, call (609) 896-7775 or visit www.arballet.org/Kick-Off.

Photo Credit: Leighton Chen