Nashville Ballet to Close Season with EMERGENCE

Nashville Ballet closes its 2014-2015 performance season with the return of its cutting-edge Emergence series, an evening of emerging art featuring four original pieces from renowned local musicians and guest choreographers, May 14-16, 2015, at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet.

Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart will choreograph an original work set to live music by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are one of America's foremost a cappella ensembles and are the premier performers of the Negro spiritual, performing songs originally sung by slaves prior to the Civil War. Sixteen singers will perform three selections, including Soon-ah will be Done, There is a Balm in Gilead and I'm Gonna Sing 'til the Spirit Moves in my Heart.

"Emergence is one of the Fisk Jubilee Singers' first collaborations with an outside organization, and it's a privilege to merge our two art forms together for a piece filled with so much historical and emotional richness," Stuart said. "Conveying the spiritual depth of their music through dance adds a new layer of emotion for the audience."

Fresh from Nashville Ballet's Attitude performance in February, local singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones and frequent guest choreographer Gina Patterson collaborate again to present original music and choreography. Jones and Patterson created their untitled Emergence piece organically in-studio together using inspiration from each other and the dancers.

"Emergence is one of those rare opportunities as an artist where you are not only allowed, but encouraged to create without expectation," Patterson said. "The spirit of Emergence is about digging deeper and stepping outside of your comfort zone to create an honest, unfiltered piece."

Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling will choreograph an original piece entitled State of Grace with Nashville Opera. This isn't the first time the two organizations have performed together; however, it is the first time the two have collaborated on a project together from start to finish, incorporating the choreography and vocalists as one. The piece includes three songs from American composer-lyricist Adam Guettel's catalog, including two from Myths and Hymns and one from Floyd Collins.

Earlier this season, Nashville Ballet invited local dance organizations to audition for the first slot in the evening's lineup. Belmont University Dance Company was selected to perform TrApPed, which uses tap dance rhythms to respond to the idea of being trapped-emotionally, mentally and physically.

Emergence is presented by Native Magazine. Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 day of show (based on availability). Tickets can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or by clicking here. Visit our website for the full performance schedule and more information.

Photo by Anthony Matula

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