GrooveLily Stars to Take Part in Dances Patrelle Program

Dances Patrelle, now in it's 18th Repertory Season, will be presented Mach 23–25 at The Ailey Citigroup Theater (The Joan Weill Center for Dance). The program will include two World Premieres to commissioned scores as well as two of the past dance classics. 
 
The program includes:

What Do We Do About Mother, a world premiere choreographed by Francis Patrelle with a commissioned score by Patrick Soluri. "Francis Patrelle tackles one of the most important and difficult issues in modern American life — the challenges and burdens of caring for an aging parent." Starring New York City Ballet principal dancers Jenifer Ringer and Stephen Hanna, "the new piece once again stands poised to redefine the scope of dramatic ballet," according to press notes. 
 
Pair of Jacks is another world premiere. Choreographed by Leda Meredith with a commissioned score by Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda, "the new creation presents a thrilling, uncharted battle of the sexes that is set to a new score." 
 
American Dreamer (Choreograped by Francis Patrelle, Music by Rod Hausen), is based on the melodies & lyrics of Stephen Foster. "The ballet explores the history, mythology and fondest hopes of our nation." 
 
American Overture  (Choreographed by Francis Patrelle, Music by Leonard Bernstein.) "Uncle Sam like you've never seen him - sexy, controversial and thought-provoking! It will be danced by Pacific Northwest Ballet principal Jonathan Porretta as a modern look at the United States and the ideals it ought to stand for." 

Dances Patrelle, reinventing dramatic dance, was founded in 1988. One of the goals is to bring dramatic dance to all audiences, through a collaborative process which blends music, drama, and history. Dance Patrelle's goals are to expand the awareness and appreciation for dramatic ballet; to preserve the works of Francis Patrelle (Artistic Director) and to provide an  opportunity for further choreographic expression as well as present other choreographers' dramatic ballets and a forum for those works. 

Performances of Dances Patrelle, March 23–25 at The Ailey Citigroup Theater (405 West 55th Street at 9th Avenue), are at 8:00 pm Friday & Saturday; 6:30 pm Sunday and matinees at 2:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are only $35 for reserved seats; for the Friday Gala with opening night reception $150. Tickets on sale through SmartTix: (212) 868-4444 www.smartix.com.

Photo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn by Ben Strothmann