Washington Ballet Announces Tribute Performance to David Bowie and Queen

The Washington Ballet (TWB) presents a full-throttle evening of entertainment that combines the artistry and beauty of dance with the power of the world's most innovative popular rock icons who defined an epoch and became fixtures in American pop culture -David Bowie and Queen. The performance features two company premieres: Trey McIntyre's Mercury Half-Life and Edwaard Liang's Dancing in the Street, and includes a live electric violin performance by S&R Foundation's Artist-in-Residence, Machiko Ozawa.

Mercury Half-Life (Company Premiere)

Tap dance mixed with ballet, choreographer Trey McIntyre's Mercury Half-Life features Queen hits including "Bring Back That Leroy Brown," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Bicycle Race" and many more. The high-energy choreography breaks the boundaries of contemporary ballet. Music by Queen.Choreography by Trey McIntyre.

Dancing In the Street (Company Premiere)

A tribute to David Bowie and a celebration of dance, Dancing in the Street features live electric violin performed by S&R Artist-In-Residence Machiko Ozawa. This company premiere is set to selections of music composed by Gabriel Gaffney Smith intermixed with songs from the quieter phases of rock legend David Bowie's career.

Choreographer Edwaard Liang explores the irresistible energy that attracts people to dance with an arc that culminates in Bowie's spirited "Dancing In the Street" duet with Mick Jagger. He takes a Pan-like character who is garnering the courage to talk to a girl to reveal the communal power of dance to attract and liberate passersby. This is the fifth TWB commission with Liang. Music selections include "Good Morning Girl" and "I'm not Losing Sleep."

Music by David Bowie and Gabriel Gaffney Smith. Live violin by S&R Foundation's Artist-in-Residence, Machiko Ozawa. Choreography by Edwaard Liang.

Performance Schedule

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 7:30pm

Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 7:30pm

Friday, May 6, 2016 - 7:30pm

Saturday, May 7, 2016 - 1:30pm

Saturday, May 7, 2016 - 7:30pm

Sunday, May 8, 2016 - 1:30pm

Sunday, May 8, 2016 - 7:30pm

Friday, May 13, 2016 - 7:30pm

Saturday, May 14, 2016 - 1:30pm

Saturday, May 14, 2016 - 7:30pm

Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 1:30pm

Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 7:30pm

For more information about Bowie & Queen, visit washingtonballet.org.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BALLET: The Washington Ballet (TWB) was originally founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944 by legendary ballet pioneer Mary Day and incorporated as a professional company in 1976. The Washington Ballet is one of the pre-eminent ballet organizations in the United States. TWB built an international reputation presenting bold works by choreographers from around the world, including Choo San Goh, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Hans van Manen and Ji?í Kylián, as well as neoclassical masterworks and fresh staging of 19th century classics. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Septime Webre and Executive Director, Shakira Segundo, TWB has embraced a three-part mission: ensuring excellence in its professional performance company; growing the next generation of dancers through its Washington School of Ballet; and serving the community in which it resides through robust community engagement programs.

ABOUT S&R FOUNDATION

S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration.

Though a unique methodology developed over the past 15 years, individuals are provided with recognition, funding, inspirational space and a supportive community, allowing the facilitation of creativity, innovation and personal growth. All operational expenses are covered by existing assets and founders contributions, so that all donations to S&R go directly to funding programs and support for talented individuals.

S&R Foundation's Artist-in-Residence program provides talented artists with the opportunity to further their careers. As an Artist-in-Residence, they serve as an artistic ambassador for S&R, help in curating artistic programming and community engagement projects, and expand and develop their own artistic practice.

Learn more at about S&R and its programs at sandr.org.

ABOUT MACHIKO OZAWA

Violinist Machiko Ozawa is currently an Artist-In-Residence at S&R Foundation. A former concertmaster of Orquesta Sinfonica Sinaloa de las artes in Mexico, she is not only a performing artist but a composer as well.

Ozawa has created her own style of performance called tapdanceviolin, which has been incorporated in some of her original compositions. Her first album, Vertical Voyage, is comprised of all of her original works.

In 2008, Ozawa formed her own tango group, Urban Tango Trio, which released their first album, Urban Tango Trio, in 2011. Since then, The Washington Post has raved the group as, "an endearing blend of high-powered music-making and coltish enthusiasm." In addition, she also has performed with renowned tango players and groups, such as Pablo Ziegler, Hector Del Curto's Eternal Tango, Fernando Otero and Octavio Brunetti at major venues in U.S. such as Blue Note New York, Jazz Standard, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center Performing Arts and Mondavi Center.

Ozawa received her formal training from The Juilliard School, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.