Peter Chu Choreographs New Work for Orlando Ballet

Award-winning dancer, teacher, and choreographer Peter Chu is thrilled to debut his first-ever world premiere choreographed work with an internationally renowned classically trained ballet company. Chu has been invited by the Orlando Ballet to choreograph a captivating new performance for the company's world premiere of Hollywood en Pointe, presented at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center from February 15-16, 2013.

The Juilliard-trained artist will present a piece inspired by the elegance, passion, and swagger of old Hollywood glamour, expressly choreographed for the richly talented, 24-strong ballet company.

"It is an incredible honor to be working with Orlando Ballet's Artistic Director, Robert Hill, and the full company of accomplished dancers," says Chu. "As a native of Florida, I consider it a true privilege to return to my home state to make my choreographic debut with a professional ballet company of this stature."

Conceived and principally choreographed by Robert Hill, Hollywood en Pointe features choreography by Chu and Orlando Ballet company dancer Arcadian Broad. An elegant evening of dance inspired by classical Hollywood cinema, the performance is set to some of the silver screen's most cherished scores from yesteryear and modern day and honours the widespread legends of Hollywood just in time to celebrate the 85th Academy Awards.

Chu capitalizes on both his commercial and concert dance experience and signature choreographic style - electric, pulsing, and stirring movements - to create this never-before-seen work.

"I have had the fortune of working with some of the world's most talented, inspiring, and invigorating performers," says Chu. "Yet it has always been my lifelong goal to work with a classically trained ballet company. To be able to marry my unique dance aesthetic with the expertise of this ballet company is truly a dream come true."

With a style that is at once both jolting and fluid, Chu's mercurial approach to dance has achieved critical success on both the commercial and concert stage. He has traveled the world with Montreal's innovative BJM_Danse and Crystal Pite's risk-taking Kidd Pivot. He has also worked as a featured performer in Celine Dion's Vegas triumph A New Day and Christina Perri's haunting Jar of Hearts music video.

As a choreographer, Chu has created thought-provoking works for Naomi Stikeman's Çaturn, Sarah Williams' solo show Ici est toujours ailleurs, and the Houston Metropolitan Contemporary Dance Company. As artistic director of his eponymous dance company, chuthis., Chu has presented a captivating and provocative show, Nothing Sticks, to enthusiastic audiences in New York City and Vancouver, B.C. He is also the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreography.

Most recently, Chu's choreography was featured on Season 9 of the wildly popular dance show So You Think You Can Dance?, which showcased his signature style of contemporary dance to mainstream audiences.

Hollywood en Pointe marks Chu's first choreographic achievement for a professional ballet company. The world premiere performance, with works by Chu, Artistic Director Robert Hill, and company dancer Arcadian Broad, is presented at Orlando's Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre from Feb. 15-16, 2013.

Tickets range from $20-$90 and can be purchased online at www.orlandoballet.org/tickets.

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