Pittsburgh Dance Council Presents RIOULT 10/1

Pittsburgh Dance Council is proud to present the return of the New York City-based company RIOULT (pronounced R? you) on Friday, October 1, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. at the Byham Theater. This highly acclaimed modern dance company, rooted in the intellectual and heartful choreography of founder, artistic director and choreographer, Pascal Rioult, will present an evening of exquisite work including an interpretation to the music of Maurice Ravel's Bolero. Pascal Rioult's Bolero premiered in 2002 and is a bold and unique interpretation of the famous musical score. Its perpetual motion and ever-changing patterns build to its illusive but inevitable climax: a series of simultaneous performed solos. The unrelenting crescendo of energy creates a riveting tour de force. Bolero's choreography was created by Pascal Rioult; lighting by David Finley, costumes by Ross Vogler and set design by Harry Feiner.

Tickets ($19.75-$45.75) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. First Commonwealth is the proud season sponsor of Pittsburgh Dance Council, and WDUQ 90.5 FM is the media sponsor.

Founded in New York City in 1994, RIOULT quickly became an established name in modern dance with a reputation for creating and presenting the sensual, articulate, and exquisitely musical works of Pascal Rioult. Born into the American modern dance tradition, RIOULT is creating its own legacy of contemporary dance that speaks to the mind and heart. The company of ten dancers presents an annual New York season as well as tours nationally and internationally.

Former track and field star in France, Mr. Rioult came to the United States on a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture to study modern dance in 1981. After performing with the companies of May O'Donnell and Paul Sanasardo, he was invited to join the Martha Graham Dance Company. As a principal dancer, he interpreted many of the most prestigious roles in the Graham repertory. He performed opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joyce Herring in El Penitente and was featured in two television specials: Martha Graham in Japan and Five Dances by Martha Graham at the Paris Opera.

Since starting his own company in 1994, Mr. Rioult has dedicated his energies to forging and perfecting a choreographic style of his own, nurturing a robust ensemble of dancers, and growing his company, RIOULT. Concerning his work, Black Diamond, Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times wrote, "...he has met the challenge of comparison with George Balanchine." Alain Cigolotti writes in Le Temps, France, "Pascal Rioult, before all, is one of the leaders of 'neo-modern dance.' His work is rooted in a tradition but open to the future. His style blends an acute sense of classical structure with a profound musical sensibility." Rioult is the recipient of a 1998 and 2002 Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography. Backstage referred to him as "One of the most adept and courageous choreographers in mainstream modern dance today."

Each year the Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, showcases a world-class season of dance. As the largest presenter of international performances in the city, the Dance Council continues to help make our Cultural District one of the country's leading arts and entertainment centers.