Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Returning to Park City, 4/9

Encore! Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns to Park City's Eccles Center with its signature grace and athleticism in a mixed repertory performance. The evening features exquisite new works, "Silent Ghost" and "Huma Rojo," as well as Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo's "1st Flash." This "class act" (The New York Post) brings its technically superb, contemporary ballet to the stage on Saturday, April 9. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 435-655-3114 or online at EcclesCenter.org.

Under the artistic direction of Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker (a former Joffrey Ballet star) since 1996, the eleven dancers of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet continue to push the edge of contemporary dance without abandoning the elegance of classical ballet training. "A breath of fresh air," according to The New York Times, this petite troupe is known for its "joy and verve (The News and Observer)," breathtaking dance and its directors' ability to commission refreshing new works from up-and-coming choreographers.

ASFB's Park City appearance includes three works: Alejandro Cerrudo's "Silent Ghost," Cayetano Soto's "Huma Rojo" and Jorma Elo's "1st Flash." Cerrudo, who is resident choreographer of Chicago's Hubbard Street, brings extraordinary poetry and startling imagery to the stage with the haunting "Silent Ghost," which premiered last summer. The vibrant "Huma Rojo," (translation: "Red Smoke"), which premiered in February, balances out the mood of the evening with humor and playful whimsy created by Soto (currently resident choreographer at Ballet BC in Vancouver). "1st Flash," originally choreographed for Nederlands Dans Theatre (2003) and set to the Violin Concerto Opus 47 by Jean Sibelius rounds out the mixed repertoire with a technically impeccable, athletic and imaginative dance.

ASFB's return to Park City also includes a master class for local dance students. This event is part of Park City Institute's Student Outreach Program (and offered free of charge to Summit County dancers).

"It's like a marvelous homecoming when Jean-Philippe and Tom bring and their strikingly talented dancers to our stage," says PCI executive director Teri Orr. "And, because they're always seeking out new works from emerging choreographers, we're always treated to refreshingly original, gorgeous dance."

Park City Institute presents Aspen Santa Fe Ballet on April 9, 2016 at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City). Tickets range from $25-$75 (20-percent discount for seniors, ½ price tickets for children ages 16 and under; $5 seats are available in the Copper Section for Summit County students (K-12). Tickets and information are available at The Eccles Center box office, 435-655-3114 or EcclesCenter.org.