The Orlando Ballet aims yet again to name the champion of the age-old power struggle between the sexes in Battle of the Sexes II. This highly anticipated sequel to last year’s exciting contemporary performance takes place February 11-13, 2011 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
Taking place just before Valentine’s Day, this performance is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s most romantic holiday. Battle of the Sexes II will present provocative, bold and sensual movements as female and male dancers face off to determine who really is the fairer gender, while showcasing the company’s proven edgier side.
This year’s performance promises to provide a fiery dimension to Orlando Ballet with pulsating rhythms and sizzling choreography by Artistic Director Robert Hill. Musical selections span from techno violin pieces to film soundtracks, including pieces by Gotan Project, a Parisian music group; world music group Dead Can Dance; and songs from feature films The Red Violin and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Hill has called on two former Orlando Ballet dancers to perform and choreograph numbers for the production. Israel Rodriguez has been invited to perform in piece called “If I Didn’t Care” by Hill. Marshall Ellis’ piece “Compliance” – which was originally created for the Orlando Ballet and Cirque du Soleil collaboration, A Choreographer’s Showcase, in November 2010 – will also be a featured number.
The program will stay true to its original production, which featured well-received dances set to such selections as the pulsating 60’s hit War; the funky tune Warm Leatherette, made famous by singer Grace Jones; Milonga sounds, a Latin rhythmic style similar to tango music and everything in between.
“Last year’s performance was the first of its kind for the company and we set a tone for how we will present contemporary performances to the community,” said Hill. “We aim to draw in new audiences and intrigue our patrons with a blend of classical ballet with a sexy twist! Our audience loved it last year, so we plan to get them back on the edge of their seats again this year.”
Orlando Ballet’s second annual fundraising performance, Bailamos! takes place on March 12, 2011, at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center, which presents an exciting show set to Latin music. The company concludes the 2010-2011 season with a presentation of Carmen, inspired by Georges Bizet’s most celebrated opera, April 15-17 at the Bob Carr.
The company has also announced a season price reduction, with tickets starting at $15! For tickets or more information on Orlando Ballet’s 2010-2011 season, call (407) 426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org.
