(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 6, 2002

(Mahwah) – The American Repertory Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tarantella and excerpts from Dancing Through the Ceiling at Ramapo College of New Jersey Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. in the Sharp Theater.

A showcase for today’s talented women choreographers, Dancing Through the Ceiling was named one of the 10 most memorable performances of 2001 by Star-Ledger dance critic Robert Johnson. The Ramapo College performance will include previews of two segments of the ballet, “Flirtation Variations” and “Hush.”

With choreography by Elaine Kudo, “Flirtation Variations” is a candid peek at a group of dancers caught in a moment of playful flirtation rituals. Sometimes formal, often silly, these rituals are guided by the changing moods of the mid-17th century music for solo violin and basso continuo. The pieces range from slinky sensuality, to lyrical romanticism and playful, rhythmic syncopations.

“Hush,” choreographed by Ginger Thatcher with music by Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin, is a sketch of impressions about life before and after Sept. 11th. The first movement is carefree, fun and boisterous. The second, an image of struggle, loss, anger and fear. The third, of support, help, survival. The central figure is a woman who goes from the image of suffering to the image of strength and perseverance.

Tarantella is a virtuoso duet originally created for New Jersey native and New York City Ballet prima ballerina Patricia McBride. The Balanchine masterpiece will be staged by McBride for American Repertory Ballet.

Graham Lustig’s unusual and creative staging of William Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, begins with the marital spat of the King and Queen of the Fairies, Oberon and Titania. At the heart of their quarrel is the custody of a beautiful changeling child. “Not for thy fairy kingdom” answers Titania to Oberon’s request. Not happy with this answer, Oberon sends Puck, his trickster servant, on the mission of his revenge. He is to bring Oberon the ingredients of a powerful love potion. Oberon plans to cause Titania to fall in love with a beast, and then hold the antidote ransom in exchange for the child they both covet.

The Sharp Theater is located in the Berrie Center on the Ramapo College campus. Tickets for the American Repertory Ballet performance are $20, $17 for seniors and $10 for students with a valid I.D. For information, call (201) 684-7844.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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