Bristol, PA (WPVI) —
“Stars and Stripes Forever!” is a celebration of America.
“In the best way possible, with the greatest music, the greatest dancing,” says Angel Corella, Artistic Director of Philadelphia Ballet. “This program, it was dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”
Corella says it’s a celebration of freedom and “what America represents.”
American ballet is on full display for five shows at the Academy of Music.
“We wanted to put all of our dancers up on stage,” he says. “We have some of the greatest dancers in the world.”
The mixed bill includes four ballets, starting with “Fancy Free” choreographed by Jerome Robbins.
“It’s the story of three sailors that they have a day off in New York and they, you know, they decide to go out and have a great time,” says Corella. “A lot of people would recognize it by the movie, ‘On the Town,’ with Frank Sinatra. It was a very popular movie, but before, it was a ballet.”
Variations on “America” was choreographed by Eliot Feld.
“This pas de deux was created for Mikhail Baryshnikov,” he says. “It’s a very demanding pas de deux with lifts and throws up in the air of the ballerina that are like, defy gravity.”
It’s classical ballet with patriotic flair.
Corella says the dancers are playing the flute and drums and there’s even a nod to the Liberty Bell done through dance, with the ballerina acting as the bell.
“It’s really, really fun and very demanding, very exciting,” he says.
Two George Balanchine ballets round out the program, starting with “Who Cares?” featuring the music of George Gershwin.
“With very romantic dancing,” says Corella. “In a jazzy sort of style.”
Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” is set to the marches of John Philip Sousa.
“You have the whole company coming on stage with the American flag,” he says.
Adding, it’s really a “great celebration of this country.”
“I think that is a very emotional way to see the ballet,” says Corella. “That you should definitely not miss.”
Philadelphia Ballet presents “Stars and Stripes Forever!” October 8 – 11 at the Academy of Music.
Philadelphia Ballet – “Stars and Stripes Forever!”
Link to tickets at the Academy of Music
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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