October 31, 2008 at 8:00 PM
November 1, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road
Tickets: 317-216-5455 and online at www.pikepac.org
An October tradition, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents the darker side of dance. First, the World Premiere of The Seven Deadly Sins. Pride, Avarice, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth will be depicted through beautifully uncommon music and dynamic choreography and will explore the idea that The Seven… are not singled out because of their grievousness or severity, but because they are the inevitable source of other sins.
Next, experience Alice… On GHDT’s recent Eastern European tour, this new and condensed one-act story ballet received rave reviews throughout! Follow Alice down the rabbit-hole and into a Wonderland of bizarre adventures. Dark and delicious, don’t my OH MY GOTH!
Spend Halloween night with GHDT. OH MY GOTH! will include a costume contest during intermission.
THE NUTCRACKER
December 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
December 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
December 7. 2008 at 7:30 PM
Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road
Tickets: 317-216-5455 and online at www.pikepac.org
This full-length modern version of the holiday classic is presented by, and features the highly-talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by many other young local student dancers, filling the stage with movement and color! The Nutcracker follows the same overall story line as the original, but with a uniquely different twist. This magical updated version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. The Nutcracker is sure to add joy and cheer to your holiday season.
DOWN ON THE BAYOU
February 13-15, 20-22, 27, 28 & March 1, 2009
Venue TBA
Reservations required: 317-846-2441
Always and audience favorite, GHDT’s February cabaret-style shows give audiences the unique pleasure of seeing dance in an “up-close and personal” way. This year the dancers are so excited to bring the energy and spirit of Mardi Gras right to you! Kick back and enjoy Cajun and Creole food and drink as GHDT presents outstanding premiere pieces and brings back classics such as Why Look At That Moon and more. Due to limited seating, this concert is by reservation only! Book your table now for a glorious night Down on the Bayou.
G2 IN CONCERT
Date and venue TBA
The remarkable pre-professional company of GHDT is pleased to present their second annual concert! The G2 dancers, often seen in the corps of professional GHDT concerts, are excited to once again take the stage on their own! Performing pieces from GHDT’s professional repertoire, these young dancers will surprise and thrill you with their strength, energy and talent! You will not want to miss this concert!
INDIA EVER AFTER
June 12 & 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road
Tickets: 317-216-5455 and online at www.pikepac.org
GHDT’s love of Indian music and tradition is well-known. The masterpieces of Hindi and Telugu design have been acclaimed both by American and Indian audiences alike. India Ever After will feature a brand new one-act story ballet along with several new smaller pieces based on traditional Indian folk tales. GHDT’s India-inspired concerts are known for beautiful costumes, color, and movement. This highly-anticipated presentation moves even beyond what you’ve experienced before…
ROMEO and JULIET at the DISCO
August 14 & 15, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road
Tickets: 317-216-5455 and online at www.pikepac.org
Shakespeare shakes it up! The classic love story comes to life under the mirrored ball! GHDT’s portrayal is not only groovy and hip, but also, as with most GHDT ballets, it instills a message and delivers many beautiful and even poignant moments. Along with this World Premiere, GHDT will also bring back some “blasts from the past.” A retroactive ride through the remarkable! Right on!
REVIEWS
Love’s great tragedy in dance’s great triumph
By Jolita Vilimiene
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
I recently had the privilege on seeing the ballet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame by the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. It was an exciting surprise! I felt sucked into the current of movements, music, and emotions. After the performance, I was filled with awe and satisfaction. Those who are usually bored with the ballet would be inspired to see more performances by choreographer Gregory Hancock after watching The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The music and lyrics – in French and English –
were a strong element of the dance and expression of inner turbulences and struggles of the characters. The music and dance supremely complemented each other. The choreography was dynamic, consistently pulsing, diverse and complex. Elements of classical dance were gracefully intertwined with those of modern dance.
The dancers exhibited a high level of proficiency in artistic and physical disposition. Inspiration for the ballet demanded a huge emotional, psychological, and physical investment from the principal dancers, especially in the culmination. They perfectly managed to cope with this task and delivered ballet-master Hancock’s unique and subtle production and direction.
In addition, the scenes, lighting, and costumes also greatly contributed to the creation of the delightful rendering of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The creative use of lighting against a minimal decorative stage was amazing. The use of select lighting techniques transferred audiences to the shadows of the pinnacles of Notre Dame.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a synthesis of ingenious choreography, professional dancers, excellent choice and combination of music, and resourceful staging. The was not only bliss to the eyes and ears outwardly, but also told the story of compassion and kindness as well as love and betrayal, which touched the heart of theatergoers so delicately. The ballet performance exuded simplicity and power. One could feel Hancock’s soul dancing in his creation.
Jolita Vilimiene is a retired ballerina of the Lithuanian National Ballet Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania.
