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New Ballet Ensemble & School adds a fresh spin on the annual “Springloaded” production
Students, teaching artists and apprentices take to the stage April 13-14 at Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 4, 2024 — New Ballet Ensemble & School presents its annual “Springloaded” production with a new theme, “Tales of Light”. This year’s production explores storytelling and illumination, focusing on the duality of the light we can see and that which shines from within. Additionally, the original pieces are based on stories from the students and professionals dancing in this year’s show.
“Springloaded” runs Saturday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center — 60 Perkins Extd., Memphis, TN, 38117. Tickets are $25 in advance — available for purchase at newballet.org/performances-events/springloaded — and $30 at the door.
“Every year, Springloaded brings the opportunity for new exploration, and this performance is unlike any in the past,” said Katie Smythe, New Ballet founding CEO and artistic director. “Maxx Reed, creative director, brings a fresh viewpoint, embracing the culture he helped create as a New Ballet student and fusing it with the perspectives of the performers, those in training and those embarking on professional careers.”
This year’s “Springloaded” production highlights a variety of dances — from classical ballet to modern and hip-hop. It serves as a testament to the diverse tapestry of influences that define the DNA of New Ballet and demonstrates the importance of dance — to celebrate humanity through artistic expression. Pieces have been choreographed by an outstanding group of alumni and guest choreographers:
- Maxx Reed, New Ballet’s creative director and alumnus
- Chris Roberts, New Ballet alumnus
- Elizabeth Corbett, International Forsythe Technologies specialist, formerly of the Frankfurt Ballet
- Pablo Francisco Ruvalcaba of Movement Migration and the José Limon Dance Company, NYC
- Kim Jones of Movement Migration and the Martha Graham Company, NYC
“Spring is about rebirth and renewal,” said Reed. “With this production, I choreographed pieces that represented the dancers who are performing, telling their stories in a way that showcases who they are in this moment and how they’ve grown during the past year.”
For more information about “Springloaded,” visit newballet.org/performances-events/springloaded.
Posted by Addison Hare at April 4, 2024