Speaking in Dance

by Sarah Teach

Other than the Sanskrit, of course, dance is said to be the mother of all languages.  Thus, what could be more appropriate for our internationally beloved island than a full week of celebrating dance in its most elegant form? Devotees of exceptional music, theater, and ballet will be delighted to learn that the Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival 2011 brings some of the modern world’s preeminent ballet talent to our tiny island.  Stars from New York City Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet will grace our stages from July 17 to 23, and you are invited to indulge yourself in an entire week of ballet bliss.  And you needn’t even stay off the stage; the Festival is full of dance classes and workshops for all ages.

Expertly tiptoeing ballerinas will not be the only luminaries flitting across Nantucket stages next week.  You will also find leading dance visionaries such as ballet icon Benjamin Millepied, who will be spending his third year as Artistic Director of the Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival.  A unique opportunity brought to us is this year is our chance to witness the world premiere of the sixth work of Justin Peck, the 23-year-old prodigy of a choreographer.  Also scheduled are several dance-related talks with notable authors and illustrators, along with a screening of filmmaker Frederick Wiseman’s acclaimed documentary, “La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet.”  A lecture and demonstration by Festival Artistic Director Millepied will be held Thursday afternoon, July 21, during which he will discuss the works to be performed during the evening performances.

There are two opportunities to behold the headlining show, as it will be performed on the evenings of Friday July 22 and Saturday July 23. The show promises an exceptional variety of dance in large groups and in smaller pairings, along with a blend of experienced choreographers and fresh minds in the field.  Justin Peck’s world premiere, 7 (for seven), will be danced by seven NYCB dancers, who have been rehearsing in New York and Nantucket in preparation for the performances.  The show also features a contemporary 1994 work by Ulysses Dove called Red Angels that pairs two couples in a powerful and dynamic visual display of athleticism.  The two pieces mentioned above will feature a unique combination of ballet and live music.  The two Paris Opera Ballet dancers, Dorothee Gilbert and Alessio Carbone, will dance the Scarlatti Pas de Deux, which was created for the Paris Opera Ballet by choreographer Jose Martinez in 2008. They will also dance the classic George Balanchine dance Rubies Pas de Deux from the ballet called Jewels.

Benjamin Millepied & Justin Peck

The Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival leaped onto the stage four years ago, and has since been a successful fundraising event for our library.  The Atheneum provides so many opportunities for us throughout the year, but it must raise the bulk of its own budget.  Thus, attendees benefit not only themselves but also the community of Nantucket.  Attend and be entertained, awed and inspired for a good cause!  All events are free, except for the evening performances on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. Tickets range from $45-$85 and can be purchased at the Atheneum or its website at www.NantucketAtheneum.org.  Both shows will be performed in the Nantucket High School auditorium, at 10 Surfside Road. For more details visit the Atheneum’s Schedule of Events page.