Shimon Ito in "Heatscape" choreographed by Justin Peck. It is one of three ballets that make up Miami City Ballet's season opener, "Peck in Motion." Photo by Alexander Iziliaev, courtesy of Miami City Ballet.
The key word for the fall season of Miami City Ballet ( MCB ) is movement, which is not unexpected since it is after all a ballet company. However, this is not just any kind of movement, it is choreographer Justin Peck’s style of movement: fast, energetic and thrilling to watch. Peck wraps his movements in a whirlwind of dancers in ensemble groups, duets and all sorts of formations. Stillness in not long-lived before the power and beauty of the dancers' movements set off again.
After a two-year absence from Miami City Ballet dancing at Carolina Ballet, Shimon Ito makes his return. Photo from Miami City Ballet.
Peck was a dancer and soloist with New York City Ballet until he turned his focus on choreography. His work has been performed by numerous dance companies including Paris Opera Ballet, Australian Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Boston Ballet, Julliard, and MCB. He currently serves as Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet.
"Peck: Miami in Motion" is the Fall Mix program for MCB and is also the first program to be presented under MCB’s third Artistic Director, Gonzalo Garcia, as it enters its 40th Anniversary season. Garcia started his ballet training in Spain, where he won the Prix de Lausanne ( a prestigious ballet competition ) at just 15 years old. He went on to perform as a principal with both San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet. Garcia said: “ It’s an extraordinary honor to step into leadership at Miami City Ballet as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary. The season is a vibrant reflection of MCB’s artistic identity-dynamic, diverse, and deeply connected to the community it serves. I’m excited to see these programs come to life with our incredible dancers and to continue building on this inspiring legacy in the seasons ahead.”
The all Peck program opens with “Year of the Rabbit “ which is set to an orchestral arrangement of Sufjan Stevens’ electronic album Enjoy Your Rabbit based on Chinese astrology. Peck says his work drew its energy from Stevens’ music. Peck has spoken about blending artistry, athleticism, and musicality all together. He said it is his way of making the choreography come alive through the score.
Anabel Katsnelson rehearsing an intricate pose with Guillermo Dominguez and Shimon Ito in "Heatscape" trio. Photo from Miami City Ballet.
“Chutes and Ladders” is Peck at his playful best. Just like the name, it is a game with a sense of ups and downs. The piece is set to Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 1. Peck created this pas de deux in just nine days and it marked Peck’s choreographic debut with MCB. The piece is filled with playful movements and the dancers seem to be playing in a somewhat child-like manner. “Chutes and Ladders” is not a narrative ballet and the piece is visually engaging and allows the dancers explore a lot of dynamic range.
Adrienne Carter in rehearsal for "Heatscape," choreographed by Justin Peck. Photo from Miami City Ballet.
The final piece on the program is all about Miami, especially the Wynwood Arts District, which is rich with an amazing display of murals. Anyone who has seen these murals are immersed in vibrant colors and an array of subjects. What Peck may have seen in Wynwood is a neighborhood in transition and its pride in being one of Miami’s most dynamic areas.
“Heatscape” is Peck’s ode to a place that is an inspiration unto itself. While outsiders are welcome it is the community that gives Wynwood its pulse. Peck captures that pulse in his work, which include street-art mandala inspired backdrops by Shepard Fairy. The music is by Bohuslav Martinû’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Peck has mentioned in interviews that he wanted to blend the energy of Wynwood’s art scene with ballet. What he created is a youthful piece which lends a modern feel to ballet.
Tricia Albertson, right, performed for 26 years with MCB. Here's she's shown in "Chutes and Ladders" with with Renato Penteado, choreographed by Justin Peck. Albertson now serves as rehearsal director for the season-opening"Peck: In Motion." Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
If You Go:
What: Miami City Ballet’s “Peck: Miami in Motion”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Also: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1; 1 and 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2.
Tickets: $45, $67, $90, $100, $106, $118, $134, $140, $205, $214, $225, $263, depending on showtime and venue.
Information: 305-929-7010 or miamicityballet.org
