What inspires me?

We're all so very excited for the premier of Ron Cunningham's "The Great Gatsby"! I had read the book in high school, so when I heard that Ron was creating a ballet for it, all the knowledge I had once held came rushing back, and not only was I enthralled by the fact that we would be doing Gatsby, but also because I've not gotten to be apart of Ron creating a new ballet, seeing as this is my first season here at Sacramento Ballet! If I could choose any era to be from, I would definitely choose the roaring 20's. Everything was over the top, fancy, and the music was big and loud. The women were so well put together and dressed to the nine's, and the men were dapper and distinguished. Before knowing we'd be doing Gatsby, I had recently watched the movie "The Artist" which is a brand new silent film set back in the 20's. Seeing this movie sent me into a whole new mind filled with inspiration. The arts were so important, whether it was dancing, singing, being a musician or an actor. I'm in complete awe of the class that this era had, everything just seemed so chic and divine. So now that I get to be apart of "The Great Gatsby" and dance in a bunch of party scenes that have been a blast to work on with Ron, I get to pretend that I'm from my favorite era. The first time I heard the music for this ballet, it gave me chills! It's sort of like a dream come true, having a job that allows me to pretend to be things that I'm not. Everyday in rehearsal since we've started working on Gatsby with Ron, he'll give us things to try to see if he likes them, and then will watch it and maybe tweak where he wants us to look, or how to hold our arms slightly different which changes the entire feel of the whole step, which is incredible! Dancing like you're from the 20's and doing the Charleston, makes me feel so fresh and free! Not only am I super excited to be dancing in all of the party scenes and have carefree fun with my awesome dance partners like they did back then, but I've also have been privileged enough to get to understudy the role of Daisy Buchanan, though I still have much to learn, I am excited I was allowed to do this because learning such a heart felt role allows me to develop as an artist. The book broke my heart, made my heart feel light and happy and everything in between (I mean, what girl wouldn't want to date Jay Gatsby?) and I am thankful I get to be apart of something so large, a ballet that you'll know, recognize, and love! Come have a good time with The Sacramento Ballet as we gear up to knock your socks off with The Great Gatsby, February 7th- 10th!

-Maggie

Fitting in with American Tradition

The Great Gatsby; Fitting in with American Tradition

By: Mate Szentes

Over the past few weeks our studios have been filled with the purely American sounds of big-band jazz songs and the exuberant melodies of George Gershwin’s original composition as we rehearse Ron Cunningham’s adaption of “The Great Gatsby” alongside George Balanchine’s “Who cares?” After moving to the US from Hungary just seven months ago, so much has already changed in my life. Everything is new for me and being a part of these two masterpieces is such an amazing and exhilarating experience. I’ve never ever had as much fun in the studio as I’ve had in these past few weeks. 

To be honest, the 1920‘s “jazzy” American style is not totally natural for me but I try my best to learn it and make my body comfortable with the movement. Watching other dancers adapt to this style so naturally and with such ease makes me jealous at times,  but I also find it really inspiring. 

I have also really enjoyed watching Ron creating in the studio and I think I speak for all the dancers when I say that we really love bringing his ideas to life. 

As we near the end of the creation process and we all watch as “The Great Gatsby” comes together, piece by piece, I find myself more and more excited to move into the theatre. With the energy of a live jazz band and traditional “roaring twenties” costumes, I am thrilled be a part of this truly American masterpiece.

Sometimes Photos Are Better Than Words

By Alexander Biber 

Having danced for the Sacramento Ballet for four years this is the first time I have gotten to be a part of a new ballet of Ron’s. When we rehearse a ballet that has been set before there is already an expectation to be like the dancer who the roll was originally created on.  It’s exciting to be the first person to perform a part because it can reflect more of your own personality and accommodate more to your strengths as a dancer. It has been great to watch the company create their roles and see how they interpret their characters. Early this week I decided to stay and watch the principal run of the ballet, It was amazing to see the story coming together from start to finish and see how far it has come. Here are some photos from the run I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Alexander Biber

 

Me & Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a completely brand new ballet for me because having been raised in Japan,  I didn't know the Great Gatsby story nor did I know the Charleston or the old-style american dancing from this time period. So, because both the dance style and the story and the time period are all really new to me, it's wonderfully exciting and completely brand new! Also, during rehearsal Ron takes the time to explain all the steps one-by-one and also the feeling of the time period in which The Great Gatsby takes place, which makes it  not only a really fun dance to learn but also a real education as well. At my house I have an record player with lots of old jazz and swing records. So I listen to them often and because they have these kinds of steps that were danced during that period, it's really fun!

On a personal note, my mom is coming from Japan to watch The Great Gatsby and Balanchine's "Who Cares?" and I am really excited to be able to show her these uniquely American-style ballets. These ballets are something we could never have the chance to see in Japan.  

Kaori★

I’m always “In the Mood” for some jazz.

Learning The Great Gatsby has been so much fun. One of the main reasons I have enjoyed it so much is my connection to jazz music. I have always played a musical instrument and then in high school I followed in my brothers footsteps and learned the bass guitar and upright bass. I was surprised how easily I took too it. I loved playing the jazz music. It is just so much fun!

To make things more fun, my high school’s musical production is 2 weeks of a 1930’s night club. It isn’t just a show for people to watch. They are literally walking into a nightclub. Four course meal, with the live jazz band, singers, a drama, a dance team and patrons can also dance on their own on the dance floor. I played in the band and danced on the dance team. I was privileged to learn all sorts of ballroom styles, Charleston, Swing, Rumba, Samba, Waltz, compete with lifts, flips, and tosses. It was definitely the best part about high school so getting to return to this era and dance the Charleston to jazz music is so great! It’s always fun to do a different style other than ballet and I feel dancing the dances from this era helps remind us what dancing is about; having fun and expressing yourself

-Christine

being part of a new work

This is my very first time being part of the creation of a new work! It is so exciting to see how a choreographer, especially Ron, works, and how the pictures in his mind become a reality on the dance floor. As we are now in full swing Gatsby mode, I have been able to see a bit more of the other rehearsals. And being someone who has never read or seen The Great Gatsby, it has been extremely interesting to watch the story unfold as Ron creates it. Being part of this has been unlike any other dance experience I have been apart of. For example, when Ron asks us to do something he sees in his mind, although it might sound crazy, you give it a shot, and even though you might not do it exactly the way he explained, it is now what the step is, or something in-between. Because nothing has been set in stone yet! Its great! Currently Ron is creating a "fight" scene, it's so much fun, he tells us what moves to do, and then we put a little of our own twist on it, it's really fun! If you want to see this "fight" scene, you can find tickets at http://www.sacballet.org/index.php/season/420/

See you at the after party in the roaring 20's

Mila

Ready, Set, GATSBY!

In less than three weeks time, the dancers of the Sacramento Ballet will be at the Community Center Theater preparing for a weekend of shows...It's very hard to believe, especially since this week is the first time we will be fully focused on Gatsby! Since the new year, we have learned a piece by Jared Nelson for our Modern Masters show (in May), and last week was devoted to learning George Balanchine's Who Cares, which will be performed alongside The Great Gatsby. I am very eager to see the ballet be pieced together this week, because aside from the fun duet I dance with Ava Chatterson (we play twins!) I have seen very little else of what Ron has choreographed for my fellow dancers! Be sure to check back later this week for my "behind the scenes" video of Gatsby rehearsals!!

Also, if you want to hear more about the making of Gatsby and get a first look at this world premiere, mark your calendars now for the Inside the Director's Studio on January 25 at 6pm!
http://www.sacballet.org/index.php/upcoming_events/

~Katie Miller