While the rest of us were in bed, watching multiple reruns of Law & Order (maybe that was just Laura and me), our girl about town, Jenny Block, was the only reporter allowed to sit in on the dress rehearsal for Texas Ballet Theater’s big mixed-rep program, Stars & Premieres, featuring world-renowned dancer Carlos Acosta. Below is a sneak peek:
If you don’t know who Carlos Acosta is, you should. He’s a world-renowned ballet dancer, originally from Cuba, who is being called the heir to Baryshnikov. And—pardon me for saying so—he is hot. (See for yourself on his web site. I saw the dress rehearsal last night, and the show is amazing. Now, don’t expect the Nutcracker or Swan Lake. The choreography in these pieces is modern, surprising, exciting—even a little shocking. One piece includes dancers swathed in sheer fabric that seems to glow from within. Another is danced to the music of Tina Turner. I thoroughly enjoy watching all of the dancers of TBT, but Andre Silva and Carolyn Judson’s technical and theatrical prowess makes it hard to take your eyes off of them. The most classic and therefore “familiar” piece in the program is the Corsair pas de deux. Acosta dances the piece with Chinese performer Zhang Jian, the tiniest, loveliest thing you have ever seen. And then there’s Acosta, who jumps higher and turns faster (and more times) than seems possible, while exhibiting mind-bogglingly natural strength, talent, grace, and precision. Don’t ask me how, but there are still tickets available. www.texaballetheater.org or 877-212-4280.