The Joffrey Ballet will perform an edgy and passionate program of contemporary choreography this weekend at the Touhill.
The Joffrey Ballet will flex its muscles as one of the world’s most illustrious dance companies when it performs this weekend at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The performances, presented by Dance St. Louis and Wells Fargo Advisors, will begin at 8 p.m. March 9 and 2 and 8 p.m. March 10 in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.
The edgy and passionate program by contemporary choreographers will include two intensely sensual new works: “Age of Innocence” and “After the Rain.” “Age of Innocence” was created especially for the Joffrey by a brilliant new voice in American dance, Edwaard Liang. “After the Rain” is an erotic yet spiritual dance by British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
The program will also feature a performance “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,” an explosive work by American choreographer William Forsythe that has become a modern classic in the last quarter century.
The Joffrey Ballet has been a pioneer in dance creativity since Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey founded it in 1956. The company’s repertory features experimental new works, reconstructions of landmark modern masterpieces, and classical favorites including full-length ballets.
The Joffrey was featured in Dance St. Louis’ Nutcracker at the Fox from 2007 to 2010 but has not performed a program in St. Louis of other dances from its repertory since 2001. The company has been directed since 2007 by Ashley Wheater.
Dance St. Louis Artistic and Executive Director Michael Uthoff will host a free program, “Speaking of Dance,” in the Touhill’s Terrace Lobby at 7:15 p.m. prior to the 8 p.m. performances and at 1:15 p.m. prior to the Saturday 2 p.m. performance. He will also host an informal post-performance conversation, “Speak Easy,” also in the Terrace Lobby, immediately after the shows.
Tickets for the Joffrey Ballet night performances are $40 to $60. All tickets for the matinee performance are $40. Visit touhill.org or call 314-516-4949 to order tickets.
