[NEohioPAL]Ballet Florida performs a free concert at Kent State University

[emadden]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE THOMAS SCHROTH VISITING ARTIST SERIES PRESENTS BALLET FLORIDA
Ballet Florida presents a free concert at Kent State University

Kent, OH =96 Ballet Florida will perform a free concert at Kent State University 
as a part of the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series.  Founded more than 
twenty years ago by artistic visionary Marie Hale, Ballet Florida consistently 
earns national recognition for its work in dance and education.  Ballet 
Florida will perform Monday, November 25 at 8:00 PM in the E. Turner Stump 
Theatre of the Music & Speech Center at Kent State University=92s Main Campus.

=93From pointe shoes to Reeboks, Ballet Florida has something for everyone.=94  
- The Times Picayune New Orleans

Ballet Florida will be performing four selections from their extensive 
repertory on November 25th.  LENTO A TEMPO E APPASSIONATO is choreographed by 
Vicente Nebrada and performed to music by Scriabin.  Following the development 
of a relationship between two lovers, this elegant pas de deux begins slowly 
and then explodes with passion in its dynamic conclusion.  Performed with a 
live piano accompanist on stage, it is a work that is sure to please any 
audience.  READ MY HIPS, choreographed by Daniel Ezralow with music by Michael 
Colombier is a fast paced full company work that explodes off the stage and 
confronts the audience in their seats.  Packed with pounding rhythms and 
thrilling visual dynamics, this bravura work does for dance what MTV does for 
music.  Choreographed by William Forsythe, STEPTEXT, is performed to the music 
of J. S. Bach.  Few choreographers can claim to have captured the spirit of 
20th century ballet as much as William Forsythe.  Disjointed, challenging 
movement motifs are accented by an abridged treatment of the Bach score.  This 
work is a technical masterpiece, demanding full quality pointe work and 
strength.  Intimate and involving, this fascinating ballet is a sure 
indication of the future of Ballet.  THE ENVELOPE, the signature work from the 
exciting choreographer David Parsons, performed to music by Rossini, is witty 
and sophisticated.  A group of dancers attempt first to find out the contents 
of a mysterious envelope, then with equal manic vigor, attempt to discard it.  
Entertaining and yet still formal in its construction, this is a popular dance 
work all over the world.
 
Founded more than twenty years ago by artistic visionary Marie Hale, Ballet 
Florida consistently earns national recognition for its work in dance and 
education. Incorporated as Ballet Arts Foundation in 1973, the company began 
as a dance school and formed its professional company in 1986. Over the past 
11 years, Ballet Florida has earned the distinction of being one of the 
fastest growing dance companies in America, one of the top 20 dance companies 
in the nation.

Ballet Florida is one of the few dance companies in the country that performs 
such a diverse and eclectic repertory. The exceptional talent of its 21 
professional dancers and the artistic integrity of Marie Hale continually 
attract renowned choreographers to Palm Beach County to work with the company. 
New works by great artists such as George Balanchine, Peter Martins, Alvin 
Ailey, Vicente Nebrada, Val Caniparoli, and Mauricio Wainrot are regularly and 
frequently added to the repertory.

Thomas Schroth (1922-1997) was born in Niles, Ohio and spent his life in that 
community as a professional architect.  A world cultural traveler, he 
personified the interrelatedness of human expression and human progress. The 
Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series is devoted to exploring that 
relationship.  The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series has been made 
possible by a generous gift from David "Max" and Cecile "Cil" Draime in memory 
of their dear friend, Tom Schroth.

This performance is free and open to the public as a part of the Thomas 
Schroth Visiting Artist Series.  Ballet Florida will perform at 8:00 PM in the 
E. Turner Stump Theatre of the Music & Speech Building on the Main Kent State 
University Campus.  For pictures of Ballet Florida please email 
bhilger at kent.edu.
Elisabeth Madden
Managing Director
Kent State University=92s School of Theatre & Dance
330-672-0103 (Office)
330-672-2889 (Fax)
emadden at kent.edu

Elisabeth Madden
Managing Director
School of Theatre & Dance
Porthouse Theatre
330-672-0103
emadden at kent.edu