I think it makes our community a vibrant community. But what it means for us is that we need to make sure that people know that we are performing.
Paul brings a tremendous amount of experience on the administrative side as well as the creative production side.
The piece has been danced on four continents by 15 ballet companies. It's a very strange compilation of Bach blended with traditional African songs and rhythms. They kind of bleed in and out of each other.
The women are en pointe with sharp turns, legs up and fast.
Normally, you don't have access to a piece like this unless you've got a company of 50 to 60 dancers. In 'Stars and Stripes,' there is no such thing as a version for a smaller group of people.
You don?t see many full-length ballets being made like this, because the risk is so great.
Darius just unexpectedly dropped in out of heaven.
The corps has to almost breathe together. It's like when you see a flock of birds moving together and they're absolutely precise - it's beautiful, isn't it?
If you can find something that is a huge challenge for the dancers and also you know it is something that our community loves and will come and see it, that is a beautiful combination.
In 'Stars and Stripes,' you really pick up the spirit of the time.
I do try to pick a full-length ballet and a choreographer that will continue with this quest to really push my dancers and take advantage of how strong they are right now.
The dancing is in patterns. Lines transition and fold into each other.