Nashville Ballet will present renowned choreographer Salvatore Aiello’s charming and playful family ballet Clowns and Others during four performances at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet May 10-17, 2015.
A 14-member cast of clowns and other colorful characters use dance, acrobatics, pantomime and physical comedy to illustrate life’s little challenges through short vignettes. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s lively Visions Fugitives, Opus 22, take a journey through an old-fashioned circus with characters that teach us to smile through all of the unexpected events that keep life interesting.
“Salvatore Aiello’s choreography brilliantly captures the human spirit,” Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. “Clowns and Others portrays a wide scope of human emotions from grief to anger to compassion and shows how to empathize with each other and resolve our issues—all while keeping the humor alive.”
Sweet and silly encounters include following a wandering balloon, balancing on a challenging tightrope and experiencing unrequited love, leaving audiences of all ages laughing in the aisles.
“Clowns and Others appeals to both young audiences and the young at heart,” Nashville Ballet Director of Artistic Operations Sharyn Mahoney said. “The message is universal, and the use of slapstick humor, bright, visually appealing costumes and energetic music delivers it in a way that all ages can understand and relate to.”
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early and take photos at the clown-themed photo station, complete with comically large glasses, feather boas, party hats and clown noses. The 30-minute ballet, which opens on Mother’s Day, will be followed by a 15-minute interactive and educational component led by Nashville Ballet staff and dancers.
Clowns and Others will be the first performance in Nashville Ballet’s newly renovated facility.
Clowns and Others is presented by Modern Babies & Children. Tickets are just $12 for children 12 & under and $18 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or by clicking here. Visit our website for the full performance schedule and more information.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 60,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, The HCA Foundation, The Mall at Green Hills, Gateway Tire and Service Centers, and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.
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