Purdue News
Purdue News
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January 7, 2000 Ballet Bordeaux returns with 'Romeo and Juliet'WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Convocations will present the classical story ballet "Romeo and Juliet," performed by the acclaimed French company Ballet de l'Opera de Bordeaux, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at Elliott Hall of Music on the university's campus. Choreographed by artistic director Charles Jude to the Prokofiev score, this production of "Romeo and Juliet" is sponsored by Cinergy and Lafayette Savings Bank. Ballet de l'Opera de Bordeau has more than two centuries of performances to its credit. "La fille mal gardee," one of the greatest choreographic comedies of the 18th century, received its world premiere with this company in 1789. Between 1840 and 1845, the ballet master at the city's opera house was the acclaimed Marius Petipa. The company gained prestige in 1990 when Paolo Bortoluzzi was named the artistic director. Bortoluzzi, a distinguished dancer who was guest star with American Ballet Theater during the 1970s, did much to revitalize the company. In 1996, Jude assumed artistic leadership of the company. His impressive resume includes multiple "Nureyev and Friends" tours as well as dancing with the Paris National Opera Theatre. In the last several years, the company has been busy with lavish choreographic tributes to Marius Petipa and Sergei Diaghilev, a stunning revival of their signature piece "La fille mal gardee," and a new production of "The Nutcracker" choreographed by Jude. Jude also led the company on a successful tour of Japan, and he added to the company's repertoire works created by contemporary choreographers Robert North, David Parsons, Ben Stevenson and Nils Christe. The company last performed at Purdue in 1995, when it was called Ballet-Theatre de Bordeaux. Tickets to the matinee performance on Jan. 23 are $30, $22 and $16 for the public, $15 and $12 for Purdue students. Charge by phone at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW or stop by campus box offices. In conjunction with the ballet performance, a special "Dance for Non-Dancers Workshop" will be held at noon Thursday, Jan. 20, in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom. Conducted by Carol Cunningham, head of Purdue's Dance Division, the workshop will focus on stretching and simple movements accompanied by background information about the ballet style used by the Bordeaux company. The workshop is free to the public. A light lunch is available for $3. Those wishing to participate in lunch should call (765) 494-9712 to make reservations. CONTACT: Sue Stevens, Convocations publicist, (765) 494-5045, snsteven@purdue.edu
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