Brian Brooks created a new duet called FALL FALLS, which he danced with Wendy Whelan at Vail International Dance Festival this week. Nel Shelby Productions was a witness to the creative process, interviewing both artists and filming behind-the-scenes dance footage during rehearsals. Wendy and Brian are such lovely human beings in addition to being ridiculously talented. Both of them could not have been more generous in sharing of themselves. I loved the work, and with music by Philip Glass, played live by Brooklyn Rider, I was not surprised when the audience rose to their feet clapping and cheering. Wendy and Brian inspire me to be better at what I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQTTBZ7hWE
FALL FALLS premiered Monday night
Vail International Dance Festival‘s UpClose series gives an in-depth look at a particular theme with firsthand stories from the dancer and choreographer perspectives. This summer, Vail presented UpClose: Stravinsky by Balanchine, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of New York City Ballet’s Stravinsky Festival. Peter Martins and Damian Woetzel discussed dances Balanchine created to Stravinsky’s music—Agon, Rubies, Firebird and more—in a behind-the-scenes format with demonstrations and even audience participation. It was a packed house, and the audience loved it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h0fL6qMv9o
Excerpts from UpClose: Stravinsky by Balanchine
On Friday night we filmed some of the best artists in the world during the first of Vail International Dance Festival’s International Evenings. From Fang-Yi Sheu to Wendy Whelan to Herman Cornejo…it was thrilling to see the diversity and stamina on stage (especially in this altitude!!) I also spent that day interviewing Carla Körbes, Fang-Yi Sheu, Daniel Ulbricht and Craig Hall. They all shared themselves so deeply. I don’t think it can get much better than this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NtGLu5reXM
A wide range of exceptional dancing at this summer’s first International Evening