American Repertory Ballet Will 'Elevate' Its Audience This Season

It's an art form that is as serene as it is powerful, capable of blending movement with music to tell transcendent stories that can be interpreted however the viewer wishes to see it. It is ballet. American Repertory Ballet (ARB) in New Brunswick, NJ is gearing up for the opening of its 2022/23 season with a program titled "Elevate," and there could be no better word to describe what is in store for the audience.

First, not only will world renowned ARB Artistic Director and choreographer Ethan Stiefel bring back his stunning "Wood Work," but he has also created a new solo based on the song "If I Could Only Fly" by American singer-songwriter and poet Blaze Foley.

"Blaze Foley's song has sort of haunted me for some time," says Stiefel. "Listening to it often and inspired by personal experiences to an extent, I recently saw this little story unfolding in my head. Soon thereafter, the atmosphere and movement quickly came into view as well. I also know that I have the right artists to so clearly and deeply convey the beauty and the ache Foley's song elicits."

"Elevate" will also feature world premieres by famed choreographers Stephanie Martinez and Meredith Rainey. Martinez's new work is a co-production between American Repertory Ballet and Madison Ballet, while Rainey's ballet, titled "Intrare Forma," is a partnership between him and Miranda Scripp, currently studying composition at New York University.

"The beginning of this particular work began with a conversation between me and the composer Miranda," says Rainey. "We discussed what we liked and disliked musically. She sent me sketches of music and that initiated a formal and compositional dialogue, which resulted in the piece, 'Intrare Forma.'"

Stephanie Martinez is known as a trailblazer in the art of ballet. She pushed the boundaries of the art form using psychology as her muse. Her new piece for "Elevate," titled "The Time That Runs Away," exemplifies that, it is something that will most likely challenge one's perception of the medium.

"This piece is based off of a poem by Ricardo Gondim titled 'My Soul Has a Hat,'" says Martinez. "Exploring one's soul means questioning all the desires and intentions that occur in the mind. It is about sifting in and out of dwelling on the beauty of life and the best it has to offer if we live it full with the time we have left."

ARB Artistic Director Stiefel feels that "Elevate" is just the beginning of an exciting season of dance programming, especially since his dance troupe contains essentially the same group of dancers from last season. "This continuity allows for even greater cohesiveness and creativity, affording the artists and the ballets the chance to come to life with more depth and camaraderie."

October is a part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and for Martinez this is a chance to celebrate her identity as an artist and human. Her new piece for "Elevate" isn't centered around being Hispanic or Indigenous, but she says it "fosters my creativity where I was brought up and showcases my choreography as a lens. It's a way to honor my roots and contribute to the richness of my culture. Living in the duality of two separate cultures – American and Latin – can offer up a different type of richness and point of view. Keeping my culture and identity alive. Threading and sewing of two cultures allows me to connect and celebrate the beauty of dance."

She adds that taking part in "Elevate" is allowing her to further share her work with new dancers and new audience members with American Repertory Ballet. "[It has] provided me a platform to showcase their talent, skill, and passion for dance and movement. I think it's important for dancers to tell stories and convey emotions and to have permission to bring vibrancy to the work."

Meredith Rainey adds to that sentiment. "American Repertory Ballet is a wonderful company of dancers and artists. They are open, trusting, fun, and engaging. Being a part of 'Elevate' has been, for lack of a better term, an elevating experience."

Stiefel has put together something special this season. It is a curation of content that will leave those new to the art and balletomanes alike moved and inspired. He hopes that the medium will continue to expand and elevate its culture and approaches. As an avid motorcyclist, Stiefel adapts a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson to sum up what inspires him: "Whether onstage or on two wheels, you realize that it's about the journey and the destination."

Tickets start at $25. For tickets, visit the American Repertory Ballet website or call the NBPAC box office at (732) 745-8000.

"Elevate" will be performed at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC):

Friday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 14 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.

The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is located at 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The venue can be reached by car or New Jersey Transit and has ample parking in its attached parking deck.