Downtown: Ballet Austin to Cast its Graceful Light on the Holocaust

Ballet AustinMarch 23rd through 25th, Ballet Austin fans from Barton Creek West to Legend Oaks will be donning their formalwear and heading downtown. But they won’t be going to just any ballet! Seven years ago, Artistic Director Stephen Mills led thirteen human rights organizations into community-wide collaboration, culminating in Ballet Austin’s Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project. Its 2005 world premiere brought national attention to Mills and Ballet Austin. From January 16th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) through April 19th (Yom HaShoah/ Holocaust Remembrance Day), this award-winning ballet returns to the stage with events and initiatives led by nearly 50 community partners! Set to the music of five of the most important living composers, his original choreography centers on the ravages of genocide and the triumph of the human spirit. Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project is a story of survival,” writes Mills. “Situated during the catastrophic events of the Holocaust, this work strives to illustrate the courage, resilience and perseverance required to endure and rebuild life after unimaginable and devastating loss.” Downtown Austin Ballet, by Hanna NealPerformances take place at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Dell Hall at 8 p.m. on March 23rd and 24th, as well as at 3 p.m. on March 25th. Tickets range from $15 to $74 and can be purchased on the Ballet Austin website, at the Box Office at 501 W. 3rd St. or by calling (512)476-2163. Don’t miss the Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project. The Austin American-Statesman calls this 75-minute ballet “visually and emotionally gripping” and “a masterful exposition on one of history’s darkest episodes.” SUPPORTING EVENTS Studio Spotlight – Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project Thursday March 8th, 12 – 1 p.m. | Thursday, March 8th 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Ballet Austin’s Austin Ventures Studio Theater Watch company dancers in rehearsal, learn about Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project and the collaborative process involved in making the work, and ask the choreographer and dancers questions about the artistic process. Free admission for those who RSVP. Footlights – Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project (ticket holders only) Friday, March 23rd , 7 p.m. | Saturday, March 24th , 7 p.m. | Sunday, March 25th, 2 p.m. Where: The Long Center An hour before each performance of Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, join us in the theater for a look at the final preparations for the ballet. See the last-minute workings of dancers and production crew as you learn about the history, music, and artists involved in the production. Free for ticket holders. Encore – Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project (ticket holders only) Friday, March 23rd, 10 p.m. | Saturday, March 24th, 10 p.m. | Sunday, March 25th, 5 p.m. Where: The Long Center Immediately following each performance of Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, join us for an informal conversation with Ballet Austin’s Artistic Director Stephen Mills, company dancers, and guest artists on the creative and artistic facets of the production. Free for ticket holders. The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group applaud Stephen Mills for bringing this poignant artistic presentation back to the Ballet Austin stage. They also believe in helping homebuyers stay on top of the Austin market. On the lookout for a Luxury Home in Austin, Texas? Check out Austin Home Search. * Photo by Hanna Neal.