JOHNSTON, IOWA (January 20, 2021) - A groundbreaking partnership between dance, music and video arts continues as Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines present Acts of Resilience | Vision. The hour-long performance premieres on-air and online Friday, February 5, 8:30PM, with an encore presentation on Sunday, February 7, 1PM.
Award-winning and inspiring choreographers designed three separate and compelling ballet performances by Ballet Des Moines highlighting the strength of classically trained dancers while showcasing the artistry of contemporary movement. Recorded on the stage of the Maytag Auditorium at Iowa PBS, these three performances illustrate the range and breadth of ballet dance itself.
"It has been so rewarding to bring a previously unseen side of ballet performance to such a wide audience," said Iowa PBS Producer and Director Theresa Knight. "The three performances featured in Acts of Resilience | Vision capture the grace and power of the dancers in a way that even avid ballet fans haven't experienced."
Performances include:
* A Little Levity — Choreographed by Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, ballet master at Oklahoma City Ballet, and featuring music by Mozart.
* Sliding Figures (Andante con Moto) — Conceived and performed in collaboration with the Roseman Quartet, featuring music by Franz Schubert and choreographed by Serkan Usta.
* Fly Me to the Moon — Featuring choreography by Serkan Usta and iconic songs of Frank Sinatra performed by Max Wellman and his band.
Viewers who are familiar with the art and athleticism of ballet will find themselves drawn to the unique presentation of the musicians and dancers together on stage. Those who may not have had many previous experiences with ballet will get a fresh perspective with up close and personal videography and insights.
"We are thrilled to share this inspiring collection of works with such a vast audience this season, allowing people from every corner of our community a chance to nurture their souls and lift their spirits," said Ballet Des Moines Executive Director Blaire Massa. "Iowa PBS has captured not only the power and emotion of dance, but also a beautiful, intimate perspective on the performances which deepens the experience for ballet lovers new and old."
The Acts of Resilience series is created through a partnership between Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines to bring the ballet company's 2020-2021 season to audiences across Iowa and beyond. Stay tuned in spring 2021 for Acts of Resilience | Spirit.
The collaboration makes this breathtaking art form more accessible than ever. Additionally, Iowa PBS Education is creating a selection of bespoke learning opportunities targeted for PBS LearningMedia and virtual classrooms during the school year.
Learn more at iowapbs.org.
In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs.org/livestream, the PBS Video App, and YouTube TV. Iowa PBS programs, behind-the-scenes extras, and more can be enjoyed on iowapbs.org, Facebook, and YouTube. Viewers can also stream their favorite shows on demand using the PBS Video App, available on iOS, Android, and many streaming devices.
As Iowa's only statewide television network, Iowa PBS's mission to educate, inform, enrich, and inspire Iowans guides its quality, non-commercial programming that tells Iowa's stories like no one else can. Four statewide, public channels offer programs of lasting value to Iowans, regardless of where they live or what they can afford: Iowa PBS .1, Iowa PBS KIDS .2, Iowa PBS WORLD .3 and Iowa PBS Create .4 on Channel 11, Des Moines; Channel 12, Iowa City; Channel 21, Fort Dodge; Channel 24, Mason City; Channel 27, Sioux City; Channel 32, Waterloo; Channel 32, Council Bluffs; Channel 36, Davenport; and Channel 36, Red Oak. More information can be found at iowapbs.org.
