July 22, 2004

Ballet Rogue returns to Lithia Park

By Steve Zimmerman
Ashland Daily Tidings

For the 25th year, Ballet Rogue returns to Lithia Park for its summer Ballet in the Park series. The final two performances of the season are Monday and Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Ballet founder Diane Hyrst talked about the changes in its program.

"This summer we have guest artists and a guest company," she said. "This year we have the Kinetic Images Dance Company from Lake Oswego. It will be a performance of classical modern dance, not on point."

Among the dancers performing this summer are Shalene Eve from Los Angeles and Portland. This is her third year dancing at Ballet in the Park.

Hyrst pointed out that Lithia Park is a great venue for both the performers and the audience.

"It is absolutely wonderful because when you go into a theater there is a certain form of intimidation," she said. "First of all, there is the price -- high prices in most theaters. Ballet in the Park is free. Also they can come and sit on blankets and chairs and can have a picnic before. This year we have the picnic before the concert.

"It is more informal and often people just stumble upon the activity in the park and have been enchanted by the relaxed atmosphere. Plus it is so hot this time of year, they come to the band shell and get refreshed by the cooler temperatures and the spectacle we present."

Five pieces will be performed by the ballet company. The first is called Infinite Moment.

"It is inspired by Bach's Brandenberg Concerto's," Hyrst said. "It is more classical looking, although as a dance it would look very beautiful on ballet dancers. I thought that the public at the band shell is used to more ballet programs, that this would be a good transition for them."

Eve will perform the second dance of the evening, a variation from the third act of the ballet, Raymonda, by Russian composer Alexander Glazouvov. It takes place in medieval Hungary.

The third dance is Liquid Time.

"This explores the movement through time," Hyrst said. "The movement itself is released and flexible but as the piece evolves, the movement is transformed into a more united, connected whole, much like the passage of water through time."

The fourth piece, danced after an intermission, is Le Corsaire. It is based on a poem by Byron Le Corsaire and has served as a useful vehicle for many ballerinas.

"It will be danced by Zach Carroll and Eve," Hyrst said. "This is a Pas de Deux that usually brings the house down. It is done as its own entity because it is so exciting. It will be a good representation of classical repertoire."

The final piece of the evening is called Homeland. It was created in the light of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

"Kinetic Images choreographer Kimm Mahoney-Watson explored the feelings of uncertainty and created five sections of movement, Splintered, Fervor, Resignation, Acceptance and Freedom," Hyrst said. "Freedom is a very high energy, upbeat dance with a jazzy flavor that celebrates the freedom of our choices."

Patrons can purchase box lunches and wine at Pioneer Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. Proceeds from the sales will go toward the company.

In late August, Ballet Rogue plans to open its new theater and office in Medford at the corner of Grape and Sixth Streets. Classes and space for dance, opera and music will be available in the new location.

This is the first time since the ballet was known as State Ballet of Oregon that it will have a home. In the past, it has always rented space.

"This will be Ballet Rogue's own home," Hyrst said. "It has been a long-time desire for us. Thanks to (Ballet Rogue) President Glen Hill, who had the vision and dynamic to act upon a need, we started looking and the first pace we saw, we were in awe. It was perfect."

With the move to its own space, Ballet Rogue will begin a new phase. "For the fall we will be preparing our performance of 'Nutcracker' which we will be performing the weekend before Christmas," Hyrst said. " We will also be using our largest studio as a venue for more intimate performances."

For more information on Ballet Rogue, call 301-1481.