It’s that time of year – to grab wine, a blanket, throw on a sweater over your sundress, and head to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre in Vail for the International Dance Festival. This year promises to be just as awesome as any other – with New York City Ballet MOVES opening the two week festival on July 29. MOVES features choreography strictly by NYCB’s founding members, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. This Sunday night opener is followed on Monday evening (Jul. 30) by the second night of MOVES – tickets start at $20. Tuesday, July 31, sees an extension of MOVES, featuring a celebration of the collaboration between the choreography of Mr. B, set to scores only by Stravinsky.
The much anticipated International Evenings of Dance serves as the crown jewel of the festival the following weekend. With performance times of 7:30 on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, the International Evenings of Dance promise an eccentric mix of dance from around the world. This years artists cover the gamut; with representation from The Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Fang-Yi Sheu & Artists, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, The Royal Ballet, and Brian Brooks Moving Company. Each evening will feature a wide range, from the classical to the modern, the tango to the spiritual. Each evening will feature an entirely different repertoire, as well – so staying for both nights is a must.
On Monday, August 6, at 7:30 pm, the world premier of several works will culminate under the title of NOW – featuring artists from Martha Graham Dance Company, BalletX, and Fang-Yi Sheu, among others. Tuesday, August 7 features Dance for $20.12 – an affordable way to see some of the featured artists of the festival. Martha Graham Dance Company takes the stage on August 9th, also at 7:30 pm, with swooping costumes and the lovely lines that only modern dance can attain.
The very sultry Ballroom Spectacular highlights Friday evening – also at 7:30 pm, featuring internationally acclaimed ballroom dancers, including Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine. Dance TV wraps up VIDF 2012, with a celebration of dance in television, featuring stars from “So You Think You Can Dance,” among others.
Tickets to all of the aforementioned performances range from $20- $75, and can be purchased online or by calling 970-864-TIXS. Lawn seating is always a super affordable, relaxed way to see dance – just don’t forget blankets! There’s really nothing better than watching world class dance in the heart of the Rockies this August. Visit http://vaildance.org for more videos, bios, and updates!