Based in Costa Mesa, California, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts just announced its live/indoors 2021 Dance performance season featuring three groundbreaking companies followed by one of America’s leading ballet companies. San Francisco’s renown Alonzo King LINES Ballet (September 11), Philadelphia’s exciting BalletX (October 16) and New York City’s exuberant Parsons Dance (November 20) each perform only one night. Finally, American Ballet Theatre returns with its glorious seasonal sellout The Nutcracker (December 10-19).
“Each of these companies was chosen to open our season because of the quality of the dancers and the unique style of the choreographers. Nothing can compare to the excitement of live dance. The choreography is imaginative, and each company has its own unique style. Dance is the perfect way to open our season back at Segerstrom Hall stage. This is an experience you do not want to miss!,” shares Judy Morr Executive Vice President.
James Gowan – Alonzo King LINES Ballet – Photo by RJ Muna
The 2021 dance season begins with Alonzo King LINES Ballet performing in Segerstrom Hall on September 11, 2021. Alonzo’s work is described in the San Francisco Chronicle as “Gripping, urgently beautiful choreography.” Audiences will not be disappointed as LINES Ballet will present AZOTH, one of the company’s most acclaimed cross-disciplinary collaborations between Alonzo King; Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee Charles Lloyd; MacArthur Fellow and artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center, Jason Moran; and Bay Area artist Jim Campbell whose works sits atop San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower. “Alonzo has a way of hearing,” explains Moran. “His choreography becomes melodic content.”
Their coloration between these four artists is described as “an unforgettable dialogue between movement and music that illuminates the shared freedom and wonder of their art forms” (Segerstrom Center press release). LINES Ballet will also perform beautiful and exciting excerpts from the Company’s expansive repertoire.
BalletX – Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center
On October 16, 2021, BalletX makes its debut at Segerstrom Hall. Led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX is celebrating its 15th Anniversary season. Adjectives used to describe the company include fresh, inclusive, trail blazing and the “IT Company” to watch.
Founded in 2005 by Cox and Matthew Meenan, BalletX commissions works by choreographers from around the world producing over 100 ballets by 60 choreographers and BalletX has toured both nationally and internationally.
Parsons Dance – featured: Zoey Anderson – Photo by Travis Magee
Founded in 1985 by David Parsons and Tony Award winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, Parsons Dance is considered one of the world’s leading modern/contemporary dance companies. The New York Times wrote, “This is a dance your heart out (at all times, no excuses) kind of enterprise.” The company also makes its debut at Segerstrom Hall on November 20, 2021 featuring Parsons’ signature work Caught (1982). With the use of flashing lights, the dancer performing Caught appears to defy gravity as he/she performs over 100 leaps appearing never to touch the ground. It is a dance that one never tires witnessing.
American Ballet Theatre – The Nutcracker – Misty Copeland and Daniil Simkin – Photo @Doug Gifford
Rounding out 2021, New York City’s world famous American Ballet Theatre returns to Segerstrom Hall with the ever-pleasing and house filling extravaganza The Nutcracker, December 10-19, 2021. Teeming with magic, candy canes, dances from around the world, and young love, The Nutcracker is a favorite of every young inspiring ballerina and ballerino around the world.
Those dates again:
Alonzo King Lines Ballet – September 11, 2021
Ballet X – October 16, 2021
Parsons Dance Company – November 20, 2021
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – December 10-19, 2021
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To purchase tickets online, click HERE.
In person and Phone: The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. 92626. (714) 556-2787. Monday 10am – 2 pm; Tuesday through Friday Noon – 5 pm; Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Group sales – (714) 755-0236. Season Ticket Subscriptions Available
To see the full 2021 Segerstrom Center for the Arts season, click HERE.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Adji Cissoko and Robb Beresford in LIGHTENED – Alonzo King LINES Ballet – Photo by RJ Muna
