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May 27, 2015
THEATER | The highly anticipated debut Japan tour of the cutting-edge dance company led by Benjamin Millepied.
THEATER | Benjamin Millepied's Acclaimed New Dance Company
L.A. Dance Project's Highly Anticipated Japan Debut Announced!
This autumn, Benjamin Millepied, who will assume the role of Artistic Director of the Paris Opera Ballet, leads his rising star dance company, L.A. Dance Project, for their premiere performances in Japan. On November 8th (Saturday) and 9th (Sunday), they will present their first-ever shows in Japan at the Saitama Arts Theater.
Text by KUROMIYA Yuzu
A Must-See Performance Hinting at a New Era in Ballet
Benjamin Millepied, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet (NYCB) for many years, was discovered by the master choreographer Jerome Robbins. In 2010, he choreographed the Academy Award-winning film "Black Swan," also appearing in the movie, which brought him widespread acclaim. He later married Natalie Portman, the film's lead actress. Furthermore, at the remarkably young age of 37, he was appointed the next Artistic Director of the Paris Opera Ballet, capturing the attention of not only ballet enthusiasts but the entire world.
L.A. Dance Project is the troupe of emerging creators that Millepied founded in Los Angeles in 2012. Alongside exceptional dancers who have even impressed the legendary William Forsythe, the company brings together fresh talent from diverse fields, including promising choreographers, visual artists, and composers. Despite its short history, the company has become a partner to esteemed theaters such as Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, with its future prospects looking increasingly bright.
For their debut in Japan, the company will present three works: Millepied's ambitious piece "Reflections," which depicts contemporary youth and features simple music by David Lang and striking stage design by Barbara Kruger; "Morgan's Last Charge," by Emmanuel Gat, a rising choreographer with whom Millepied shares a deep trust; and William Forsythe's 1993 masterpiece "Quintett," re-choreographed by Forsythe for this company.
The unique creative process, bringing together artists from different genres for each production, and the performances delivered by dancers of overwhelming presence are not to be missed.
Saitama Arts Theater 20th Anniversary Commemorative Performance
Benjamin Millepied L.A. Dance Project
Dates | November 8 (Sat), 9 (Sun)
Time | Performance starts at 15:00
Venue | Saitama Arts Theater, Grand Hall
Ticket Prices | General Admission: S seats ¥6,000, A seats ¥4,000,
U-25 (Under 25 / Limited availability / ID required): S seats ¥3,000, A seats ¥2,000
Tel. 0570-064-939 (10:00–19:00, excluding holidays)