Salsa Dreams, with Billy the Kid and Cryin' Out

Presented by SunTrust

February 10 - 12, 2012 at TPAC's Polk Theater

Part of Nashville Ballet's Contemporary Series

Nashville Ballet’s mixed repertory winter series features three popular pieces — Salsa Dreams, Billy the Kid and Cryin’ Out.

In Salsa Dreams, ballet and salsa unite on stage fueled by the live salsa music performed by Lalo Davila y Amigos. These two genres meet when a classical ballerina daydreams about crossing paths with a group of salsa dancers who move in a way she’s never experienced. By the end of the performance, she has embraced this new, free-spirited style of movement.

Previously performed in 2005, the infectious music from Lalo Davila y Amigos inspired audience members to literally dance in the aisles after the performance.

Cryin’ Out features choreography by Gina Patterson and music written and performed by genre-busting songwriter Gary Nicholson, whose songs have been recorded by rock and country legends alike, including Bonnie Raitt, Vince Gill and the Dixie Chicks. Nicholson will perform some of his most recognized songs, including “One More Last Chance,” “More Love” and “Choose Love” for this mix of contemporary dance and traditional ballet.

Nashville Ballet will also revive Billy the Kid, a quintessential American work choreographed by Eugene Loring in 1938. Based on the life of the infamous Western outlaw of the same 

name, Billy the Kid illustrates how Billy’s reputation as both a criminal and a hero was an influential part of Wild West cultureafter the Civil War. Billy the Kid was one of the first ballets choreographed on American themes, created during the surge of American art production begun in the 1920’s. It since become a masterpiece of American repertoire. Billy the Kid is funded through a Masterpiece Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Salsa Dreams, with Billy the Kid and Cryin’ Out will be held at TPAC’s Polk Theater for three performances:
Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Curtain Closer – Polk Theater after the performance
Join members of the artistic staff immediately following the performance to learn about the creation process and collaborative efforts that inspire audience members and all the artists involved!