Ballet Idaho cancels 2 performances this weekend in measure to combat coronavirus
Ballet Idaho has canceled its performance of “Light/Dark,” which was scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights at the Morrison Center, the company said in a statement released on Friday.
“The health and welfare of our patrons, artists, and staff is of utmost importance to us, and we support all steps being taken to contain the spread of COVID-19,” the release said.
Thursday night, on the eve of the performance, more than 70 people were invited to view a dress rehearsal for the purpose of filming the concert.
Front Runner Films recorded that performance and one on Friday afternoon, and will work with Ballet Idaho Artistic Director Garrett Anderson to create a film of the show. When it’s complete, people who bought concert tickets will receive a link to be able to watch the film for a limited time.
“Dance is our passion and while we may not be able to bring you to a performance this weekend, it would be our honor to bring Ballet Idaho into your home instead,” according to a press release.
I was thrilled to be in the audience for the live performance Thursday of four distinct and breathtaking works by guest choreographers: powerhouse Chicagoan Alejandro Cerrudo’s riveting “Off Screen,” luminary New York choreographer Lar Lubovitch’s ethereal “Something About Night,” international choreographer Ricardo Amarante’s emotion-filled trio of duets “Love Fear Loss,” and Australian choreographer Craig Davidson’s breathtaking “Ghost Light,” a world premiere for the company.
There were many individual standout performances: Nell Josephine and Daniel Ojeda in a duet in “Off Screen,” Shane Horan’s solo in “Something About the Night,” and Justin Hughes and Adrienne Kerr in their duets in “Love Fear Loss” and “Ghost Light.” They are fascinating to watch.
It was simply sublime and it’s a shame that audiences won’t be able to see it, except through this film.
But the real star of the night was the company as a whole, from the mesmerizing opening of “Off Screen” to the stunning, full-company, luminous staging of the “Ghost Light” finale.
In my nearly 25 years watching and writing about Ballet Idaho, under now three artistic directors, there have been a lot of memorable and beautiful performances. But this was truly one of the best-realized and most fulfilling programs the company has produced.
This is a scary time for arts groups such as Ballet Idaho, Boise Phil and Boise Contemporary Theater, which receive about a third of their revenue from ticket sales.
At the beginning of the evening Anderson told this audience, “These are uncertain times, and this is when we need art the most.” And then for two hours we were uplifted and inspired.
Because ticket sales have ended, the company is working on ways it can give non-ticket holders access to the film. If you’re interested, you can email the company’s marketing director, Alanna Love.
Ballet Idaho has its season finale program, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Carnival of the Animals,” scheduled for May 1-2 at the Morrison Center.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 4:34 PM.
