Nashville Ballet’s ‘Emergence’ available for free on YouTube May 15-17
The popular choreographic workshop will be presented digitally for free.
The free presentation of ‘Emergence’ is available May 15-17 on Nashville Ballet’s YouTube channel.
Nashville Ballet was one of many arts organizations to cancel performances in March and April to comply with local, state, and federal government recommendations.
As a result, it is implementing many ways to continue teaching and entertaining at a safe distance using digital platforms, including presenting a free version of Emergence (which was intended to close its 2019–20 season) May 15–17 on the Nashville Ballet’s YouTube channel.
The premiere will be part of the Ballet’s free weekly digital content series, Saturday Night with Nashville Ballet, at 5 p.m. on May 15.
In addition, you can hear from the artists creating new works in preview videos as they are released in the days leading up to the premiere.
Lauded in past seasons as a production that “exudes artistic expression and individuality” (Broadway World, 2017), Emergence is typically used to give artists the chance to push themselves, to exist outside of their comfort zones, and try things they’ve never done before.
“This digital version is directly indicative of the strength, flexibility, and resiliency that is synonymous with a ballet dancer and is equally reflective of Nashville Ballet’s mission to provide Middle Tennessee and beyond with accessible opportunities to experience the transformative power of dance,” the organization said in a press release.
Each work was created while the choreographers were socially distancing, and while exact themes vary, many reflect upon the unique times in which we find ourselves.
“Dealing with the effects of coronavirus has made adopting the spirit of Emergence a necessity, not just for this production, but to ensure that art continues to entertain, to educate, and to inspire during a time in which traditional performances are not presently permissible,” the statement continues.
Originally scheduled to run May 14–17 at the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, four of the eight choreographers tapped for the workshop will now present new digital works as part of the recurring online series, Saturday Night with Nashville Ballet.
Resident Choreographer Christopher Stuart, Company Artists Julia Eisen, Mollie Sansone, and Gerald Watson all created new work; Artistic Director Paul Vasterling and Associate Artistic Director Nick Mullikin are also presenting digital works. This choreographic workshop has been the starting point for impressive mainstage productions including Jennifer Archibald’s Superstitions, Vasterling’s Something Wicked, and And Legions Will Rise by Brian Enos.
