Twyla Tharp to create new work with Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Atlanta Ballet

Later this year, choreographic giant Twyla Tharp will partner with RWB and Atlanta Ballet to create a new full-length ballet. A co-production between the two companies, the new work will have its North American Premiere in Atlanta in February 2012 followed by RWB’s Canadian premiere in Fall 2012.

One of the most influential figures of 20th century dance, Tharp has choreographed more than 135 ballets, five Hollywood movies, four Broadway shows and written three books. Tharp’s “fierce, driving and relentless” choreography irrevocably changed the face of modern ballet. Now the dance dynamo has set her sights on RWB and Atlanta Ballet.

 “Both the RWB and Atlanta Ballet are defined by risk-taking, and Ms. Tharp has selected our two internationally-renowned companies to collaborate on this exciting new project because of this shared value,” said RWB Artistic Director André Lewis. “This co-production represents a rare opportunity for artists from Canada, the United States and around the world to work together under the leadership of one of the world’s most influential choreographers. We are honoured to be working with Ms. Tharp.”

Tharp joined Lewis and Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director John McFall today in Atlanta, Georgia for the announcement of the project, explaining to the live studio audience that the new ballet will have a cast of professional dancers and children and that the piece will be performed to the music of Franz Schubert. 

Tharp hopes to have the opportunity to visit RWB in Winnipeg this spring in conjunction with the Company’s performance of her ballet In the Upper Room as a part of RWB’s much-anticipated Bright Lights, Big City mixed repertoire program at the Centennial Concert Hall (May 4-8, 2011). Tharp will begin work on the new ballet in Atlanta this summer.