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Rodeo Reflections

Tubular Bells is behind us, but In Paradisum is ahead!

by Allison Mitton

 Last week, I had the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic performance of Tubular Bells, performed by Alberta Ballet and the Bergmann Piano Duo at the 24th High Performance Rodeo. The evening consisted of two distinct segments that, combined, resulted in a well-deserved standing ovation.

 The first half of the performance featured four truly gifted pianists performing "Canto Ostinato" by Simeon ten Holt. By the intermission, the only word I could muster was "Wow", and I could tell I wasn't the only one. There was a nervous excitement in the crowd as we realised that what we had just experienced was a rare feat.

 Going into the second act, I had raised expectations that would be hard to meet. Then, four dancers from Alberta Ballet took to the stage and shattered those expectations. With precise and intricate choreography, the dancers performed in captivating synchronicity with Marcel Bergmann's piano arrangement of Tubular Bells.

 I feel privileged to have attended this truly wonderful performance, and I'm willing to bet the audience who gave it a roaring standing ovation felt the same way. Congratulations to choreographer Yukichi Hattori, the company dancers and all of Alberta Ballet!

 After the soaring excellence of Tubular Bells, I was primed for more examples of excellence in contemporary dance: but where to look? Fortunately, the High Performance Rodeo has an upcoming performance to whet my palate. In Paradisum, performed by Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie, is a collection of three stunning dances by one of Canada's leading ballet choreographers, James Kudelka. It's been called "one of the emblematic works of its day" by Dance Collection Magazine, and I can hardly wait.

 For more information about In Paradisum and the High Performance Rodeo, visit www.hprodeo.ca.