Dance is making a strong return to the performing arts scene in Petaling Jaya, with a series of live shows featuring classic ballet to contemporary dance. Here are some shows to check out:
Carmen & Raymonda Grand Pas Classique
DPAC, Petaling Jaya, April 29-30, May 1
There are three shows left for this eye-catching and richly colourful production by Ballet Theatre Malaysia, which opened recently. At DPAC, the solid audience support has shown the masses are ready to enjoy live ballet and drama again.
Ballet stars Yui Kyotani and Benjamin Cook play the roles of Carmen and Don Jose respectively in this version of Carmen, with Choong Wan Chin, artistic director, giving new life to French author Prosper Merimee's novella. Carmen, written by Merimee, was first published in 1845. It has been adapted into a number of dramatic works, including the famous opera of the same name by Georges Bizet.
BTM, which was formed in 2020, is the first professional ballet company based in Malaysia. It was jointly established by Datin Jane Lew (CEO of DPAC), Choong Wan Chin and Rachel Chew, both with years of experience – home and abroad – in dance and ballet.
More info here.
The Dance Must Go On
Stage 1 Theatre, PJPAC, 1 Utama, May 7-8
Here's a benefit dance showcase to help SJKC Puay Chai 2's school repairs.
The Dance Must Go On's feelgood story tells how six dance teams go against the odds to participate in a dance competition despite the pandemic. The community-based performers – from ages 7 to 47 – will perform a repertoire spanning Latin, Tap, Wushu, Street Jazz, Ballet and Joget. There will be 80 performers, over half of them school-aged children, including 19 students from Puay Chai 2 who will be performing in a choir trained by the Young Choral Academy.
A team of nine dance choreographers and instructors have also contributed time to get the cast ready for this family-friendly outing for a good cause.
More info here.
Black & White
Nero Theatre, PJPAC, 1 Utama, May 7-8
City Ballet Academy's triple bill performance at PJPAC entitled Black & White is also a celebration of three works from choreographer/dancer Lu Wit-Chin.
Contemplative, poignant and visceral, Lu's dance pieces are reflective of our pandemic times. The works are In The Room, G13B1 and Full Head Of Dreams (a new piece), which was partly inspired by Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon album.
"In Full Head Of Dreams, I envisioned a rainbow of colours passing through a triangular prism. In this conceptual piece, I want to show dreams, society and the reality (of life). It's experimental in nature," explains Lu in a publicity video.
Lighting designer Zoe Cheung (Hong Kong) worked remotely with the production team for this upcoming show.
More info here.
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