1/24/2022
Performances and Artists
As artistic director of Nevada Ballet Theatre, Roy Kaiser places high priority on premiering all-new works.
And for very good reason.
“New works develop our dancers as artists, in a way that’s not the same as doing an established work,” Kaiser explains. “And for our audiences, it’s a chance for them to be exposed to so many talented choreographers out there today who are honoring the traditions of classical ballet, but are coming at it from a whole different perspective from living and working in 2022.”
The works hold tremendous promise, Kaiser notes, as both choreographers hail from stunning careers.
Lovette, who just retired as principal dancer with New York City Ballet in October 2021, has choreographed for American Ballet Theatre and the prestigious Paul Taylor Dance Company.
McIntyre, who Kaiser has collaborated with before, has choreographed works for the world’s top dance companies, including the Moscow Ballet, The Washington Ballet and Ballet de Santiago in Chile.
“I guarantee you the two works will be very different from each other,” Kaiser says. “New works really keep this art form fresh and alive.”
No Easy Feat
Creating an all-new ballet happens very quickly, Kaiser says.
Both Lovette and McIntyre will fully choreograph their ballets, conduct rehearsals and work with the company on lighting and costumes in just three to four weeks.
“We’re fortunate to have very talented dancers, who are eager to learn and work very quickly,” Kaiser says.
Like Lovette and McIntyre, most choreographers begin with selecting musical pieces for inspiration, he says. They next meet with the dancers and present a “roadmap” of their idea, and collaborate with the dancers to create the entire work from scratch.
“A choreographer comes into the room with some ideas and goals, but then is really open and responsive to what may happen by accident in the rehearsal studio,” Kaiser says.
Inspiration From Music
No two works by McIntyre are alike, Kaiser vows.
“Trey brings something fresh to everything that he does,” he says. “He really looks at the company and the dancers in front of him, and lets that inform a lot of choices he makes.”
Kaiser anticipates much athleticism in McIntyre’s new work, set to four classical pieces by Claude Debussy, and broken up into three solo dances and an ensemble section.
“It’s very intimate,” Kaiser says. “You will certainly get to know the dancers who are involved, because they will be commanding your attention during their time on stage.”
And Lovette — setting her new work to music by Florence Beatrice Price, a Black classical composer from the early 20th century — offers important qualities for a choreographer, Kaiser says.
“In every work, she establishes a point of view and she flows it through the entire piece,” he lauds. “She has a great sense of musicality.”
Original Works by a Las Vegas Resident
Nevada Ballet Theatre just added one more element to the show, which Kaiser predicts audiences will love.
The show will also feature new and existing original pieces by Krista Baker, rehearsal director with Nevada Ballet Theatre and a former dancer with the company.
“Our audience has known her for many years,” Kaiser says. “I’m excited to have Krista included.”
While premiering new works always raises dancers’ excitement, Nevada Ballet Theatre dancers simply embrace the opportunity to perform again, he adds.
“It feels great to be back and dancing for live audiences,” Kaiser says.