The repertoire for our Spring Showcase 2011 featured a wide array of works spanning the gamut from classical to contemporary, presenting works new to the NBS stage as well as some returning favourites.

Repertoire

"This year's Spring Showcase once again featured an incredibly rich and varied program," stated Mavis Staines, NBS' Artistic Director, "the opportunity to perform in a program with works this varied yet blend so well is a truly rich learning experience for any young dancer. I look forward each year to witnessing the artistry NBS students develop as they prepare for and present these four performances, and I know this year will be no exception."

Balanchine's Scotch Symphony

Spring Showcase 2011 featured the welcome return of Balanchine's Scotch Symphony and Sabrina Matthews' Ein Von Viel to the NBS stage. Scotch Symphony was last performed at NBS in 2005. Choreographed by George Balanchine in 1952, this work was inspired by Balanchine's company – New York City Ballet – visiting the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. Inspired by the rugged landscape and the grandeur of Scottish Regiments, Balanchine created this ballet upon his return to New York.

Matthews' Ein Von Viel

Ein Von Viel is choreographed by Sabrina Matthews, an NBS alumna and was last danced by NBS in 2006. The work is set to nine of Bach's Goldberg Variations, and is a duet for two male dancers.

Petipa's La Bayadère

Also on the program were excerpts from Act III of La Bayadère, which has not been performed on the NBS stage since 1997. La Bayadère, choreographed by Marius Petipa, centres on Nikiya, a temple dancer, and her love Solor, a warrior. Demanding a strong female corps with technical precision, dance critic Clives Barnes in 1963 described La Bayadère by saying, "If you don't enjoy La Bayadère, you really don't enjoy ballet."

Duato's Jardi Tancat

Met with standing ovations on opening night, the fourth work on the program was the NBS premiere of Nacho Duato's Jardi Tancat. The work debuted with Nederlands Dans Theater 2 in 1983 and was Duato's first choreography. Jardi Tancat is Catalonain for Closed Garden. The work is set to a series of songs recorded by the Spanish singer Maria del Mar Bonet, the songs based on poems centred on farming life in Spain and the desperate need for rain.

New Seats

Spring Showcase 2011 was also the official unveiling of the new seats recently installed in the Betty Oliphant Theatre. The new, top-of-the-line high-back seats are accompanied by other refurbishments including new carpeting and bring a fresh update to the theatre, which was originally constructed in 1988.