Octet

Twyla Tharp’s Octet, not performed in New York for sixteen years, will be performed by American Repertory Ballet during their New York season, May 4&5 at Symphony Space.

Choreographed for four couples to music by Edgar Meyer, the ballet was staged for ARB by Stacey Caddell, a member of the original cast.

Reviewing the ballet in ARB’s New Jersey concert recently, Robert Johnson remarked that Octet was “The most thrilling Tharp revival presented anywhere this season.” (Star Ledger)

Melissa Barak’s new ballet, Danzantes, was commissioned by Dancing Through the Ceiling, Graham Lustig’s program to help female choreographers. So far, eleven works by women have been created for ARB. A nine-year member of New York City Ballet, Melissa Barak recently returned to her hometown of L.A. to dance with the Los Angeles Ballet.

The program will also include company artistic director Graham Lustig’s Six Pianos, Harrison McEldowney’s Menage a Cinq, to a selection of French songs, and Val Caniparoli’s Suite, music by Handel. Due to an injury in the Company, Susan Shields’ I Love Kenji will not be performed.