Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dance for World Community: a festival you won't want to miss!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How well do you know...

Photo taken by Gary Sloan
Ever since I saw Angie perform in Out of the Dark I was inspired by her dancing and the expression portrayed in her dancing. It all began for Angie in an open class at JMBT. She has just moved here and she was trying out open dance classes in other local studios around Boston. After her first open class at Ballet Theatre the teacher suggested she audition for the company. They must have favored her dancing as she was asked to join the company to perform in The Nutcracker and has been here ever since!
Angie was a featured dancer in Mr. Mateo's premiere of Timeless Attractions. She graced the stage with strength and poise. This pas de deux, called Rustico, was fast paced, full of challenging lifts and jumps, and a work out! Her most memorable part of Out of the Dark was the final weekend. Not only was she fond of the choreography and piece, but she felt that she had completely developed her character by then. "I really enjoyed my role and I believe I reached the dramatic intent that I was working towards." Also, she graciously accepted many compliments throughout the performances from audience members filled with admiration. Angie had a rewarding experience through her dancing, working with her partner Kehlet Schou, and letting her character shine through.
Just like her fellow company member, Jenna-Marie Nagel, when asked about her favorite Ballet Theatre piece, she asserted, "Schubert's Adagio. "It is just an amazing & beautiful ballet. One of his best by far."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sneak Peek...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Behind the Scenes with Elisabeth & Kehlet

With the closing of the last show, Out of the Dark, I was interested in uncovering favorite moments, secrets, feelings, etc. from that performance. Elisabeth, whose character was a member of royalty, immediately responded to my question by saying, "This might sound strange, but it truly happened." She then described the afternoon of the final performance of Mozart Concerto when, while dancing with fellow company member Henoch Spinola, she experienced the slowing of time. She felt as though their 2 minute pas de deux stretched into 20 minutes. Elisabeth explained how she had a closer & deeper connection with her character as well as with each movement she performed. Having already performed in this role in 2006, she felt there was more time during the rehearsal process to think about the choreography, play with the movements, see if they felt different this year, how she might want to add to them, and finally how she actually performed them. "I felt I had more coordination and harmony with my body," she stated, and she sincerely enjoyed performing this character again.
Please click here to watch a short excerpt of Fearless Symmetries, featuring Elisabeth Scherer!

"I believe José and I have a positive relationship, in that he trusts me to make good decisions," Khelet said while we talked about the opportunity to rework a role by taking chances and risks with the choreography and timing. Kehlet feels he is growing every day as a dancer and a person. He talked about how much he values the relationship he has created with Mr. Mateo and the opportunities he has given him as a dancer in the company.
Chatting with Elisabeth and Kehlet helped me feel truly connected with the performances and pieces. Moreover, I now know these dancers as kind, intelligent, and fascinating people, something I'm sure you will agree with!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Getting to know you...

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Out of The Dark: Opening night!
First off, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Cori Wooldridge and I am currently the Spring intern at José Mateo Ballet Theatre. We decided to start this blog as a way to keep everyone updated on the events and the inside scoop at Ballet Theatre. I invite you to share a deeper connection to the Theatre. Please leave any comments, ideas, and questions to these posts!
And now, to the fun part: Opening night!
What a lovely evening. All those who entered the Sanctuary Theatre were vivacious and eager to watch the Company's performance of the Mozart Concerto and the premiere of Timeless Attractions. Sitting at the ticket table, I experienced first hand the members of our audience and their excitement to view this Ballet.
Once inside the Theatre there was an immediate sense of enjoyment and curiosity. The atmosphere by the beautiful songs played by one of our talented accompanists, Rosalie Hoffman-Goumas. These sweet tunes varied from Jazz to musical numbers, and even classical pieces. Prior to sitting down, I overheard an attendee joking with Lori, our Director of Marketing. The attendee was making sure she was placed at her favorite table for optimal viewing. However, I thought to myself, "Each table and stool allow audience members an excellent view of the stage." And it is true! At my quaint table I viewed the simple and yet elegant stage where the magic would happen. The lights began to dim and I knew it was time to sit back and marvel at this art.
With a burst of light the dancers took the stage. We were greeted by female company members in light blue costumes, with tutus pointing out horizontally, and shimmering pink pointe shoes laced up to the ankle. The dancing immediately demonstrated its deep connection with the music. The leading lady, Elisabeth Scherer, portrays a woman grappling with emotions that contrast one another. She interacts with other dancers as she decides what it is that she truly desires to be; not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. In a beautiful pas de deux, Henoch Spinola is a main character and aspect of Elisabeth's outward portrayal of herself. Throughout this piece the central character is poised and shows much strength within herself. Ultimately, she is the only one who can choose her path.
After intermission begins the premiere of, Timeless Attractions. The great Alberto Ginastera, an Argentinian composer, brings forth very strong and intricate music. The music from String Quartet No. 2 inspires powerful movement from each of the dancers. At times I found myself at the edge of my seat, awaiting the next stage in each of the couples' story. Each dancer generates individual character traits and emotions, which then interact with another dancer. These personality traits and emotions may not perfectly mesh with their partner's, creating movements that are captivating and suspenseful. What will these characters do with their impulses? How will these impulses drive their dancing? And will it cause them to have an impact on their partners? If you want to find out..come and see Out of the Dark!
We have 3 more shows: March 26th, 27th, & 28th! Call and purchase your tickets now. You do not want to miss out on this intriguing performance!!!