OKC BALLET PRESENTS
PETITE MORT: A TRIPLE
BILL APRIL 13-15

The final performances of the 2017-2018 season will headline with Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, a ballet that not many companies have been granted the privilege of performing.  

“It really speaks to the quality of our company,” stated Artistic Director Robert Mills. “ Not many companies in the U.S. have been granted the rights to perform this work. To be able to perform one of the most influential choreographers in the last 30 years allows us to showcase the incredibly talented dancers that we have here at OKC Ballet.”

“Jiří Kylián is a living legend.  He has helped shape what we know today as contemporary ballet.  His works are synonymous for ingenious movement invention and partnering while still utilizing the line, shape and form of classical ballet,” Mills continued.

Also on the triple bill is Helen Pickett’s lively 2008 creation Petal. Pickett, who is the resident choreographer of Atlanta Ballet, has created works for companies across the U.S. and abroad. 

“Petal is the ballet that made me aware of Helen,” said Mills.  Shortly after seeing Petal I invited Helen to Oklahoma City to create a new work.  The result of which was Zephyrus that made its debut in 2010.  Petal uses colorful but minimal sets and costumes, which allows it to highlight the dancers and movements instead of elaborate backgrounds or wardrobe.  “All human beings have these senses, and they connect us,” says Pickett “Intimacy is such an important part of a human life- without it, we wither.  So how do we break that fourth wall and connect to the audience more than just visually? Let’s celebrate this burst of color, this sound, this touch.” (Source: HelenPickett.com)

Mills will also be debuting a new creation during the evening.  In the summer of 2017 Mills spent three weeks at the National Choreographers Initiative in Southern California.  Mills began the creation process for this new ballet there.  He will build on what was staged in California, using the music of Philip Glass and the Jasper String Quartet. 

Don’t miss this incredible evening of performances, April 13-15.  For tickets and information, call OKC Ballet at 405-848-TOES (8637) or visit www.okcballet.org.