Guest Blogger: Boris Eifman of Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg

“You have to love dancing to stick to it. 
It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, 
no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, 
no poems to be printed and sold, 
nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive.”

– Merce Cunningham

CELEBRATE NATIONAL DANCE WEEK 
April 26 – May 5 
Join us during National Dance Week for new postings in Center Scene by noted artistic directors, choreographers and experts. 

Boris Eifman's Onegin © Valentin Baranovsky

Boris Eifman

By Boris Eifman
Artistic Director, Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg
www.EifmanBallet.ru

The language of body is one of the most ancient. It fixed the memory of sensual life of our ancestors’ many generations, making dance a unique way to express the emotional world of the human. With plastic, feelings, movements of human nature and the most complex intellectual and philosophical ideas cannot be displayed. So, in the artist’s hands, dance is a very delicate tool that can be used as a means to cognize the secrets of being. 

Boris Eifman's Onegin © Gene Schiavone

I have been engaged in the development of human body’s expressiveness for many decades, using it to investigate the individual’s inner and mental world. One of the most important creative tasks for me is to restore the lines that always united the ballet and psychological theatre, but were lost in the 20th century, an era of choreographic abstraction. Psychology must be inherent not only in drama, but also in dance. Keeping this fundamental approach, I create major ballet performances that are distinguished by acute intensity of emotions, serious dramatic basis and deep philosophical content. Coming to our ballets, the spectator finds the most important thing – catharsis, a powerful emotional shock that cleanses the soul. The concealed, true magic of art is expressed with similar impact. 

Dance is a universal language of spiritual communication, rejecting cultural, national or any other barriers. Reflecting on the eternal themes of freedom, love, human passions, our company performs with equal success in America, Asia, Europe, and Australia and constantly evokes in hearts of the audience the most vivid emotional response. I am delighted that, owing to the support of Ardani Artists Management and direction of Segerstrom Center for the Arts our theatre has an opportunity to perform its art on this excellent modern stage for interested and appreciative audience in America, every meeting with which becomes truly memorable for us. 

Boris Eifman's Russian Hamlet 

Leatherby's Cafe Rouge ❤ You for Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall will offer a special Nine at Nine for Ninety dinner option. This special nine-course meal will be available February 14 through 16, beginning at 8:30 p.m. with a complimentary sparkling wine reception followed by dinner at 9 p.m. Here’s a culinary tease: Dungeness Crab and Smoked Salmon with domestic caviar and champagne “air” for your first course, a choice of Beef Tenderloin or Australian Lamb Rack for your sixth and an irresistible Chocolate Passion Cremeux for your exquisite ninth course. 

Like a match made in heaven, the Nine at Nine for Ninety seating begins immediately after the cabaret performances by Broadway stars Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley in Samueli Theater. To learn more about the Mazzie/Danieley engagement and the Nine at Nine for Ninety menu, visit the Center’s website at http://www.scfta.org/home/Events/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1297.

TMP Dancers Bring Arts Medicine to Local Hospitals

TMP dancers at St. Joseph Hospital

Members of the Trey McIntyre Project, who will perform at Segerstrom Center for the Arts November 23-25, stopped by St. Joseph Hospital and CHOC in Orange on Tuesday to visit patients, families and staff members. The smiles and genuine caring from the artists along with some impromptu dance moves shed a bright spot into their day. Thanks to TMP and the hospitals for their great work!

To see more photos from the St. Joseph visit, click here.

TMP dancers meet the CHOC bear before visiting youngsters

Dances combine the art of dance and medicine in front of St. Josephs Hospital

Cultural Connections at the OC Children’s Book Festival

Nearly 800 people enjoyed performances by Danza Azteca and Swazzle, two of Segerstrom Center’s teaching artists, during the Orange County Children’s Book Festival held at Orange Coast College. The performers entertained and engaged with audience who were there to share the fun of reading, literacy, the performing arts and cultural diversity. Were you there? Post your photo to the Center’s Facebook page.  

Patina’s ZinZational Menu for Teatro ZinZanni

You can preview the spectacular dinner menu that Patina’s Chef Ross has in store for audiences at Teatro ZinZanni when it opens at the Center on October 24.  (Ross Pangilinan is also the executive chef at Segerstrom Center’s Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge.) We are also sharing the recipe for Patina's signature braised prime beef short rib.


Patina's Braised Prime Beef Short Rib, Truffle Potato Fondue, Baby Carrots, Mushroom Red Wine Sauce

Patina Catering has created a very special five-course thematic dinner that audiences will enjoy when they attend Teatro ZinZanni’s Love, Chaos & Dinner at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Click here to learn more about the menu, download the recipe as well as purchase tickets.

See you at the Spiegeltent!

 

Opportunities to Reach the Artists and Audiences of the Future

The Center has an extensive roster of exceptionally talented teaching artists who offer more than 3,000 sessions throughout the region each year. Each of these specially-trained teaching artists meets the high standards that we require of this group, with equal emphasis on artistry, instruction and engagement.

To continue to meet the changing needs of the community we serve, we are always on the lookout for new artists to join our ranks especially in the areas of ballet folklorico, beat boxing, hip hop, mariachi, musical theater, string quartets, guitarists, jazz ensembles and visual artists.

If you know of an artist or artists that you think would make an valuable addition to the team, click here to learn more about this program.

STOMPing Success!

Cast of STOMP performing at Taft Elementary

During last week's successful visit at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the cast of STOMP not only thrilled Center audiences with its high energy creative performances but also engaged with the community and helped to make a difference.

Thanks to the generosity of our great patrons who brought in canned goods during STOMP Out Hunger, we collected more than 500 pounds of canned food items that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

STOMPing Grounds at Founders Hall

Another great success was STOMPing Grounds, the pre-show activity taking place at Founders Hall. Audience members were able to become STOMPers themselves by jamming out with items similar to props used in the show. Urban percussion performer and Segerstrom Center Arts Teach artist Andrew Grueschow led each session of STOMPing Grounds and depending on the night, actual cast members would visit and help lead sessions as well.


STOMP and DHH Students at Taft Elementary

Nearly 300 students from Taft Elementary in Santa Ana, including deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) as well as hearing students from third through sixth grade classes assembled for a special outdoor performance as STOMPers used every day items to showcase how vibrations create sound waves. Following the performance, 40 DHH students participated in a workshop led by STOMP cast memebers.

So the next time you find yourself tapping your toes or drumming on pots & pans, just smile knowing you are celebrating your inner STOMPer.

Post-Performance Hob Nobbing at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge

There’s no reason to rush home when the show’s over this Friday and Saturday night. Following performances of the Mariinsky Ballet’s Swan Lake and Jane Monheit and John Pizzarelli, stop by Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge and treat yourself to selections from their new Appetizer and Small Plate menu.  Top your evening off with their crispy mushroom risotto fries or house made beef and veal meatballs braised in pomodoro sauce.  And there’s much more to sample and enjoy. You might even spot some of the performers. Leatherby’s is located in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. They’re also be open for dinners before every evening performance.

STOMPPORTUNITIES

STOMP returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts (October 9-14, 2012) bringing its unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy.

To heighten the STOMP experience, there will be two great ways to become further involved: STOMPing Grounds and STOMP Out Hunger.

Patrons can become unofficial STOMPERS by participating in the pre-show activity STOMPing Grounds, 75 minutes before all performances at Founders Hall. Those participating are given the opportunity to jam out with found items similar to props used in the show.

Another great opportunity while doing some good and helping out right here in Orange County is to join the fight and STOMP Out Hunger. As part of the STOMP Out Hunger initiative, patrons are encouraged to bring canned goods with them which will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

For more information please click here.

YOU’LL NEVER DANCE ALONE!

The Little Mermaid © Holger Badekow

 

Swan Lake © Gene Schiavone

There are 3,000 seats in Segerstrom Hall. Chances are, we’re not always the only one there solo. So if you love dance and ballet and for whatever reason cannot gather up your family and friends for a night-out, why not Join the Corps?  Members of the Center’s new Dance Corps  are subscribers to the Dance Series who purchase subscriptions for one. You’ll be seated with other Center ‘soloists’ who share your passion for dance. You meet new friends and see them throughout the year. You can find out more by calling the Center’s box office at (714) 556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org/dance. If ever there was a reason to pirouette with joy!

Ashley Werhun, John Michael Schert, Travis Walker
Trey McIntyre Project © Lois Greenfield

Rodin © Gene Schiavone



Festival of Children 2012

Center Docents Bill Moodie, Lou Ann Frederick and Maureen McLaren represented the Center at this year’s Festival of Children, which is held each year at South Coast Plaza. The Festival of Children Foundation helps to improve the lives of children by developing and strengthening our community’s important network of charities and businesses that serve our young people. Our docents told visitors about the Center’s artistic and education programs. Educational outreach from Segerstrom Center served nearly 320,000 people this past year. Docents also welcome guests to the Center for free public and private tours each week. For more information about the tours, visit SCFTA.org/tours.

Center Celebrates a New Season of Broadway and Curtain Call

Musicals took center stage at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall during a preview event held for subscribers, groups, fans and press on August 20. The audience attending the Broadway and Curtain Call Series preview event was treated to special performances, behind-the-scenes footage and surprise video shout-outs from today’s brightest Broadway stars.  
 

L-R Bryan Fenkhart, Tim Kashani, Bob Bucci and Crystal Joy discussing Memphis 

Bryan Fenkhart and Crystal Joy from Memphis

Angel Reda performing from Wicked

Segerstrom Center’s President Terry Dwyer made opening remarks and welcomed the crowd. Bob Bucci from Broadway Across America served as host for the evening.

 
And what an evening it was. Bryan Fenkhart and Crystal Joy performed rousing selections from the four-time Tony Award® winning Broadway hit Memphis. Angel Reda from the ever-Popular Wicked sang the hauntingly beautiful "The Wizard and I.” The debonair Gomez Addams (Douglas Sills) made a video appearance letting the audience know how thrilled he is to spend the holidays with his “family” in Orange County. Special behind-the-scenes videos from Billy Elliot, featuring remarks from Sir Elton John and Stephen Daldry, and Sister Act, with messages from Whoopi Goldberg and Alan Menken, were also highlighted.

Bob Bucci with Joey from War Horse

L-R Bob Bucci with Tim Lewis (Captain Nicholls), Tommy Luther (Joey Head),
Stuart Angell (Joey Heart) and Ian Piears (Joey Hind) from War Horse

 

L-R Tommy Luther (Joey Head), Stuart Angell (Joey Heart) and Ian Piears (Joey Hind) from War Horse

The evening concluded with the company from War Horse bringing to the stage Joey as he galloped across and showcased his lifelike movements, sounds and magnificent beauty. Afterwards, the three puppeteers who perform as Joey returned on stage and discussed the collaborative process in bringing Joey to life.

 

Before closing the evening’s festivities, Executive Vice President Judy Morr provided a preview of the other series’ offerings in the coming season before introducing a special video from the company of Anything Goes.

For more information about the 2012-13 season, please visit: http://www.scfta.org/seasontickets.

2012-13 Broadway Series: Memphis, The Addams Family, War Horse, Billy Elliot the Musical, Flashdance and Sister Act

2012-13 Curtain Call Series: Wicked, Catch Me If You Can and Anything Goes

STOMP returns to the Center as a special Bonus option for series subscribers

 

Photos by Xuong Do

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau Spotlights the Center

Sue Fractman (left) and Emily Kaufman (right)

OC Up Close With Emily Kaufman, a new web series on the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s website, gives a mini tour of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Center Docent Sue Fractman explains some of the unique acoustical features of the concert hall. It is just part of a more thorough behind-the-scenes tour that the public can take of the Center that is absolutely free. For information about the tours, visit SCFTA.org/tours.

To watch this fun segment with Emily and Sue, visit:

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-VjWFlkoMs&feature=youtube

WEBSITE: http://anaheimoc.org/  

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AnaheimOC

Sue Fractman (left) with Emily Kaufman (right)