The National Ballet's INNOVATIONS

(L to R) Tina Pereira & Kevin D. Bowles, and Sonia Rodriguez & Jonathan Renna

I photographed the dress rehearsal for the National Ballet of Canada's world premiere of Innovation: Quanz, Matthews & Pite last night. The mixed program consists of a piece from each of three of Canada's leading choreographers - Crystal Pite, Peter Quanz, and Sabrina Matthews.

Unfortunately I didn't have time to shoot the complete set, but here are a few images from Sabrina Matthews piece.

Sabrina Matthews has created pieces for some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, including multiple pieces for the renowned Stuttgart Ballet.
This in demand choreographer has premiered works on three continents in over a dozen cities from Beijing, to New York, to London. Her choreography and dance films have been recognized with several prominent national and international awards.

Sonia Rodriguez and Jonathan Renna

For this piece she has positioned two sections of choristers on stage, framing the dance movements with the appearance of the occassional soloist at the wings of the stage.
Add in some dramatic lighting, a moving classical score and the very elegant, gravity-defying choreography, and it's an impressive show. Beautiful and intricate, with a graceful athleticism from all of the dancers involved.

Innovations runs from Mar. 4 - Mar. 8 at the Four Seasons Centre For the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.) Tickets are $20 - $155 and are available by phone 416 345-9595, or toll free at 1 866 345-9595

Piotr Stanczyk and Heather Ogden

All photos and text copyright Torontowide.com. All rights reserved. Photographed with the Olympus E3 w/ 50-200mm 2.8 lens