The Washington Ballet: Contemporary Masters

An Experience You Can’t Miss: Celebrate Modern Dance Through the Icons’ Eyes

First time to the ballet? Lover of the classics? This is the performance for you.

Use the below promo codes for select nights and seats:
VISION (25% off Friday evening, Saturday matinee, Sunday matinee)
MODERN (50% off Sunday evening)

Novices and connoisseurs alike will be awed by three distinct works from the master choreographers who have defined modern ballet and dance. A beautiful, fun, live experience for all ages – the kind you can’t get from a screen.

These three Contemporary Masters: Mark Morris, Merce Cunningham, and Paul Taylor, who have been described as “prolific,” “revolutionary,” and “the last of the great choreographers,” present an explosive trifecta of contemporary dance. Classic form collides with the inventive, upbeat, and avant-garde in a full spectrum of dance.

 

Be part of three different experiences every night:

Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, Mark Morris’s sophisticated and inventive modern ballet, is performed to an onstage piano accompaniment of 13 Etudes by Virgil Thomson. Inspiration for this work is based on an English poem written in 1616 that celebrates ethereal love.

“…Morris is one of the most prolific and lauded choreographers or his generation.” Dance Magazine

 

Merce Cunningham’s Duets is set to an abstract electronic musical score composed by his constant musical collaborator John Cage. Eight separate tracks are controlled with live improvisation by music operators. Each performance is unlike the last as the dancers connect to each other’s internal rhythms. A new work of art is created each performance. The Washington Ballet is thrilled to celebrate the centennial anniversary of this American modern dance genius.

“No modern dance choreographer has ever matched Cunningham when it came to the duet.”  The New York Times.

 

Amidst the background of the boogie-woogie and swing stylings of The Andrews Sisters, Company B harkens back to World War II and reflects our nation’s invincible optimism along with the seriousness of a war time reality. The Washington Ballet honors the late Paul Taylor, another iconic American modern choreographer, in these performances in tribute to his recent passing.

“…the last of the great choreographers.” The Nation

Purchase your tickets to experience The Washington Ballet’s fresh takes on these contemporary masterpieces.

(Note: Be prepared, the ticket-buying process involves a few steps, but hang in there… it’s nothing compared to what our dancers can do in their pointe shoes!)