By Sid Smith
Tribune arts reporter
Published February 5, 2004
A tribute to the late dancer Rudolf Nureyev and a program celebrating American choreography are among the offerings planned by the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago for its 2004-05 season at the Auditorium Theatre.
The company’s schedule again calls for a trio of two-week engagements as well as its annual outing of “The Nutcracker” in December. All programs will include live orchestral accompaniment.
The lineup begins with “A Nureyev Tribute” Oct. 13-24, featuring two company premieres, George Balanchine’s “Apollo” (1928) and Vakhtang Chabukiani’s Spanish-tinged “Laurencia Pas de Six” (1978). “Petrouchka” (1911), Michel Fokine’s classic dating from his Diaghilev days, completes the program, designed to celebrate Nureyev’s contributions as an innovative performer. “Laurencia” was originally staged for the Joffrey by Nureyev himself, but the company never performed it.
“The Nutcracker” follows Dec. 15-26. “American Masterworks” March 9-20, 2005, includes revivals of works by three U.S.-based masters: Balanchine’s “Square Dance” (1957), inspired by the western folk dance, complete with an onstage caller; Paul Taylor’s provocative “Cloven Kingdom” (1976), linking the ballroom and the jungle; and Jerome Robbins’ “New York Export: Opus Jazz” (1958), a salute to the Beat Generation, returning to the repertoire after a long absence.
The season’s final outing April 27-May 8, 2005, will consist of four works by artistic director Gerald Arpino: “Viva Vivaldi” (1965), “Round of Angels” (1983), “Confetti” (1970) and “Drums, Dreams and Banjos” (1975), set to Stephen Foster.
The company’s current season continues Wednesday through Feb. 22 at the Auditorium, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., with a tribute to renowned choreographer Frederick Ashton. Season subscriptions for next season are on sale: 312-739-0120, ext. 33 or 34.