Archive for big boi
December 4, 2007 at 5:28 am · Filed under dance, DAVID B, atlanta ballet, big boi
Nutcracker season is in full swing here at Atlanta Ballet. We opened this past weekend, and still have 30 performances remaining. While this dizzying Nutcracker run keeps everyone busy, we are simultaneously in rehearsals for big, the collaboration between resident choreographer Lauri Stallings, Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton, members of his Purple Ribbon Entertainment, and the dancers of Atlanta Ballet. Simultaneously experiencing the whimsical, almost universally familiar world of the Nutcracker and the largely unknown and unpredictable world of big will be challenging. However, the Nutcracker can become monotonous, and the opportunity to work on this exciting new work is a welcome departure from the annual holiday classic.
Here are some photos from the rehearsals of a section called Wings. The female dancer is suspended in the air, while the man partners her from below. Lauri Stallings had just a few days of rehearsal to create this section of the ballet, since a theater in which harnesses and other equipment needed to “fly” dancers was needed.
Brian Wallenberg and Christian Clark prepare for rehearsal. The gloves are for their protection when partnering the dancer who is suspended.
Christian and Nadia Mara with Brian and Pong in the background.
Kelsey Yip in warmup attire, with Pong playing with movement on the rope.
Brian and Pong taking direction.
Lauri Stallings running rehearsal.
I love this picture of Christian and Nadia. They are two amazing artists, and have a way of exploring and exposing the emotional side of movement. It’s beautiful to see.
Nadia flying through the air.
Brian and Pong from afar.
Lauri, Brian, and Pong creating movement.
This photo is cool. I love how the flying creates a dynamic in which the man can so easily manipulate the woman, yet the power of the woman’s weight while suspended in the air can become so great as a result of this manipulation.
Nadia flying off the stage and over the orchestra section of the theater.
coaching
photos: Kim Kenney
Here is a movie of the Wings rehearsal created by Brian Wallenberg, of Saturnblu Productions. The dancers featured are Nadia Mara and Christian Clark.
Recent Posts by davidb
September 10, 2007 at 3:54 am · Filed under dance, DAVID B, atlanta ballet, big boi, lauri stallings, hip hop
During a rehearsal yesterday, I managed to capture a small clip of Lauri Stallings rehearsing Atlanta Ballet dancers for the upcoming Big Boi project. Although the show does not premiere until the Spring, Stallings has already been busily creating movement in the studios for this massive undertaking. This clip features dancers Nadia Mara and James Pruitt working on part of an interactive set.
Recent Posts by davidb
August 23, 2007 at 2:04 am · Filed under dance, injuries, DAVID B, atlanta ballet, big boi, outkast, purple ribbon, lauri stallings, hip hop
Posted by David Blumenfeld
Last week, the dancers of Atlanta Ballet returned to work for their 2007-2008 season. One of the most exciting works this season will be a collaboration between the ballet and Big Boi of Outkast, along with artists of his Purple Ribbon Entertainment. There will be 6 performances, April 10-13, 2008, of this world premiere ballet, created by Choreographer in Residence, Lauri Stallings. Hip hop seems to be such a huge part of the music scene in Atlanta and around the world, and Big Boi is a major part of that driving force. Stallings is a major creative force in the dance world, and I cannot wait to see how this original collaboration will come together. As I learn more about the ballet, I will make more posts with photos and videos, but the ballet is just being choreographed as we speak. Rumors are already floating around about VERY big names in hip hop joining in the collaboration, and I will let you all know the scoop in good time.
In the meantime, here are a couple photos from our first week back:
Nadia Mara examines an ankle injury
John Welker demonstrates how to ties his shoes while stretching at the same time
Just so the world can get acquainted with some of the dancers of Atlanta Ballet, here are some links to YouTube videos I posted of them. Christian Clark, Courtney Necessary, Nadia Mara (pictured above), and Rachel VanBuskirk are all great dancers (and turners), as you will see.
Recent Posts by davidb
August 20, 2007 at 4:57 pm · Filed under dance, music, choreography, DAVID B, atlanta ballet, big boi
Photo by Richard Calmes
Adding a little more male perspective to The Winger (for the second time this week), we’d like to introduce you to David Blumenfeld.
Like myself and a number of other Wingers, David also graduated from the School of American Ballet, (winning the prestigious Wein Award while he was there). He followed that with a successful time dancing with Alabama Ballet, then a year where he started his anthropology major at Georgia State University (which he just completed, congrats!), and then on to Atlanta Ballet where he is currently.
David is excited about sharing and documenting the creation of a new work for Atlanta Ballet, but I’ll let him tell you all about it 
Welcome David!
(note: because Mr. Blumenfeld is David #2 on The Winger, we’ll be referring to him as David B)
Recent Posts by kristin sloan
