From the Quad City Times -- October 15, 2005

‘Ballet Rocks’ for fans of both music and dance

By Ruby Nancy

Ballet Rocks,” the latest collaboration between Ballet Quad-Cities and other local artists — in this case the popular bands The Metrolites and Einstein’s Sister — is about as far from formal, Russian-influenced ballet as this form of dance can get.

Ballet Quad-Cities regulars will note this is yet another tutu-free production, and the stiff, expensive costumes most people associate with ballet would be out of place in this show anyway.

Of course, ballet set to a variety of rock music styles might seem to be what is out of place, but — like the modern pieces set to a range of other music that choreographer Johanne Jakhelln has used before — this combination works quite well.

Four pieces, set to clusters of original songs performed live by the two bands, make up this dance program, and experiencing it might be one of the first times you’ve ever tapped your foot along with the music while watching ballet.

Though I reviewed a dress rehearsal of the program, performed to CD recordings, it was still impossible to sit still while much of this music played.

And the dancing is equally lively. Jakhelln, who has a knack for fusing disparate elements of other dance styles into her modern ballet work, showcases a real connection to the music she is working with. The pieces are all fresh, physical and visually interesting, working the dancers in the company even harder than usual.

The first piece, “Without Words,” is (no surprise) set to instrumental music, and its more introspective moments are absolutely gorgeous. At times, the dancers leap into the air and seem to float briefly before returning to the stage, and the four performers featured in this piece (Margaret Huling, Jake Lyon, Jessica Halfhill and Courtney Walrath) are all excellent, and Huling’s dancing during this segment is especially evocative.

“Inevitable” is a lively piece that spotlights Lyon’s strong talent. Clad in a smart suit that really sets the tone for this piece, he throws himself fully into the rhythmic work that Jakhelln has created. Surrounded by Hannah Dorfmueller, Erica Attwood, Heidi Dunn and Iona Newell — all of whom do very nice work themselves — Lyon gets the chance here to really own a performance, and he absolutely nails it.

The second act begins with “As Is,” another very physical ballet (also by Jakhelln), and the mass of dancers who work together on it are in continuous motion. Though this piece seems longer than it needs to be, there are a series of intricate patterns that flow through it, making it a visual treat.

“Apples and Eves,” the program’s last work, also extends past what it seems to need to make its point, but the clever use of props and juiced-up color for the costumes make this vigorous piece a lot of fun.

I hope ballet lovers and fans of the local rock scene all turn out in droves for this “Ballet Rocks,” where they’ll get the chance to find out that it really does.

Contact the features desk at (563) 383-2400 or newsroom@qctimes.com.