Menlowe Ballet presents fall season of three ballets Oct. 5-7
Menlowe Ballet presents Encore, Friday and Saturday, October 5 & 6 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, October 7 at 2:00 pm, at Bayside Performing Arts Center, 2025 Kehoe Ave, San Mateo, 94403. Tickets, ranging in price from $28 to $45 may be purchased online or by calling (800) 595-4849.
The fall season program features choreography by Artistic Director Michael Lowe and by Betsy Erickson, former San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre soloist, and current Ballet Master for the San Francisco Ballet.
Songs is a neoclassical jewel by Erickson set to six orchestral songs with soprano voice by composer Richard Strauss. The world premiere of Lowe’s Serei (meaning “spirit” in Japanese), follows the reflections of a woman journeying through memories of past lives. Lowe’s Surfside (pictured), a choreographic homage to instrumental vintage surf music, features dancers clad in period-style beachwear and a live musical performance by musicians Paul Stinson of The Radishes and The Stripminers, and John Baker of Lotus Rush and Story Road. Also performing are advanced level students from the Menlo Park Academy of Dance.
“I’m excited about the collaborations that comprise our season”, says Lowe. “I had the privilege of working with Betsy when she served as ballet mistress at Oakland Ballet during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Her brilliant eye for nuance and aesthetic detail infuses her choreography with elegance and depth, and she has inspired our dancers to new heights. I’m equally thrilled that musicians Paul Stinson and John Baker will share our stage. I’m a fan of both, and to have them play with us live on stage is a huge thrill and honor, and will be a great treat for our audiences.”
Based in Menlo Park, CA, Menlowe Ballet is a professional ballet company dedicated to bringing dance to audiences in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 2011, the company performs works ranging from cultural to contemporary, while honoring the foundation of classical ballet. In addition to its artistic mission, Menlowe Ballet provides performing opportunities to aspiring students from its official school, the Menlo Park Academy of Dance.
