As I discussed in my previous post (click here to read), the ballet THREE explores the power and effects of dreams by following the Dreamer on a journey into the sphere of otherworldly. The music for this work moves between the classical preludes of Alexander Scriabin, 19th century Russian mystic and composer known for his instinctual atonality, into modern electronic music by Radiohead and back to classical movements by David Lang (renowned contemporary American composer of Bang on a Can All Stars) and Steve Reich (minimalist American composer and Pulitzer Prize of Music winner). The music and dance is accompanied by poetry and abstract soundscapes that help propel the conversation between artist and audience as we explore dreams, astral travel, and other disquieting events.

Atlanta Ballet Company dancer Jesse Tyler is also an accomplished musician and songwriter who heads up his own band, The Neighbors. I solicited his assistance with the music editing process and creation of these soundscapes that not only blend seemingly disparate pieces of music, but also transport the dancers and audience into the surreal world of dreams. Dreams can be disconcerting and disjointed. Jesse and I have collaborated on the invention of musical threads that shape the shared journey of the Dreamer and the audience in a very intentional way. The musical landscape leads lead them through various planes of consciousness. I cannot wait to share THREE with you during the MAYhem program, May 16-18 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre! Click here for tickets.

ENTER TO WIN

I’m also giving you another chance to win a MAYhem prize pack! What song or musician would you want to see used for a ballet? One lucky winner will get 2 tickets to see my premiere in May and a Spa Sydell gift certificate (to help you relax into your own dream state).

It’s super easy to enter the contest and no purchase is necessary! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Pick a song or musician that you would want to see used for a ballet.
2. Share a picture with @atlantaballet on Instagram of the artist or album cover with your answer. Make sure you use #ABballetmusic to make it official, and get your entry in by Friday, May 2 at 11:59 pm.
3. Atlanta Ballet will randomly select a winner on Saturday, May 3rd and reach out to him or her the same day!

Check back next week to get a sneak peek at studio rehearsals for THREE and another chance to win!

Best,

John McFall
Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director & choreographer of THREE

*The winner can choose between the following performance dates and times for MAYhem at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: Friday, May 16 at 8pm; Saturday, May 17 at 2pm or 8pm; or Sunday, May 18 at 2pm. Click here for the official rules.

Atlanta Ballet artistic director John McFall creating THREE in studio with Company dancer Heath Gill. Photo by Charlie McCullers.