Spring, summer, fall and winter: four seasons, four stages of life. Choreographed to one of classical music’s best-known and most-beloved suites, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, this world premiere of artistic director John Alleyne’s original choreography is a touching observation of the passage of time.

“My Valentine treat is a double bill of contemporary choreographic works inspired by music of the Baroque.

Described as lively and tuneful, Baroque music conveys an emotional quality that is perfectly suited to dance,” says Alleyne.

This exciting new ballet follows a young woman as she moves through the memorable and monumental four stages of life. The Four Seasons is beautiful, lyrical, and compelling.

He adds that: “By bringing to life these expressive aspects of the music, ballet’s visual vocabulary allows the audience to almost ‘see’ the music. When the dancer’s movements reflect the changing moods of the music, the poetry of sound becomes poetry in motion.”
Alleyne is collaborating with local artists Tiko Kerr and Alan Storey to bring his artistic vision to life.

Also on the program is the Canadian Premiere of Mark Morris’s astonishing work, A Garden, and the revival of Dominque Dumais’s, A/way Inside, originally commissioned for Ballet BC.

“When the dancer’s movements reflect the changing moods of the music, the poetry of sound becomes poetry in motion,” Alleyne says.

“I’m excited to present this beautiful, lyrical and compelling new work,” says Mr. Alleyne. “The lively and tuneful music of Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ conveys an emotional quality that is suitable for dance. I have chosen to collaborate with artists that will help bring to life these expressive aspects of music to life.”

Presentations include live music performed by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra conducted by David LaMarche with dance students from Arts Umbrella.

Ballet British Columbia’s production of The Four Seasons is a powerful and spontaneous transformation of movement into line and color.

Performances will take place on Feb 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. with a matinee performance on Feb 16 at 2 p.m. All performances take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver, B.C. Tickets are available online at: www.ticketmaster.ca or call Ballet BC Guest Services at 604.732.5003 ext. 207.