BALLET ARGENTINO BRINGS LATIN FIRE TO GLENDALE.Byline: Vicki Smith Paluch Correspondent Julio Bocca Julio Bocca (b. March 6 1967) is one of the most important ballet dancers of the latter part of the 20th century, and probably the most important Argentine dancer of all time. has been called the greatest male dancer in the world today. The Buenos Aires Buenos Aires (bwā`nəs ī`rēz, âr`ēz, Span. bwā`nōs ī`rās), city and federal district (1991 pop. native burst onto the international dance scene at 18, winning the gold medal gold medal traditional first prize. [Western Cult: Misc.] See : Prize at the Fifth International Competition in Moscow in 1985. A year later, he made his debut as a lead dancer with American Ballet Theatre American Ballet Theatre, one of the foremost international dance companies of the 20th cent. It was founded in 1937 as the Mordkin Ballet and reorganized as the Ballet Theatre in 1940 under the direction of Lucia Chase and Rich Pleasant. , and The New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times named him Dancer of the Year. Bocca has been thrilling ballet audiences ever since with his brilliant classical ballet Noun 1. classical ballet - a style of ballet based on precise conventional steps performed with graceful and flowing movements ballet, concert dance - a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers technique, his youthful charm and charisma, and his intense interpretations of leading roles in such ballets as ``Don Quixote,'' ``Giselle,'' ``Romeo and Juliet'' and ``Theme and Variations.'' If being a principal dancer A principal dancer is similar to a soloist in dance. However, principals are hired by a ballet or dance company to perform not only solos, but also pas de deux. A principal may be male or female. with one of the world's leading ballet companies were not enough, Bocca started his own dance troupe, Ballet Argentino, a decade ago, wanting to give other young dancers from Argentina the chance to develop and dance works other than the standard ballet troupe fare of the top 10 grand pas de deux pas de deux (French; “step for two”) Dance for two performers. A characteristic part of classical ballet, it includes an adagio, or slow dance, by the ballerina and her partner; solo variations by the male dancer and then the ballerina; and a coda, or . ``I want my dancers to work with different dance styles,'' Bocca said of this young company of 13 dancers who range in age from 16 to 25. ``When you're young, you can absorb them faster. Then, when they are grabbed up by another company, they will be better for it.'' A youthful Latin spirit infuses the dancing of Ballet Argentino with sensuality, grace and athletic verve, winning over audiences and critics in Argentina, Europe and Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. . Currently, Bocca and his Ballet Argentino are undertaking a grueling U.S. tour, including its debut performances at the Alex Theatre The Alex Theatre is a historic landmark located at 216 North Brand Boulevard in Glendale, California of the United States of America. It is currently owned by the City of Glendale and operated by the Alex Regional Theatre Board. in Glendale tonight and Saturday. While the company has toured the United States four times, this is only its first visit to Southern California. Today, Ballet Argentino performs classical ballet pas de deux, such as Bocca's signature piece, the grand pas de deux from ``Don Quixote,'' as well as the distinctly Argentine-flavored works, such as a new tango by Ana Maria Stekelman, ``Tango Vivo.'' Both works are being performed on this cross-country tour. They also will perform a modern work by Oscar Araiz, ``Adagietto,'' which is set to the music of Gustav Mahler; the contemporary dance trio ``Suite Generis'' by Alberto Mendez, set to the music of Handel and Haydn; and ``Sinfonia sin·fo·ni·a n. 1. An instrumental composition serving as an overture, as to an opera or cantata, especially in the 18th century. 2. A symphonic composition. Entrelazada'' by Maruo Bigonzetti, set to the music of Mozart. Bocca will be dancing the ``Don Quixote'' grand pas de deux, ``Tango Vivo'' and ``Sinfonia Entrelazada.'' The company's repertoire also includes works by Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Roland Petit, as well as contemporary choreographer Kevin O'Day. Works by contemporary choreographers David Parsons and Lar Lubovitch will be added next year. While the government of Argentina The government of Argentina functions within the framework of a federal federation presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Argentina is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. pays part of the dancers' salary, Bocca has supported Ballet Argentino and its school with his own money since its inception. ``The last two years, we have broken even, and now we may start to make a profit,'' he said proudly, during a recent telephone interview while on tour with Ballet Argentino. ``If something should happen and I have to retire, I have the school and the company.'' Now, if being a principal dancer with ABT ABT About ABT Abteilung (German: Department) ABT Abbott Laboratories (stock symbol) ABT American Ballet Theatre ABT Associação Brasileira de Telemarketing ABT Abort ABT Availability Based Tariff and the artistic director and lead dancer with Ballet Argentino were not enough, Bocca conquered the Broadway stage, making his musical theater debut in ``Fosse'' earlier this year. He performed in the show's virtuoso numbers, including ``Mr. Bojangles,'' ``Crunchy Granola'' and ``Sing, Sing, Sing.'' `` `Fosse' changed my life,'' Bocca said. ``I was getting so paranoid about having to prove myself to the ballet audiences and the critics that I was at the point where I wasn't enjoying it.'' But the atmosphere of the theater - the ensemble cast of ``Fosse'' working together eight performances a week and going out together after the show for a drink - became a family for Bocca, giving him a semblance of a real life. ``I could go to the movies in the afternoon instead of rehearsals and class,'' he said. The ``Fosse'' experience taught Bocca he could perform the same numbers, eight performances a week, enjoy himself and please the crowd. ``I learned I didn't have to push myself to make eight turns and fear falling. Three clean turns are good, and if you fall, enjoy the falling,'' he said. ``Fosse'' also stretched him artistically, forcing him to take risks, namely singing with the ensemble on Broadway. ``At first, I was really nervous. I just moved my mouth,'' Bocca admitted. ``I started voice lessons and singing.'' The Broadway experience, he explained, has made him more secure. ``This is the first time I can say that I am an artist,'' said Bocca. JULIO BOCCA AND BALLET ARGENTINO Where: Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. When: 8 tonight and Saturday. Tickets: $32 to $43. (800) 414-2539 or www.alextheatre.org. CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) A youthful Latin spirit infuses the dancing of Ballet Argentino with sensuality, grace and athletic verve. (2) Buenos Aires native Julio Bocca, right, brings his troupe to the Alex Theatre tonight and Saturday, as part of its first visit to Southern California. |
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