HQ Review: Ballet 314 presents Assemblé, a family-friendly educational ballet
On February 28th, Ballet 314 took the stage at the Foundry Art Center to present Assemblé: an original story centered around the four main components of an orchestra. Ballet 314, headed by artistic director Robert Poe and executive director Rachel Bodi, is a non-profit organization that produces up to 45 educational programs per season. As the time neared the top of the performance, kids from all age ranges excitedly clamored around the front of the stage, eager to witness and learn new ballet steps. A pre-show activity had taken place where audience members were welcome to create different percussion instruments from a wide assortment of arts and crafts.
The opening scene began with a brief presentation and speech about what the four different groups of an orchestra actually are. Strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion are the four main components responsible for creating the beautiful melodies many ballets have been set to throughout the centuries. Example sounds played for each musical instrument group in order to highlight the different notes and qualities of sound each instrumental section makes. Then, a group of dancers lightly floated across the stage and began to each perform different classical ballet steps that went along with the music sample. For instance, the woodwind groups played a soft yet upbeat melody, which led the dancer to perfectly synchronize petite allegro movements. The gentle yet swift steps were the perfect complement for the melody at hand. The brisk footwork mirrored the lightness that woodwind instruments create, helping the audience visually understand the relation between choreography and music.
As the performance progressed, each orchestral group went through the same motion of fine-tuning movements to the tempo of the instruments. When the strings were introduced to the audience, a smooth, drawn-out, flowing quality filled the house. Strong developments and sharp arabesques resulted in a chain of applause from the audience and cheers from the children of the crowd. Violins and cellos could be heard strumming along in the music, making the demonstration one filled with emotion and grace.
The brass section in contrast brought bold energy that filled the stage with power and presence. The music was powerful and loud, the choreography a direct reflection of the passionate intensity. Strong turns and breathtaking leaps made up the dynamic quality of movement alongside the potent music. The dancers beamed up towards the audience, drawing all of the attention in towards the center of the stage.
The percussion section was one of the most engaging and fun sections for the audience. Since many children had made their own percussion instruments before the end of the show, they were encouraged to shake along with their self-made instruments. Precise footwork and waves from the dancers encouraged many children to stand up and emulate the exciting movements they were witnessing on stage. In fact, part of the performance consisted of the dancers leading counts and staging small segments of choreography for audience members to learn. Kids as young as two clapped along to the beats played as they beamed up towards the stage in a first-position stance. Percussion instruments shook from younger audience members while many older children led the way for their peers. Basic ballet positions such as tendus, plies, and rond de jambes were translated from the dancers on stage to the kids watching in the audience. The aisle filled with laughter from both parents and kids as the dancers wrapped up their demonstration.
The concluding act of the ballet consisted of a grand performance from all of the dancers who had demonstrated movements to the different instrumental groups. Now, the music was filled with all four groups. The strings could be heard synchronizing with the brass, just as the percussion and woodwind sounds waltzed around each other. The stage moved as one as the dancers seamlessly blended the movement qualities that had been demonstrated individually throughout the show. Intricate footwork, extensions that brushed the sky, and dynamic leaps all blended alongside the rhythm of the music. As the dancers took their final bows, audience members were invited to talk with and take photos alongside the performers.
Assemblé highlighted to viewers the deep intertwining between dance and music. The two can exist separately, but together they create a unique blend of art and passion. Viewers of all ages left with a beautiful performance to reflect on but also a deeper understanding of orchestral music and the components of it that help bring dance to life. Ballet 314 successfully transformed an educational topic to an engaging and joyful experience for all parties involved, leaving both parents and children inspired.
Photos by Carly Vanderheyden