Skylar Brandt, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, will perform Black Swan from Swan Lake during CONNECTIONS 2023.
World-renowned guest artists return to Bozeman for Montana Ballet Company’s CONNECTIONS 2023, a one-night-only performance at 7 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Willson Auditorium.
“The dancers from around the country who are traveling to Bozeman are truly extraordinary artists at the peak of their profession,” says MBC Artistic and Executive Director Elizabeth DeFanti. “What a gift for us to experience their many talents in such dynamic repertoire.”
The program offers “something for everyone to enjoy, from iconic classical ballets such as excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake to thought-provoking contemporary dance,” she adds.
The company welcomes Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo, stars and principal dancers with the American Ballet Theatre, performing the Act 3 Sleeping Beauty pas de deux, considered one of the most iconic ballets in the classical realm.
Brandt will also perform Black Swan from Swan Lake with Joseph Gatti, international principal guest artist and director of United Ballet Theatre. Principal guest artist Daynelis Muñoz will join Gatti in the Act 1 pas de deux from Le Corsaire, which DeFanti describes as “a piece of magnificent virtuosity.”
Also featured in this special program are Christian Clark and Rachel Van Buskirk, co-founders and principal dancers with Atlanta’s Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. Clark and Van Buskirk will dance two contemporary pieces, their own Treaty pas de deux along with the duet from Ana Maria Lucaciu’s Long Ago and Only Once.
DeFanti created CONNECTIONS in 2019 to provide an opportunity for Montana Ballet and its audiences to “connect” with the larger national and international dance community.
“I was so fortunate to grow up with two professional dancers, directors, and choreographers as my parents,” she says of her knack for attracting world-class talent to the Bozeman stage. “Through their work, I was exposed to exceptional, world-renowned artistry.”
“I am also grateful to the many guest dancers who have performed with Montana Ballet Company and the new connections they have fostered for our organization,” she adds. “I deeply value the relationships we’ve made with such remarkable people.”
She promises this year’s concert will again “captivate audiences with impressive professional artistry and talent.”
For tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406.582.8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $25 – $75.