Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Global Visionaries is unlike anything you have ever seen before!
From comedy to serious artistic expression, Joffrey‘s Global Visionaries has it all. I have to give another standing ovation to all the hard-working dancers and choreographers who put together such an amazing show. Your labor of love does not go unnoticed.

The Chicago Premiere of The Miraculous Mandarin by San Francisco Ballet Resident choreographer Yuri Possokhov was a spellbinding journey from beginning to end. Their dance resembled elegant musical notes to accompany the beautiful sound of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. It quickly transformed into a story illustrating crime, murder and the power of love. There isn’t a dull moment in the The Miraculous Mandarin.

I think this piece is more appropriate for adults because of the subject matter and some of the choreography.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Joy was the highlight of the night.

Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman held its grand world premiere yesterday. The audience was elated by the comedy, hiplet inspired choreography and the dancers’ dialogue with us. I was a big fan of our talented dancers verbally communicating with us. I hope they continue to do so in the future. The dancing was on point and the ad-libbing was very entertaining. Alexander Ekman also incorporated trendy music into his piece like Grammy-nominated Brad Mehldau Trio’s blues version of Buddy Johnson’s Since “I Fell for You”; Django Django’s retro single “First Light”, Tiga’s pop song “Shoes” and Moby’s “LA5”.

The one draw back of Joy was the attire. I would have love to see flowing dresses, more colorful suits and a variety of onesies. A fabulous wardrobe would have enhanced it even more.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

Mammatus by choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa made its grand return after premiering at the Joffrey in September of 2015.  The entire piece was like walking into the Art Institute. The dancers’ animal like movements resembled moving sculptures in a refined museum. The special effects in the end made the whole experience seem surreal.

The Joffrey Ballet‘s Global Visionaries runs thru May 7 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.

* A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for allowing BTSCelebs to review the ballet*