Can dance energize its audience? “Simply breathtaking,” proclaims the Chicago Sun-Times about Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, whose UMS debut features a program of contemporary ballet that exemplifies the company’s commitment to commissioning dance by both world-renowned and emerging choreographers. With a European aesthetic grounded in American sensibilities, this 11-member troupe of classically trained dancers has developed a worldwide following. “Stark, sleek, and chock-full of moves that skirt the edges of contemporary movement.” (The Boston Globe)

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet began in Aspen in 1996, and a partnership four years later led to the creation of a company that splits its time between Aspen and Santa Fe. Artistic director Tom Mossbrucker, a former principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, has been with the company since the beginning. He is dedicated to presenting an eclectic repertoire and committed to acquiring new works that persistently challenge, enliven, and education both audiences and the company dancers.

Program:
Square None (2011): Choreography: Norbert De La Cruz. Music: Alva Noto, Michelle Ross, Handel, and Aphex Twin.
Stamping Ground (1983): Choreography: Jirí Kylián. Music: Carlos Chávez.
Over Glow (2011): Choreography: Jorma Elo. Music: Mendelssohn & Beethoven.
Program Book [PDF]

Where does inspiration come from? What makes an artist tick? Join us for a post-performance Q&A and get a glimpse into the lives and minds of the artists that bring creativity to the stage. Must have a ticket to this evening’s performance to attend.

Also see:
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Website

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s founder, Bebe Schweppe, was visionary when, in 1996, she invited Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty to create a ballet company that Aspen could call its own. Initially known as Aspen Ballet Company, a partnership in 2000 led to the creation of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. The company has called both Aspen and Santa Fe “home” ever since. In sync with the world-class artistic offerings in each of these communities, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has strengthened the cultural fabric of both cities with its abundant and diverse dance offerings. With its sophisticated repertoire and broad appeal, combined with a successful blend of entertaining and engrossing contemporary ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is one of the great success stories in American dance today.  Audiences have embraced this vibrant company on stellar stages including The Joyce Theater in New York City; the famed Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival; The Kennedy Center; Wolf Trap; The Harris Theater in Chicago; and in foreign venues including Canada, France, Greece, Guatemala, Israel and Italy.

With its adventurous repertoire and the inspiring landscapes of its home communities, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet appeals as a gathering place for the finest dancers and choreographers in the world. Never forgetting its deep roots in the creative and historic wealth of these majestic and awe-inspiring communities, the organization remains deeply committed to expanding and enriching the world of dance. With its fusion of classical good sense and western ingenuity, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet blends the best of both worlds to create a dance company that is truly unique.

Tom Mossbrucker studied ballet at School of American Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet School and danced as a principal dancer for Joffrey in over 70 ballets.  He has danced ballets by some of the world’s greatest choreographers, including Twyla Tharp, William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián, John Cranko, Fredrick Ashton, Agnes de Mille, Jose Limon, Paul Taylor, and George Balanchine, and was lauded for his work in Moor’s Pavane, in which he played Iago, and Billboards, a full-length rock ballet set to music by Prince. He also danced with the Atlanta Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In 2010, Tom received The Joyce Theater Foundation award in recognition of his contribution to the field of dance. Following in the tradition of Robert Joffrey, Tom is dedicated to presenting an eclectic repertoire and committed to acquiring new works that persistently challenge, enliven, and educate both audiences and the company dancers. Building relationships with choreographers has become a hallmark of the company.

This performance marks the UMS debut of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

Performance Trailer