In this program for the Tennessee Arts Academy, Ballet Memphis will perform three works—the duet from Water of the Flowery Mill, highlights from the ballet Paquita, and Being Here with Other People. The first work, Water of the Flower Mill, was choreographed by American choreographer Matthew Neenan for Ballet Memphis in 2010. Danced to music by Tchaikovsky, the piece was inspired by the 1944 painting of the same name by artist Arshile Gorky. Paquita, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa with music by Ludwig Minkus, is a three-act ballet that tells the story of Paquita, a young woman who falls in love with a noble man. The ballet is rarely performed in its entirety in the West; however, the third act remains a staple in the repertoire of ballet companies across the world. No longer performed as a narrative work, the dance is now used as a vehicle for virtuosity, artistry, and exceptional corps de ballet work. Being Here with Other People was choreographed by Ballet Memphis’s artistic director Steven McMahon in 2009. The dance is a response to the joyous music of Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major. After the program, McMahon will host a question and answer session for the audience. Click here for complete program information.

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Ballet Memphis aspires to reveal and celebrate the universality of the human experience through dance. The company performs classical ballet and is a leader in the creation of new work that builds American dance using the catalog of American music, often finding inspiration in the Memphis sound. The Ballet Memphis School offers ballet training for students ages three and older, while adult students enjoy ballet, tap, and Pilates classes. Ballet Memphis is entering its thirty-fifth season.

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The appearance of Ballet Memphis is made possible by generous gifts from Bobby Jean Frost, in memory of Donna Frost; the Lingner Gift Fund; and Bill and Jeanette Watkins.