Preludes/Begnnings
by Ballet Austin

Apr. 15 - Apr. 25, 2021

The ghosts dance through the night...

Ballet Austin presents the World Premiere of Stephen Mills’ dance film, PRELUDES/BEGINNINGS, offered free of charge to the public and available online April 15th – 25th. Set to Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Preludes for solo piano and filmed on-site at the historic Scottish Rite Theater, the ballet is both a reflection of the history of the theater and an acknowledgment of the challenging year experienced by all.

Whispers of the past and present come together in the dark of the Scottish Rite Theater, where it has been said that the spirits of the convalescents housed there during the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic still roam the corridors to this day. The film is centered around the tradition of a “ghost light” being placed on stage at night while the theater is empty to keep the ghosts from haunting. However, in PRELUDES/BEGINNINGS, the ghosts come out to dance through the night, returning to the rafters before dawn. This work, performed by Ballet Austin’s Company dancers, honors what has been lost while keeping hope that new beginnings are on the horizon.

PRELUDES/BEGINNINGS is dedicated to the front-line workers from 1918 and today.

Choreography: Stephen Mills
Music: Frédéric Chopin, Performed by Martha Argerich
Director and Editor: Paul Michael Bloodgood
Photography: Jordan Moser and Paul Michael Bloodgood

Parental guidance suggested. Recommended for viewers ages 10 and up.

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Preludes/Begnnings
by Stephen Mills, Frédéric Chopin
Ballet Austin

Streaming without charge from Ballet Austin, April 15 - 25, 2021. CLICK HERE.