Fabulous Footwork At The Markham Theatre

Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal

Friday, January 28^th, 2011 at 8:00PM

Tickets: $54, $49, and $47

Paul Taylor Dance Ensemble

Thursday, April 28^th, 2011 at 8:00PM

Tickets: $59 $54 and $52

Toronto - The Markham Theatre rings in the New Year with a dance explosion featuring a trio of internationally acclaimed ensembles ranging in style from an eclectic mix of modern ballet, contemporary jazz to classical Indian dance. The Fabulous Footwork Series begins with a performance by Canada’s own Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal on Friday, January 28^th followed by India’s acclaimed Nrityagram Dance Ensemble on Thursday, March 24^th and concludes with a performance by celebrated New York based Paul Taylor Dance Ensemble on Thursday, April 28^th.

Solidly established on the international dance scene, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal continues to evolve with the vitality and openness that have been the company’s hallmark since its inception in 1972. Called funky, hot and charmingly innocent, this Canadian troupe wows audiences with an up-tempo, innovative and contemporary program that pays homage to its jazz roots as well as the dancers’ rigorous classical training. Over the course of 30 years of performance, the company has continuously evolved and challenged the boundaries of modern dance. Currently under the direction of Louis Robitaille, an amazingly successful dancer and interpreter, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal’s upcoming performance will include two major works: Rossini Cards, a musical and dramatic movement inspired by the music of Mauro Bigonzetti and Gioachino Antonio Rossini; as well as Zip Zap Zoom which draw on hip hop isolations, ballroom motifs, and cabaret teases to create a high-energy performance inspired by the virtual world of video games.

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is much more than a dance company. At Nrityagram, dance is a way of life. The founder, Protima Gauri - an exquisite Odissi dancer herself - converted ten acres of farmland into an ideal setting for the study, practice and teaching of classical dance. Nrityagram Dance Ensemble blends Odissi, a classical Indian dance form, with contemporary concepts to transport audiences to enchanted worlds of magic and spirituality. Since 1996, the year of their life-changing New York debut, The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble have toured exentsively across North America and are now regarded as one of the foremost dance companies of India. Their performances, which are infused with exceptional synchronicity, compelling physicality and emotional honesty, have earned the ensemble international acclaim for its ability to redefine both dance and theater, and to create and communicate with powerful imagery and captivating movement.

Now in its 55th year, The New York Times calls Paul Taylor Dance Company, “One of the most exciting, innovative, and delightful dance companies in the entire world. Highly respected and sought-after, the company made its debut when founder, dance maker Paul Taylor first presented his choreography with five other dancers in Manhattan on May 30, 1954. That modest performance marked the beginning of a half century of unrivaled creativity, and in the decades that followed, Paul Taylor became a cultural icon and one of history’s most celebrated artists, hailed as part of the pantheon that created American modern dance. The Company has gone on to performed in more than 500 cities in 62 countries and still spends more than half of each performance season touring North American cities. Their astounding legacy has prompted world-wide acclaim including the San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle which proclaims Paul Taylor as “the greatest living American choreographer”.

Subscriptions for the Fabulous Footwork dance series can be purchased with a Create Your Own Entertainment Package which offers patrons up to 25% of the regular single ticket prices. Markham Theatre offers value priced tickets for students. The EYE GO to the Arts program aimed at High School students offers $5.00 tickets, while college and university students can purchase UGO tickets for $20.00. Student discounts are available upon the presentation of a valid student ID card.

Also, don’t miss next week’s performance of CIRCA, Australia’s most innovative, breathtaking acrobatic circus! Prepare to be amazed when five acrobats battle the clock to bring you 61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes”. Be dazzled by the skill, marvel at the unicycle of death and gasp at the knife juggling and human yo-yo. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the fast, furious fun of this heart stopping show. CIRCA “61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes” takes place on, Sunday, January 16^th at 4:00PM and again at 7:00PM  Single tickets are $34, $29 and $27 or take advantage of Markham Theatre’s value-based pricing by purchasing a Passport to the Arts Family 4-Pak for only $84.

CIRCA “61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes” and Nrityagram Dance Ensemble are also featured in Markham Theatre’s Discovery Education Outreach Program. This new program makes available a select number of school matinees and artist-in-residence workshops. For more information please contact Suzanne Couture at 905-415-7537 ext 5700 or email: scouture@markham.ca.

About the Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts

Markham Theatre is an intimate 530 seat, state-of-the-art performance facility that attracts the best and brightest stars from around the global. With over 60 performances featuring artists and productions from Asia, South Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, the United States and Canada, the 2010/2011 program is arguably one of the theatre’s most diverse and exciting line-ups to date. Easily accessible, the Markham Theatre is located only 30 minutes from the downtown core and offers world-class entertainment at your doorstep. Flexible package options, student discounts and complimentary parking are available.