ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
THE RITE OF SPRING holds a legendary place – not only in music history – but in dance history as well. The monumental score by Igor Stravinsky combined with the primitive and archaic choreography caused a riot outside the theater of the world premiere in 1913. Stephen Mills’ interpretation of the story focuses on a central figure who is ultimately offered as a sacrifice for the betterment of the collective – but left open enough that an audience could decide for themselves what she represented.
CHOREOGRAPHY: Stephen Mills
MUSIC: Igor Stravinsky
Photography by Tony Spielberg
All rights reserved | No unauthorized use
HIGHLIGHTS
- Choreography: Stephen Mills
- Music: Igor Stravinsky
- Costume Design: Stephen Mills
- Scenic Design: Stephen Mills
- Lighting Design: Tony Tucci
- Run-time: 35 minutes
- Dancers: 21 (11 women & 10 men)
PREMIERES
THE BASS CONCERT HALL | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2000 (World Premiere)
THE LONG CENTER | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2013
PRESS
“With suspended bare trees dangling precariously over the dancers, Mills’ ballet packs a visual punch. Mills used pounding second position stomps, tight circle formations and a competitive force between the men and the women to tell this familiar ritual to a dazzling effect.”
Arts and Culture Texas
“…as in Nijinsky’s 1913 original – animal instincts and herd mentalities thrive… Bare-rooted trees hovered over the stage, signifying the tribe as a subworld. In ritual and as if determined by earthly, or sub-earthly, forces, the ensemble circled its prey in stamps and stag-leaps.”
The Austin Chronicle
“‘The Rite of Spring’ depicts ancient traditions of spring sacrifice told through contemporary movement.”
The Austinist