RMBT premieres documentary and “A Birthday Jewel”
Published: October 14, 2008
Never one to rest on her laurels, Charlene Campbell, artistic director of the Rocky Mountain Ballet, is already choreographing new works for “A Birthday Jewel,” a celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary. The company has also scheduled two screenings of “A Cowboy, Indians and Tutus: Taking Montana to China,” a documentary about the troupe’s recent trip to China.
“I have an endless supply when it comes to creative ideas,” she says. “The day we got home from China, as tired as I was, I was thinking, ‘now what?’”
Here’s the answer to that question:
Nov 9: Screening of “A Cowboy, Indians and Tutus,” 6:30 p.m. in the University Center Theater, with a reception from 4-5:30 p.m. at LA Design. Tickets are $30.
Nov. 22: “A Birthday Jewel,” a celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center. The repertoire includes “Puttin’ on the Ritz”; a new production of the French ballet “Satie,” which straddles the boundaries between dance and visual art; a new work, “Soldier,” by choreographer Tori Luciano; the sassy new “Café Buenos Aires”; and “Raymonda,” described as the diamond of the Russian Classics Repertory. Tickets are $25.
Dec. 31: A First Night performance of new works, 2:30 p.m. at the University Theatre; and a screening of the China documentary, 5 p.m. at the Roxy Theater.
Feb. 13: “Fall in Love with RMBT,” 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10 for the matinee and $50 for the evening performance, which is preceded by a silent auction.
For details, call 406-549-5155 or visit www.rmbt.org.
Saw the documentary of RMBT’s trip to China - what an extraordinary journey for a group of young ballerinas from Montana. Cowboy Wade Black and native singer/dancer Shawnee Pete (I’m not sure I spelled that right) offered both comic relief and striking contrast to the Chinese culture. The company’s director, Charlene Campbell, is not only an adventuresome choreographer and inspiring teacher, she’s a wonderful ambassador!
For the community to have someone like Charlene is truly a blessing. I have the feeling people take her work for granted, or don’t understand the high quality of her artistic work. She brings years of experience in the professional dance world straight to the classrooms and stages of Montana. It is truly unique, and I encourage everyone to support RMBTS and all of the wonderful Arts programs Montana has to offer.
