Ballet bridges two cultures

Nevada, Korean dancers to perform together for the first time in 'East Meets West'

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Dance is a universal language.

That's the principle behind the Nevada Ballet Theatre's cultural exchange performance "East Meets West," playing at Artemus W. Ham Hall on the UNLV campus, 4505 Maryland Parkway.

The show will feature dancers from the Summerlin-based theater in a collaborative performance with members of the Seoul Ballet Theatre of Korea. It will be performed in both the United States and Korea as part of a dual-country tour.

"It's the first collaboration of its kind in Las Vegas," ballet mistress Clarice Rathers said. "Unique not just because it's two separate entities coming together, but because of the tour. The performance will be done in Korea and here in Nevada. So, audiences from two countries will have the opportunity to experience this great performance."

The idea for the collaboration blossomed from former artistic director Bruce Steivel's working relationship with James Jeon, Seoul Ballet Theatre choreographer and artistic director.

"This has been years in the making," Rathers said. "The ballet performed one of James' pieces years ago, and it all evolved from there."

According to Rathers, each company will perform an individual piece, followed by the collaborative number, titled "Inner Moves."

"I think people expect to see one thing, and they won't be disappointed," Rathers said. "But it is so much more than what you expect. The passion of each dancer, the personality of each company, really shines through."

Each company has been rehearsing respectively since last year, Rathers said. But the first time "Inner Moves" is performed in front of an audience will be the first time it has been performed with both companies on the same stage.

"It's strange during rehearsals because you're dancing around people who aren't there," Rathers said. "We haven't had the opportunity to practice as a group, so the first time the world sees it will be the first time we've done it together."

Las Vegas resident David Ligon, 21, will be one of the eight dancers to participate in the exchange, and he said that he feels fortunate to be a part of Nevada Ballet Theatre history.

"It feels very contemporary," Ligon said. "We're essentially performing three small ballets in one. We will perform a piece, and then it's their turn. Then we will perform the collaborative piece. People will get to see the differences in style and culture."

According to Rathers, each company has a unique way of doing things, and dancers will benefit from the exposure to another company's habits and environment.

"I feel very lucky to be a part of this," Rathers said. "James has a special energy and passion about him. I know that it will be contagious. That's how great dancers are made. By working with different choreographers, you learn something from each one."

When asked what audiences might expect from the performance, Rathers' answer was simple.

"People will see two different countries work together and perform this beautiful artistic piece," she said. "That's never happened in Las Vegas before. It's historic."

Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $29, $49 and $72 and can be purchased by calling 895-2787.