PAST

WORKS

Spring Forward (2021)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus and Amanda Kay White

Premiere: Muckenthaler Cultural Center; Fullerton, CA
Music:
Shine You No More by Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen - arr. Benjamin Smolen; Stämlåten by Väsen- arr. Benjamin Smolen; Trøstesang by Gjermund Larsen - arr. Benjamin Smolen; To My Friend Michale by Giora Feidman - arr. Joshua Ranz; Vedrò con mio Diletto by Antonio Vivaldi - arr. Benjamin Smolen; Cello Suite No. 2: II. Allemande by J.S. Bach - arr. Joshua Ranz; Nina Nanna by Pink Martini - arr. Joshua Ranz; Finale of Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland - arr. Joshua Ranz; Three Pieces for Flute: II. Jade by Pierre-Octave Ferroud; Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar - arr. Meredith Crawford; El Amor Brujo by Manuel de Falla: I. Canción del Amor dolido (arr. Benjamin Smolen), II. Canción del fuego fatuo (arr. Benjamin Smolen), III. Ritual Fire Dance (arr. Michael Franz); Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla - arr. Benjamin Smolen; Libertango by Astor Piazzolla - arr. Christine Frank
Musical Direction: Benjamin Smolen
Block x Block Musicians: Meredith Crawford, Viola; Christine Frank, Violin; Michael Franz, Bass; Joshua Ranz, Clarinet; Leslie Resnick; Benjamin Smolen, Flute

An evening of live music + dance
featuring Backhausdance + Block x Block

Let’s go outside and celebrate the season of spring! Join us at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center with a live performance held in the open, charming amphitheatre. Our special evening features new choreography by Backhausdance artistic director and founder, Jennifer Backhaus, and founding member, Amanda Kay White, in concert with Block x Block, a collective of six musicians, all members of the Pacific Symphony.

Block x Block is a chamber music ensemble that expands the definition of what classical music can do. Founded in May 2020 in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic as a way to present safe and engaging concerts, their mission is to bring music out of the concert hall and present it in creative ways throughout the community.

We can’t wait to share this artful experience with you in a safe, comfortable and open-air setting!

Black Morning (2017)

Choreography by Ido Tadmor

Premiere: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA
Music: Blue Calx by Aphex Twin, My Beautiful Boy by David Hirschfelder & The Trees by Max Richter; Partial score composed and edited by Juliane Jones
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Costume Design: Jojo Siu
Running Time: 27 minutes

A marriage of technical brilliance with fluid, sweeping athleticism, Black Morning echoes the heaviness of mourning and hopefulness of the spirit. Like an assault attacks the center of a community, the sorrow of loss attacks the heart of a person.

Quantum of Love (2018)

Choreography by Mauro Astolfi

Premiere: Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theatre, Long Beach, CA
Music: Compilation designed by Mauro Astolfi
Lighting Design: Tiffany Williams
Costume Design: Rachael Lorenzetti
Running Time: 33 minutes

Performed by: Ellen Akashi, Kira Bartoli, Samuel DeAngelo, Amie Lee Kilgore, Katie Natwick, Kaitlin Regan, Zak Ryan Schlegel, Megan Seagren, Evan Swenson, Santiago Villarreal

The Empty Room (2018)

Choreography by Ido Tadmor

Premiere: Musco Center for the Arts, Orange, CA
Music: Andando pela Africa by Barbatuques; Piano Sonata No. 4 in E Flat, K.282-1. Adagio by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by Mitsuko Uchida; O Mio Babbino Caro (Gianna Schicchi) by Giacomo Puccini
Lighting Design: Tiffany Williams
Costume Design: Yaron Braha Bezalel
Running Time: 21 minutes

A dance-theater piece created by celebrated Israeli dancer and choreographer Ido Tadmor, The Empty Room is a dramatic comedy about the evolution of a relationship over a lifetime – from its beginning to its end, and everything in between. Depicting the joys and the struggles, they deal with life and its difficulties, expressing love and fear through their own language and gestures. Theatrical, humorous and raw, this duet is an extremely physical blend of innovative partnering and soul-wrenching contemporary movement.

Breach (2017)

Choreography by Yin Yue

Premiere: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA
Music: Max Richter, Michael Banabila & Machinefabriek
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Choreographic Assistant: Liane Aung
Costume Design: Yin Yue
Running Time: 12 minutes

Grounded, circular, fluid and dynamic, Breachis rhythmic and powerful as well as sensual and graceful. Made for a company of seven dancers, Yin Yue's work is an emotional experience contrasted by strong, detailed physicality in all its complexity.

Drift (2016)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA
Music: Fol Chen
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Costume Design: Rhonda Earick
Running Time: 40 minutes

Premiering in January 2016, Drift deals with journey, risk and the re-imagination of self. The work is set to an original score by Los Angeles-based electronic band Fol Chen.

The Margin (2012)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Music: Steve Reich, Howie B & Coldcut Remixes
Running Time: 8 or 15 minutes

The Woeful Maladies of Ennui Manor (2008)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: John Anson Ford Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Music: Alan Terricciano (Original Composition), Robin Cox Ensemble (Performance)
Costume Design: Rhonda Earick
Running Time: 53 minutes

00:13:21:20 (2008)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA
Music: Boys Noize & Joanna Newsom
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Costume Design: Rhonda Earick
Running Time: 13 minutes

Arrive (2008)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA
Music: Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Running Time: 11 minutes

Shift (2007)

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus

Premiere: Waltmar Theatre, Orange, CA
Music: Zoe Keating
Lighting Design: Ben Tusher
Scenic Design: Ben Tusher
Costume Design: Rhonda Earick
Running Time: 25 minutes