This year, the Semperoper Ballett is taking part for the fifth time already in the »Dance Salad Festival« in Houston, Texas. The international festival, which was established 26 years ago in Brussels and has taken place in Houston for 23 years now, presents numerous contributions with various different choreographic handwritings being performed by dancers of internationally renowned ballet companies. Semperoper Ballett contributes David Dawson’s choreography »On the Nature of Daylight« on the music of the same name by Max Richter as well as a pas de deux from Stijn Celis’ »Vertigo Maze« set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach, this year.
March 26th, 2018
Ready for take-off! We headed to the United States early this morning, being greeted by gorgeous weather and 27°C (80,6° F). What a nice contrast to icy Dresden! This time we are touring in a small group only: First Soloists Alice Mariani and Christian Bauch were accompanied by our Tour Manager Frank Seifert. After checking in to our hotel, there was only one thing that mattered to us: Rest, as we had to be fit for our upcoming rehearsals on the next day.
March 27th, 2018
Our first day in Houston started with class in the facilities of the Houston Ballet where we met some familiar faces. One of them was Olga Kostritzky, whom we were very happy to see! Olga, an international renowned ballet teacher, had joined us on our tour to Canada a few months ago. Here, she teaches daily classes. On our schedule afterwards: first rehearsals for both of our pieces at the Hobby Center. After that, the stage was cleared for the technicians, who were ready to set up the floor, lights and sound.
March 28th, 2018
In between rehearsals we had some time to explore Houston, today. We’re looking forward to our first of three performances, tomorrow!
March 29th, 2018
Our first day of performances, started, of course, with a daily morning class. Afterwards all artists from the different companies met for a dress rehearsal. We danced David Dawson’s »On the Nature of Daylight« in today’s show and we were especially excited to see what the other dancers had prepared for the festival. In the evening, the curtain rose for a stunned audience. The day was topped off by a premiere party – a great chance to exchange experiences with our colleagues from all over the world.
March 30th, 2018
This day was similar to the last one except we danced a pas de deux from Stijn Celis’ »Vertigo Maze« additionally to David Dawson‘s »On the Nature of Daylight« . Again, we had an exciting dress rehearsal with a different program and a successful second performance. We let this day pass with a dinner together in Houston.
March 31st, 2018
On the third and last festival day we danced Stijn Celis’ »Vertigo Maze«. The festival was brought to an end with a party at Houston’s Hard Rock Café. Needless to say, a lot of fun and laughter was involved.
April 1st, 2018
With mixed feelings we had to say goodbye to Houston, today. We are looking back on great performances, an enthusiastic audience, fantastic weather and inspiring talks with our colleagues from the international dance world. Thank you, Dance Salad Festival and Houston for having us!
New York and Ottawa 2017
