Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre

 :: the company
 :: calendar
 :: education
 :: press & presenters
 :: repertory
 :: news & current events
 :: photos / video / audio
 :: newsletter/mailing list
 :: support us
 :: administration
 :: contact us
repertory: new projects
new projects ::  symphony of psalms ::  if by chance
la vie en rose (piaf suite) ::  bolero ::  home front ::  wien
prelude to night ::  les noces ::  black diamond ::  firebird
family programming & small steps
New Commission
Pascal has begun work on a major new piece for our 2008 New York season. Commissioned by the Harriet and Gordon Greenfield Foundation in memory of Harriet and Gordon Greenfield, the piece will be set to music from Bach's "The Art of the Fugue".

Note from Pascal:
Once again I choose to challenge myself by setting my new work to JS Bach's "The Art of the Fugue"; one of the greatest music masterpieces of all time.

The score is beautifully wrought with both purity and strength, and provides a most inspiring canvas on which to choreograph a piece of exhilarating dance that celebrates Beauty and Humanity in art, as in life. It is the uplifting tribute I want to offer to the memory of two exceptional people in dedication to their belief in the transforming power of the performing arts.

What fascinates me in Bach's music and what I aspire to emulate in my choreography is the deeply sensitive character of his music, which transcends its formality. The wonderful humanity that emanates from his purest pages of music, as in the "The Art of the Fugue", and touches us deeply.


L'Enfant et Les Sortilèges
The ballet L'enfant et les Sortilèges is a family show based on a story by Colette who gave it to Maurice Ravel. Mr. Rioult's ballet focuses Colette's original inspiration - the pains of a boy growing up. The boy's mischievous behavior, terrorizing in a fit of rage both the objects and the animals of his house, is transformed when the creatures and furniture magically come to life. Taking on human traits, the boy's household harasses him in return, to teach him a life lesson. Through this fantastical and theatrical journey, the boy discovers his own humanity and learns to be compassionate to the world around him.

Pascal began working on this project in 2003. In June 2006, Mr. Rioult began initial development of the choreography at a residency at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in Tivoli, NY. This past July (2007), Mr. Rioult continued working on the project in residence at Vassar College where the first act was enhanced in collaboration with dramaturge Drew Harris and the company began work on Act II. Mr. Rioult has been working closely with his long-time collaborator, set designer Harry Feiner, to create the intricate set design. Development will continue in May 2008 at Kaatsbaan.

Funding for this project is being provided by a major commissioner, NEA, NYSCA, the Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation and the company's Kenneth French Fund for New Works.