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BalletMet Columbus is finally getting back to what they do best: originals, with the opening of "NightMoves," featuring a packed program of new works from the nationally acclaimed dance company. It runs through Nov. 21.
They're teaming up with Wexner Center for the Arts to bring five premieres and a company favorite that'll include a wide range of music—from Mozart to Sinatra to The Chemical Brothers. The only non-premiere on the program is "Sinatra Suite" by the award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp.
Amongst the premieres taking the stage is "dwell," a piece by company standout Adam Hundt, who is in his sixth year doing choreography under BalletMet's tutelage. The emotionally-driven, mixed media work includes video imaging ("an exciting first," he said) and audience participation. All of which was influenced by the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quote, "the best thing one can do when its raining is to let it rain," a theme mixed with the electronic sounds of The Chemical Brothers.
Hundt typically doesn't take the road most travelled, with his modern, avant-garde pieces ("Bang, Bang: My Baby Shot Me Down," "Kid A-OK," "Rockabetty") often becoming talked about well after closing night. His experience is unquestionable, with stints at Ballet Pacifica, Hubbard Street 2 in Chicago and American Repertory Ballet. He was even awarded a highly competitive Fellowship Initiative grant in 2007 from the New York Choreographic Institute, an affiliate of the New York City Ballet.
Metromix got a sneak peak of "dwell" during a VIP open rehearsal Oct. 30 and was able to pull the choreographer aside for some insight into his latest endeavor.
Where did the inspiration of "Dwell" come from?
It was a bunch of ideas that I've had that have been pushed together. I approach each show differently and this time I wanted the piece to be very emotionally based and slightly experimental. We're going to be using props and different types of music and I'm going to be incorporating video. As for the title, everyone has something that they dwell on in their life. It's somewhat about that, but it's not directly related. It's a very abstract idea.
You've choreographed a few pieces for BalletMet over the years. What's your creative process like? Do you typically start with the music or are the movements the first things that come to mind?
It's different every time. I had some pieces of music that I knew I wanted to use. I wanted more electronic music, and I've always wanted to use the song "Mad World" [by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews] in one of my pieces and I thought that this was the perfect opportunity for that. I had a general idea of what I wanted it be and feel like and I kind of included the music and went from there.
What's different about this piece from some of the other selections you've choreographed in the past?
It's definitely going to be more personal this time. There are some people who will just enjoy the music and the movement, but there will be others who will dig deeper and be able to get something more out of it. It's not necessarily a feel good piece, but sometimes sappy music has that effect where it can somehow cheer you up.
What is it that Adam Hundt has been dwelling on? What were you dwelling on when you created the piece?
I had a rough summer that was very emotionally charged. I had recently went through a breakup, which was part of the catalyst for the piece, but then I started thinking about other things you dwell on and realized that it's a feeling that everyone relates to.
"Dwell" will appear alongside a plethora of BalletMet premieres in "NightMoves," and running through Nov. 21 a the BalletMet Performance Space. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling 614-229-4848 or visiting the "NightMoves" Web site.
