Pennsylvania Ballet presents three contemporary works

    The Pennsylvania Ballet has always prided itself on its dancers’ abilities to master the classics, but this weekend, the company is bringing to the Merriam Theater stage three contemporary works.

    Pushing Boundaries: Forsythe & Neenan, a dynamic program of three contemporary works opened last night and runs through February 12.

    The program includes The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, by William Forsythe, and Keep and 11:11, both by Matthew Neenan.

    “Our dancers have an incredible ability to master not only the classics, but also contemporary work,” Artistic Director Roy Kaiser said in a recent statement.

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    “This program showcases both their athleticism and dramatic talents in a beautiful way.”

    The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, returns to the local stage after a premier last February. The work features five dancers, who interpret the last movement of Schubert’s Ninth Symphony.

    Keep, which the Pennsylvania Ballet says was commissioned in 2009, is said to be an intimate piece that features vibrant costumes.

    The third work, 11:11, features six songs from singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright with a cast of 20 performing them on stage.

    You can find show times and additional information on the Pennsylvania Ballet website.

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