In her first season as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director, Susan Jaffe is giving the company an extraordinary gift. We know of her knowledge and international renown regarding the classics, but she has put together a remarkable collection of ballets, balanced in the most perfect way, driven by women’s voices in this ordinarily male-dominated art form.
Last night, among the sparkling array of jewelry at Diamonds Direct in the North Hills, Jaffe announced, so appropriately, George Balanchine’s “Diamonds,” crowned by no less than six female choreographers to grace the 2021-22 season.
But this is no second-rate list. Despite a relatively short timeline and the pandemic, Jaffe has lured some of the best in the world, including a new work by Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton, who has choreographed for Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Martha Graham Dance Company and so many more.
Not as well-known, but just as respected is Helen Pickett, a former member of William Forsythe’s much-missed Frankfurt Ballet and choreographer for companies such as Boston Ballet, Scottish Ballet and Atlanta Ballet. She will make her presence felt twice during the season with the fluid “Petal,” commissioned by Boston, plus a new trio.
Another International favorite, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, will provide an intimate duet, “La Pluie.” Lopez Ochoa is constantly in demand and her Scottish Ballet production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” was presented by Pittsburgh Dance Council to great acclaim.
Jaffe has also elected to tap local talent Staycee R. Pearl, whose premiere, “SKIN + saltwater,” was postponed by the pandemic. As PBT Artist in Residence, Pearl will bring it to fruition. But that’s only the first example of Jaffe’s keen eye for upcoming talent.
Jaffe has picked Jennifer Archibald for a world premiere on the opening program. A rising contemporary choreographer, she has a wide range, from Cincinnati and Tulsa ballets to Ailey II and commercial work. Speaking of which, the season opener will demonstrate Jaffe’s skill at balancing a program.
Noting Pittsburgh’s love of the classics, she will make a strong statement with Balanchine’s “Diamonds,” a glorious way to show off the company at the Benedum Center. Victor Gsovsky’s “Grand Pas Classique” will test the technical strength of some of PBT’s top dancers. Demonstrating the future of dance will be Archibald and Pickett. With just this program, Jaffe will send a strong message to the Pittsburgh dance community regarding her taste and style.
But there’s one choreographer left — Gemma Bond, a corps de ballet member at ABT, Jaffe’s alma mater. She is only emerging, but has an original voice, as will be shown in “Depuis le Jour.”
Of course Jaffe will include three full-length ballets. Back once again is Terrence Orr’s “Nutcracker” and Derek Deane’s fun-filled “Alice in Wonderland.” While “Swan Lake” is a popular favorite at PBT, it will have a new look, since Jaffe will stage the ballet herself to end the season, potentially the most exciting line-up in memory. It is one that should attract national attention, where experts should have their eyes on Jaffe’s next move.
The complete season: “Season Premiere” (Benedum Center, Oct. 22-24) with Balanchine’s “Diamonds,” Gsovsky’s “Grand Pas Classique,” Pickett’s “Petals” and Archibald’s premiere; “The Nutcracker” (Benedum, Dec. 10-29); “Alice in Wonderland” (Benedum, Feb. 11-13); “Here + Now” (August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Mar. 24-27) Pearl “Skin + saltwater,” Barton new work, Pickett trio, Lopez Ochoa “La Pluie” and Bond “Depuis le Jour.”
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