Indiana University Ballet Theater presents Light and Shade featuring Appalachian Spring. "This is the first time IU Ballet has performed Appalachian Spring. It's the first time it has performed any ballet by Martha Graham," say Michael Vernon, chair of Ballet Department. "
Sophomore Carly Hammond dances the role of the Bride. "It's the story of a courtship and wedding complete with the joy, the elation and the nerves that can go with the process. The Bride is a fascinating character. Martha Graham wrote it for herself and I have about five different emotions to portray."
Senior Jacob Taylor dances the role of the Husbandman. "Really, Appalachian Spring does focus on the Bride. We're all sort of supporting figures. But the choreography is so different from what we're used to that there's plenty for us to learn and to do."
In addition to Appalachian Spring, Indiana University Ballet's Light and Shade offers two other pieces. Sweet Fields is choreographed by Twyla Tharp to music of Yankee tunesmith William Billings. Peter Martins' Eight Easy Pieces uses music of Igor Stravinsky.