Gorgeous arabesques, bright costumes and fantastic choreography attracted crowds at the Tennessee Theatre on Thursday, March 29, for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which performed its rendition of “Moulin Rouge” to an engaged crowd of UT students and the general public.
The Cultural Activities Committee (CAC) worked diligently to plan this event in conjunction with the Tennessee Theatre. Elaina Spiekermann, senior in logistics and CAC’s corresponding secretary and chair elect, helped coordinate this event for UT students.
“Our job as the Cultural Attractions Committee is to research performers who are talented and culturally diverse, bring these acts to our committee, and decide as a group who to pursue,” Spiekermann said.
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which began in 1939 and is the longest running ballet company in North America, was the second ballet-based performance of the semester presented by the CAC.
“Royal Winnipeg was an obvious choice, not just because they are world-renowned and we were excited that they would be performing Moulin Rouge, but also because we feel that Knoxville deserves to be exposed to more classical dance,” Spiekermann said.
The Cultural Attractions Committee sold over 700 student tickets for the ballet’s production.
In true classic and traditional style, the dancing during the performance kept the audience captivated and constantly amused.
The choreography channeled high-kicking and thrilling dance styles expected at a French cabaret. This enticing ballet told a tale filled with heartbreak and exciting costumes.
“I really enjoyed the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s production of Moulin Rouge,” said Alyson Moeller, junior in history. “The University of Tennessee normally doesn’t offer culturally-enticing events, but this production and other events put on by the Cultural Attractions Committee give me something to dress up for and enjoy.”
The final performance of CAC’s 2011-2012 season will be Project Trio, an eclectic chamber music ensemble. The group has a very diverse repertoire and they often blend classical and jazz with hip-hop and bluegrass.
The performance will be held Wednesday, April 18 in the Cox Auditorium of the Alumni Memorial Building at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, $16 for faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public.
