Ballet Hawaii Presents Martha Graham Dance and Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance

Oct. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- HONOLULU - Continuing its long-standing tradition of bringing the world's most innovative and exciting dance companies to Hawaii, Ballet Hawaii is proud to present Martha Graham Dance on Saturday, February 4, 2012 and Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance on Saturday, February 18, 2012 – both at the Hawaii Theatre. Tickets for these must-experience events showcasing two of the most celebrated contemporary dance companies on the planet are on sale now at the Hawaii Theatre Box Office: http://www.hawaiitheatre.com or (808) 528-0506 during regular box office hours and in-person Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1130 Bethel Street in Honolulu. Tickets range from $35 to $75.

Martha Graham Dance
8:00 p.m. Saturday February 4, 2012
Hawaii Theatre
Described by The Washington Post as "one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe," the Martha Graham Dance Company has been a leader in the development of contemporary dance since its founding in 1926. Informed by the expansive vision of pioneering choreographer Martha Graham, the Company brings to life a timeless and uniquely American style of dance that has influenced generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences. Graham and her Company have expanded contemporary dance’s vocabulary of movement and forever altered the scope of the art form by rooting works in contemporary social, political, psychological, and sexual contexts, deepening their impact and resonance.

Always a fertile ground for experimentation, the Martha Graham Dance Company has been an unparalleled resource in nurturing many of the leading choreographers and dancers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Merce Cunningham, Erick Hawkins, Pearl Lang, Pascal Rioult, and Paul Taylor. Graham’s repertoire of 181 works has also engaged noted performers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Claire Bloom, Margot Fonteyn, Liza Minnelli, Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya, and Kathleen Turner. Her groundbreaking techniques and unmistakable style have earned the Company acclaim from audiences in more than 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Today, the Company continues to foster Graham’s spirit of ingenuity. It is embracing a new programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham, her contemporaries, and their successors alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists inspired by Graham’s legacy.

Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance
8:00 p.m. Saturday February 18, 2012
Hawaii Theatre
Bad Boys of Dance is a fresh, new dance company comprised of the most talented and versatile young male dancers in the world today. Each Bad Boy of Dance is hand selected based on his extraordinary physical abilities and artistry. Founded by the dance world's very own Bad Boy, Rasta Thomas, the mission of Bad Boys of Dance is to push the boundaries ofmale dancing and deliver the most exciting dance shows in the world. From dancing on catwalks at New York’s fashion week to appearing on Dancing with the Stars, the dancers' amazing versatility and talent push the bounds of dance with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality.

According to Rasta Thomas, "They are the dancers of tomorrow. 'Hybrids' that can do it all... from ballet to hip-hop, it makes no difference. They're hot, young and fresh to death. They have an unparalleled ability to morph from one style to another and are entertaining and exciting to watch."

Thomas, International Ballet Gold Medalist and star of Twyla Tharp’s hit musical Movin’ Out, founded Bad Boys of Dance in 2007. The company consists of a stellar cast, including a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance; an American Dance Idol winner, Broadway stars and winners of numerous dance competitions. In 2010, Bad Boys of Dance performed at Carnegie Hall with Sir Elton John for a charity event alongside Lady Gaga, Sting and Bruce Springsteen. Today the company gives more than 150 shows a year and has performed for fans worldwide, and had the distinct honor of performing at the opening ceremonies of the USA International Ballet Competition.

About Ballet Hawaii
Ballet Hawaii, which is currently celebrating 36 years in the community and its move to a new space on South Hotel Street, has been enriching Hawaii's cultural environment by teaching, promoting, presenting, and producing dance since 1976. Classes are focused on building self-confidence through accomplishment, while its presentations of world-class performances provide the community with the priceless gift of professional quality dance. In addition to a year-round training program offered at facilities in Honolulu, Wahiawa and Kapolei, Ballet Hawaii also offers a three-week Summer Intensive session, featuring teachers from the international dance community. Each year, Ballet Hawaii stages a magical Nutcracker performance that shines the spotlight on a cast of more than 200 dancers from across Hawaii, as well as mainland companies such as New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Carolina Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. To learn more, visit http://www.ballethawaii.org.

Both tours are sponsored in part by the Performing Arts Presenters of Hawaii. Ballet Hawaii gratefully acknowledges WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation), a sponsor of Martha Graham Dance Company. Ballet Hawaii extends its warmest thanks and Aloha to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki, the 2011/12 Ballet Hawaii season sponsor.