Ballet North Texas
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Do you live — and die — for spooky season? Always on the prowl for a great haunted happening? Ballet might not seem like the obvious move to satiate your seasonal cravings, but Ballet North Texas is flipping that notion on its head — or removing it altogether.
The dance company will open its eighth season with Sleepy Hollow on Oct. 24 and 25 at Moody Performance Hall in downtown Dallas. A completely original production headed by Nicolina Lawson, the company’s Founder and Artistic Director, the show will reinvent the iconic American ghost story through ethereal dance, a thrilling new score, mysterious effects, and absolutely zero tutus.
“It really started as a project between me and a bunch of friends,” Lawson says. “We are taking more of a contemporary route, kind of pushing the versatility of the dancers and the choreography. It’s pretty exciting, because Sleepy Hollow is not a ballet that’s in the general repertory of companies.”
Lawson founded her forward-thinking company in 2017, following an early career rooted in classical training and continuing through principal roles in productions across the country. This month’s original show will continue the company’s “vision to push the boundaries of artistic excellence and innovation” and further its commitment to inclusivity and equality.
Washington Irving’s original Sleepy Hollow short story dates back to 1820 and centers around an awkward teacher named Ichabod Crane who falls for local beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, raising the ire of her brawny beau, Brom Bones. The village of Sleepy Hollow turns sinister with the appearance of the Headless Horseman, a murderous apparition that haunts the titular town. Lawson, a self-proclaimed “huge fan” of the dark fantasy genre, has planned plenty of spins on the source material in this first-ever ballet version.
For starters, forgoing the one-dimensional “damsel in distress” trope, choreographer Carrie Ruth Trumbo will present the story from Katrina’s point of view. Autumn Klein, previously a member of Houston Ballet II and the Texas Ballet Theatre, will dance the starring role. Turning to costumes, Sleepy Hollow’s period wardrobe forgoes traditional tutus and remains true to the cosseted trappings of 19th-century romance. Think high ruffled collars, draped sleeves and not a hint of pink tulle in sight. To the contrary, the predominantly black and white palette was conceived to complement lighting designer Lisa Miller’s eerie illuminations. And did we mention the show opens with a stage shrouded in fog?
“We’re reaching outside the norm of storytelling,” Lawson says. “I love the classics. I love Giselle and Swan Lake, which we’ll be doing next year for its 150th anniversary. I love them, but I really think that what sets us apart is that we’re developing new stories, new books, and we’re taking those next steps.”
In short, these talented, creative women are planning anything but your grandma’s ballet.
Tickets range from $27 to $79. After Sleepy Hollow takes a bow, Ballet North Texas will continue the season with a production of The Nutcracker from Dec. 19 to 20. The holiday run will include a sensory-sensitive performance designed for families with children on the spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities.
