Dancing Days Are Here Again

Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the first organization to present a theatrical or dance production of the works of Leonard Cohen, (1970s "The Shining People of Leonard Cohen"), in May, 2012, presents the World Premiere of "The Doorway - Scenes from Leonard Cohen", contemporary dance wedded to the words and music of Cohen, choreographed by Jorden Morris. Musician Allison Crowe performs "Hallelujah" live on-stage (voice, piano) in this new ballet's first run.

In November 2012, "The Doorway" opens in Canada's Maritime provinces - touring as part of the RWB's virtuosic quadruple bill... and the legend grows!

Allison Crowe reprises "Hallelujah" in this newest dance incarnation - and also brings to the stage new versions of "Bird on a Wire" and "Sisters of Mercy".

A sensation in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet nextt takes to the stage in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Saint John, NB.

Allison Crowe is loving the opportunity to again collaborate with the amazing RWB - performing songs of Leonard Cohen :)

"Here comes Allison Crowe's piano for tonight's RWB ballet performance at the Confederation Centre (of the Arts, Charlottetown, PEI) tweets Darcy Campbell about this photo


Andrea Nemetz, Dance Critic for the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, attended opening night of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Maritime Tour - and has this to say about the Leonard Cohen-rooted ballet in the program:

"RWB technique, emotion dazzle in Halifax return

'The Doorway: Scenes from Leonard Cohen' was the evening’s only departure from classical ballet. Choreographed by Jorden Morris, the emotionally charged piece was the story of lovers in different stages of relationships told through Cohen’s music and words.

The Letters (sung on tape by Cohen and Jennifer Warnes) showcased a man and a woman desperate for communication, eagerly anticipating missives from lovers, dismayed or elated at their receipt, leaping over chairs or tables or draping themselves miserably over the objects.

Bird on a Wire, sung by Allison Crowe, was a duet in which the couple were achingly and joyously in love, while Sisters of Mercy, also sung by Crowe, showcased the supportive friendship between a group of women.

Since you Asked, a poem from a CD, was a duet for two men, powerful and full of loneliness.

And while the glorious sounds of Crowe’s signature rendition of Hallelujah filled the room, Sophia Lee transfixed the audience with the poignancy of her performance."

Full ballet review @ http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/166277-rwb-technique-emotion-dazzle-in-halifax-return

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet paid homage to a Canadian legend in The Doorway: Scenes from Leonard Cohen during its performance in Halifax. (Bruce Monk photo)