PNB Soloist, Benjamin Griffiths on DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Opening Tonight!

The rehearsal period for Director’s Choice has definitely been busy. Each ballet on the program attacks our medium from a different angle. This has made the process both grueling and immensely satisfying.

It has been really fun revisiting Mopey this season. It was very surprising how quickly and easily the choreography came back after leaving it for four years—especially since it was so hard to learn the first time. After the first few rehearsals, it was nice to not have to focus on the choreography itself, but really delve into the details and ideas behind the work. Much of the studio time was devoted to finding an intention behind each movement in the piece and making sure every detail will be seen from the front of the house.

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From PNB Soloist, Lindsi Dec (on DIRECTOR'S CHOICE)

I have been so excited for this rep! It’s so versatile with a combination of elegant, contemporary, innovative, and captivating ballets. There is something about being able to experience four completely different ballets that is just so satisfying. It has been a hard but invigorating rehearsal period. The variety of ballets in this rep have taken a toll on my body. We rehearse Petite Mort, which is barefoot, and then we switch to pointe shoes for The Seasons, and then character shoes for West Side Story Suite. It took awhile for my body to adapt to these drastic level changes for my feet. There was a long period where my legs would ache, but I think my body’s gotten the hang of things. Although there has been pain, I could never imagine changing it for anything else. I love the ballets we are doing. This is definitely one my favorite reps we have done and are doing this year.

Six years ago I saw Petite Mort on the Arts channel, and I fell in love with that ballet immediately. It became one of the ballets on my “I am dying to dance list” and now I have the opportunity to perform it. Jiri Kylian’s choreography is very complimentary and beautifully accented with Mozart’s exquisite music. The best part for me is that I am partnering with my husband, Karel Cruz, who loves this piece as well. I can’t tell you how many times over the years we have watched this ballet on YouTube. You could say we are slightly obsessed. It was wonderful working with Roslyn Anderson, who staged Petite Mort. She was so detailed with the choreography, that it felt like Kylian was there himself explaining the steps to us. We will always remember this experience and feel so grateful we are able to do this together.

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