PBT Artists’ Favorite Moments of 1st Flash
PBT Artists’ Favorite Moments of 1st Flash
Why They’re Are Excited to Dance It Again in Spring Mix: 5 for 55
Jorma Elo’s exhilarating 1st Flash will return to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s stage April 4-6 in PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 5. Jorma was inspired by the feeling of anticipation just before a rock concert, which is reflected in both the lighting and music of the piece. Having been a hockey player as well as a dancer, his choreography in this piece mirrors the excitement, rhythm and speed of a hockey match. His passion for creating magic and movement perfectly designed to the music created by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, results in a piece that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, enthralled from beginning to end.
1st Flash was initially created with six young professional dancers just beginning their career. The original performances were accompanied by a projection of their parents’ reaction to them dancing. This piece continues to live on as a showcase of the dancers’ state of mind, their determination to prove themselves, and the nervous energy that comes with starting something new.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre had the privilege of performing this work in the spring of 2023. We asked some of the artists who performed it then and will perform it again this year what they want the audience to know about this ballet:
Corey Bourbonniere– PBT Soloist
This ballet was so much fun to learn and perform! Christophe Dozzi who staged the work on us was incredibly detail-oriented, and I love working that way. It makes every detail feel super important, and even if the audience doesn’t recognize all of them, our intentional and specific approach to the piece makes it that much more powerful, and hopefully enjoyable. This ballet is super quirky and groovy, but incredibly hard technically as well. The Jean Sibelius score married with Jorma’s choreography is so satisfying, both for the dancer and as a viewer! I loved performing it the first time, and I’m excited to find even more length and enjoyment this time.
As far as a favorite moment, it’d probably be my last solo, where I run downstage kick my leg up and stomp my foot down as if I’m saying, “my turn!” The choreography for that last solo is a flurry of arms and legs, whirling down onto the floor and flipping back up, culminating in a group of us almost conducting our mind’s version of the score. It’s epic! Coming back to a ballet allows you to dig that much deeper, and I can’t wait to dig into this incredible work again!
Erin Casale– PBT Corps de Ballet
I think 1st Flash is by far the most physically fulfilling piece I’ve ever performed. I was able to do it with such an amazing group of people, and I’m excited to take it on again with a new group. I also get to dance a lot with Jacob Miller, who I always adore dancing with. In this piece, you see every note of the music through movement and it truly brings the music to life. Jorma is such a breath of fresh air to work with and I hope we get to do more of his work in the future!
Tommie Lin Kesten– PBT Principal Artist
It is so exciting to be revisiting this ballet! Working with Jorma Elo was such an incredible experience the first time. It’s always special to bring back a role I’ve done in the past, because I really think it helps me see how much I’ve grown! I love the physicality of 1st Flash, it is so gratifying when you finish the ballet.
I am lucky enough to end the ballet onstage doing a pas de deux in silence and I remember how special that felt the first time we performed this. The music goes out and you can just hear our breath and our feet hitting the stage. You could hear a pin drop in the audience, it gives me goosebumps every time!
I’m also really looking forward to performing this in a more intimate setting! I always love being on the Benedum Center stage, but I think the audience will appreciate being closer to this action packed piece. Jorma’s choreography really brings the music to life, it makes me feel like I AM the music. I really encourage audiences to come see it again and definitely to come see it if you missed it the first time around!
Jacob Miller– PBT Corps de Ballet
I’d have to say my favorite part of dancing 1st Flash is the music that the piece is set to. Sibelius’ Violin Concerto is as complex as it is beautiful, with choreography that perfectly complements its crescendos and decrescendos.
I’d love to give a shout out to the dancers that I have the privilege to share the stage with in this program. 1st Flash has a cast of six dancers, and we have become so tight-knit with each other through our rehearsals. I don’t just see them as coworkers, but as good friends who I’ve bonded with over this work.
Performing this piece again, I feel that I have had time to mature into my dancing and partnering skills, which will allow me to take bigger risks on stage while keeping true to the detail and nuance of the choreography. I’m so excited for Pittsburgh to enjoy the marvel of 1st Flash again!
Joanna Schmidt– PBT Soloist
I am so excited to be working on this piece again because it is a true work of art, one that transports you somewhere else. Everyone is hyper-focused on what they’re doing, and the music is so beautiful. It starts off sort of calm and serene, then builds up to be very energetic and exuberant. It makes me feel so alive, whether I’m dancing it or enjoying it as a viewer. You won’t want to miss it!
Join us for Jorma Elo’s 1st Flash to watch music come to life, and enjoy four other compelling pieces in PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 running April 4-6 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.