Regional Youth Ballet To Present ‘Dance Noir’ Nov. 4

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet will present “Dance Noir” on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Willow Bay Theater beginning at 7:30 p.m. “Dance Noir” is a smaller-scale performance featuring works inspired by the darkness of Halloween season including both classic variations and contemporary works. A wine bar is available before and after the performance.

According to Monika Alch, artistic director, the Willow Bay Theater provides a more intimate and close-up experience for the audience.

“The dance floor is laid on the main floor instead of the stage area, and table seating surrounds the stage,” she said. “Our first production of ‘Dance Noir’ was very well received last fall, and we are excited to continue to program it.”

Elizabeth Bush, executive director, said CRYB is always exploring ways to engage and expand its audiences.

“By offering a different format — namely a small, intimate venue, wine bar and edgier programming — we hope to attract more young adults, many of whom now live in the downtown area,” Bush said. “This program offers an experience where the audience doesn’t just view the performance, but socializes, learns and interacts around it. Before the performance we open the venue and wine bar so people can hang out, have a drink and talk about the experience with one another.”

The program, under Alch’s direction, features advanced students of CRYB. Also performing will be guest dancers Spencer Keith and Brittany Bush, both of the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre in Boston. Keith will perform “The Golden Idol” from “La Bayadere” and Bush will perform “The Dying Swan.”

The program will also include “Vanity,” a modern work choreographed by Michael Cerwinski to music from Mozart’s “Requiem,” and will finish with a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $15 for table seating, which is limited. The cash wine bar opens at 7:30 p.m., and the performance will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m.

To reserve a seat contact CRYB at 664-9766 or visit cryb.net.