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A group of dancers is performing on stage, all dressed in grey leotards, with their arms raised in a circular motion. The background is dark, and the stage is lit from above, casting shadows.

Repertory

Circular

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

WORLD PREMIERE

Folly Theater, Kansas City, MO, 2016

MUSIC

Various Artists*

COSTUMES

Christine Darch

LIGHTING

Rob Ross

RUN TIME

28 Minutes

Princess Grace Award-winning choreographer Jae Man Joo’s Circular is a heartfelt conversation through movement. The Korean-born Joo’s distinctive choreographic style—a blend of classical and contemporary ballet—is showcased in this large ensemble work that captures the full circle of human emotions. The melodic soundscape is by a diverse group of composers including Denisov and Handel. 

Three male dancers stand in a line leaning back on one leg and lifting the other leg up with a bent knee.

Ailey II in Jae Man Joo's Circular Photo by Kyle Froman

A group of dancers stand with their backs facing the audience with one arm held up aboe their heads and a shadow hiding the lower half of their bodies.

Ailey II in Jae Man Joo's Circular Photo by Kyle Froman

A group of dancers is performing on stage, all dressed in grey leotards, with their arms raised in a circular motion. The background is dark, and the stage is lit from above, casting shadows.

Ailey II in Jae Man Joo's Circular Photo by Nan Melville

MUSIC CREDITS

“Pieces for Cello and Piano (1967): Allegro” and “Pieces for Cello and Piano (1967): Lento” performed by Alexander Zagorinsky and Alexei Shmirov, from the album Denisov: Music for Cello, published by Et’Cetera, by arrangement with G. Schirmer Inc. publisher and copyright owner. 

“Sonata for Cello and Piano, Recitativo” composed by Edison Denisov, © 1973 by C.F. Peters Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 

“Four Studies: II. Fast Canons” composed by Nico Muhly from the album Glass: In the Summer House, published by Chester Music, St. Rose Music Published Co, ASCAP, by arrangement with G. Schirmer Inc. publisher and copyright owner. 

“Keyboard Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: V. Air” composed by George Frideric Handel, performed by Byron Schenkman from the album Handel, G.F.: Keyboard Suites, published by Centaur Records. 

“Rinaldo. HWV 7, Act II: Lascia Ch’io Pianga” composed by George Frideric Handel, performed by David Dq Lee from the album Arianna a Naxos, published by ATMA Classique. 

“Duet for Heart and Breath” composed by Richard Reed Parry from the album Parry (RR): Music for Heart & Breath, published by Deutsche Grammophon / Universal Music Classics, by arrangement with G. Schirmer Inc. publisher and copyright owner. 

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