Preview: Rock, Roll & Tutus at Houston Ballet

When First Soloist Tyler Donatelli dances in all three of the ballets in Houston Ballet’s Rock, Roll & Tutus mixed rep program one of those is especially special — the first time her friend and colleague Soloist Jacquelyn Long will be debuting her own choreographed work during the regular season. Long’s Illuminate features dancers in neo classical movements, Donatelli says. “It’s bright and spritely. It’s about  the joy of dance and having fun with your friends and the cast is all my friends as well.

Set to the music of Oliver Davis’ Frontiers, the ballet has three movements, Donatelli says. “We really try to make it special for her and put our mark on it.”

Donatelli is also dancing in Rooster by Christopher Bruce to eight tracks by The Rolling Stones including: “Little Red Rooster,” As Tears Go By,  Paint it Black and Sympathy For The Devil.” This will be the third time Houston Ballet performs Rooster which it premiered in 1991 and then performed again in 2012.

“Rooster is kind of more jazzy. It’s kind of that rock and roll vibe,” Donatelli says. She describes her role as that of “a cool girl persona. It’s very grounded. I really love Christopher’s movements and how they connect to each other. It really gives a groovy feel.”

The third part of the mixed repertory offerings of the program is Vi et animo by Houston Ballet’s Artistic Director Stanton Welch. This requires most of the company to be on stage.

“He did the first movement two years ago and this year he added two movements,” Donatelli says.

“They all have a very grand classical feel. In the first movement I’m in a tutu, second and third movement I’m in a romantic tutu. He really pushes the classical technique and is always reaching for more perfection every time and there’s always something more to give. I really enjoy it because you feel you’ve accomplished something at the end of it.”

This is Donatelli’s twelfth season with Houston Ballet. “I always have felt that the community of dancers here is really something special. I think we all work together as a team really well.  I like how we’re all dedicated to making the choreographers’ visions come to life. I know that’s a huge goal here and I really like that aspect of the environment.”

As for this particular mix of ballets, Donatelli says:

“I think it’s a great opener for the season because you get to see everyone together doing different kinds of moves.”

Performances are scheduled for September 18-28 at 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18;
7:30 p.m. on Saturday September 20 and Friday and Saturday September 26 – 27; 1:30 p.m. on Saturday September 27; and 2 p.m. on Sunday September 28 at the Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For more information, call 713-227-2787. or visit houstonballet.org. $75-$170.