The new face of ballet, all jazzed up

When the Sierra Nevada Ballet Company takes the stage for a performance, the audience expects to see "Swan Lake," or something similar. The Reno-based company is looking to change that.

"The public is wanting to see more contemporary pieces," said Rosine Bena, artistic director. "People expect classic, but we also do pieces set to Annie Lennox."

With that in mind, the company will be performing "Blues and Ballet" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Brewery Arts Center.

The performance will feature new works by the company set to the music of Dave Brubeck and other jazz classics.

"Our company is very versatile and we thought it would be fun to do a total blues show," Bena said. "We try to do a mixed program all the time so we include something for everyone."

The show also includes performances by Sam Weber, known as the "Fastest Feet in Tap," including routines with his daughter and several selections from a ballet about the life of Fred Astaire.

Weber is a permanent guest artist in residence at the Sierra Nevada Ballet Company.

Mixing tap and ballet was a natural combination for Weber, after years of performing both types of dance - he started tap lessons at age 3 and took up ballet at 14.

"In the beginning, I was very reluctant to take ballet, but I discovered that I liked it," Weber said.

Weber said it is still tap dancing that always holds his attention.

"One of the good things about tap dancing is the longevity in it. I know tap dancers who are quite good in their 70s," he said.

Also featured in the program are Susan Mazer, Dallas Smith and former Joffrey dancer, Domingo Rubio, star of the Robert Altman film "The Company."

BAC Executive Director John Procaccini said having such a professional ballet company in the area is rare.

"It's really a treat to get a first-class company to do a performance for us," Procaccini said.

"We are lucky to have them in Northern Nevada and at the Brewery Arts Center," he added.

The performance has 20 dancers including professional soloists Ananda Bena-Weber, Larissa Cassera, Ramona Cachinero, Alejandra Llorente, E.Cort Larson and Arthur Reloj.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

If you go

What: "Blues and Ballet"

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.

Price: $18 for preferred seating, $15 for balcony. $3 off for BAC members, seniors and students.

Call: 883-1976 or go online at www.breweryarts.org