The Pacific Ballet Dance Theater (PBDT) is thrilled to announce its latest project, World Cinematic Jazz and Dance—a breathtaking fusion of ballet, world music, jazz, and cinematic elements. This extraordinary event features a unique collaboration with 9-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and Santana bassist Benny Rietveld and Santana vocalist Andy Vargas. The premiere, featuring a 15-piece performance, promises to captivate and inspire audiences.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM PST
Location: The Alex Theater, 216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA
Tickets: Ticketmaster
World Cinematic Jazz and Dance is an innovative blend of diverse musical and dance styles, combining the timeless elegance of ballet with the rich, dynamic sounds of world music and jazz. This ambitious project aims to transcend traditional performance boundaries, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the universal language of music and movement.
PBDT is honored to collaborate with Benny Rietveld, a GRAMMY-winning musician renowned for his work with the legendary band Santana. Rietveld’s expertise and passion for music bring a new dimension to the performance, enriching the choreography with his eclectic and powerful compositions. His involvement underscores the event's commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
Benny Rietveld has been the Musical Director and bassist for Carlos Santana for over 25 years and is an eight-time GRAMMY winner. A reputable producer and composer in his own right, Rietveld has played and recorded with artists such as Miles Davis, Sheila E, John Lee Hooker, Dave Matthews, Rob Thomas, and Michel Legrand, among others.
Andy Vargas, the dynamic lead vocalist of the legendary band Santana, brings unparalleled talent and charisma to the stage. With a career spanning over two decades, Andy's soulful voice and electrifying performances have captivated audiences worldwide. His collaboration with Carlos Santana has produced numerous chart-topping hits and memorable live performances, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry.
The event will showcase a spectacular 15-piece ensemble, featuring a diverse group of talented musicians and dancers. This large-scale performance aims to create a rich, layered auditory and visual experience, enveloping the audience in a seamless blend of sound and motion.
“This show brings together a collection of renowned jazz and Latin jazz musicians and mixes them with dynamic ballet and contemporary dancers, presenting something completely new for the community,” said Choreographer and PBDT Artistic Director Natasha Middleton. “The live band on stage will make for an electrifying performance while featuring our dancers using different forms of expression, from ballet to contemporary, Latin fusion, jazz, tap, and street dance.”
Tickets for World Cinematic Jazz and Dance are available now at Ticketmaster. For more information about the event and Pacific Ballet Dance Theater, please visit pbdtla.org or contact sharifa@elitedigitalus.com.
About Pacific Ballet Dance Theater
First founded in 1954 by Andrei Tremaine as Pacific Ballet Theatre, the company carries a family legacy of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and is now under the direction of Tremaine’s daughter, Natasha Middleton. Middleton received critical acclaim for her rock ballets The British Beat and Dance in the USA. In 2012, the company officially became the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) and continues to bring audiences powerful and atmospheric performances as one of the major dance companies within the greater Los Angeles area. Featuring first-class talent from around the world, the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s mission is to perform captivating ballet presentations and offer engaging educational programs that nurture talent and artistic creativity within the diverse community of Southern California.
