Nine Sinatra Songs - Sneak Peak

Alfonso Martin and Soo Youn Cho

One of America’s most respected and recognized choreographers, Twyla Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances (including Nine Sinatra Songs), five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. She received one Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, nineteen honorary doctorates, the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award, the 2004 National Medal of the Arts, the 2008 Jerome Robbins Prize, and a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor. 

With Nine Sinatra Songs, Tharp combines nine songs by Frank Sinatra and ballroom-inspired choreography to create an intimate view into each of the seven couple’s relationship. Original costumes, gowns and tuxedos, were designed by the great Oscar de la Renta to reflect the Sinatra era while enhancing Tharp’s sweeping to sharp movements. Created for the Twyla Tharp Dance company in 1982, this work is now a popular Tharp classic and is in the repetoire of companies around the world.    

“I chose songs only in arrangements from the 1950s,” Tharp has been quoted, “when my parents were still together, when all parents were together, the last time we assumed as a culture that of course men and women lived together and loved for a lifetime.”

Original Nine Sinatra Songs cast member Shelley Washington staged the ballet for the Tulsa Ballet dancers. Washington is one of a few experts on the Tharp repertoire. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about this classic piece and capture some rehearsal footage of Tulsa Ballet dancers Soo Youn Cho, Alfonso Martin, Sofia Menteguiaga and Wang Yi.

“Twyla Tharp’s works are a reflection of the American culture; they reflect the hearts and souls of the American people and traditions. Ms. Tharp has become an essential element of the cultural fabric of this country and is probably its leading ambassador, at least for our art form, worldwide.” – Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini

Performances run from October 28-30, 2011, at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Evening also features William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated and Jiri Kylian's Sechs Tanze.  Purchase tickets by calling (918) 749-6006 or by visiting www.tulsaballet.org.