Ballet Memphis Collaboration

An infusion of innovation mixed with energetically performed classical treasures made for a notable Memphis Symphony Orchestra concert Saturday night. The innovation came in the performance of excerpts from Leonard Bernstein's "On the Town" that featured dance from members of Ballet Memphis and MJ Urban Ballet. The pieces, smartly choreographed by Ballet Memphis' Rafael Ferreras, blended classical dance with the jookin' style. The genres are intriguingly compatible, yet as different as ballet shoes are from sneakers. The musical tells the story of three sailors on shore leave in New York City who are captivated by the town and vice versa. Ferreras found parallels with the three jookers — winningly danced by Tarrik Moore, Marico 'DrRico' Flake and Daniel Price — who encounter a different style done by Ballet Memphis dancers that brings about a synergy with the two companies. The three pieces electrified the stage at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts and brought an enthusiastic ovation from the audience. The first half of the concert started off the evening's dance theme with Beethoven's "Twelve Contredanses," a pleasant confection to start the proceedings.