THE WEEK OF
October 8, 2003
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley
San Jose Institute of
Contemporary Art
Datebook
Classical music events
Society
Photograph by John Gerbetz
James Strong and Sayaka Tai dance the parts of the groom and the bride in Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley's production of 'Appalachian Spring.'
Take me out to the ballet
By Estelle Pagnoux
Mom, apple pie and ballet? Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley opens the World Series weekend with a triple play, sure to thrill ballet fans of all ages. Featuring a troika of dances from three American choreographers, the program launches the Ballet's 2003­04 season, Oct. 16 through 19. The weekend offers pieces from its own director, Dennis Nahat, the grand dame of American dance Martha Graham and Michael Smuin, former director of the San Francisco Ballet.

Smuin's Stravinsky Piano Pieces returns to the San Jose stage for a reprise after nine years.

Graham's Appalachian Spring, set to composer Aaron Copland's suite of the same name, is one of the most revered works of the 20th century.

Nahat, who studied with Graham at Juilliard, will conclude the season opener with the first piece he created for the local ballet 27 years ago. U.S. features a showcase of American popular dance.

For those who need a respite from America's favorite pasttime, these three great works form American choreographers just may hit the spot.

San Jose Silicon Valley performs Oct. 16­19 at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. Tickets are $22 to $68. Call 408.288.2800 or go to www.balletsanjose.org for more information.