The all-Ravel program, called "one of the most original programs of the dance season" by Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times, includes: a striking and fresh interpretation of Bolero; the poignant Prelude To Night, a triptych danced to three short Ravel orchestral works; the company's riveting signature work Wien-an abstract version of Ravel's LaValse and the lyrically elegant Home Front set to Le Tombeau de Couperin.
The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre, established in 1994 by former Martha Graham principle dancer, Pascal Rioult, is recognized both nationally and internationally as a "superb company" of 10 dancers who perform works that are powerful, lyrical, and exhilarating. Since its inception, the troupe's visibility and touring has increased significantly, taking them to locations across United States and Europe. European appearances include the Florence and Bolzano Dance Festivals in Italy, and the Cannes International Dance Festival. PRDT has performed before nearly packed houses at the Joyce Theatre in New York City for the past five years and is among several companies invited to appear in the sold-out Fall for Dance Festival at City Center in New York. The company begins their European tour this November for four weeks appearing in Belgium, France and Switzerland. Born in Normandy, France, Pascal Rioult came to the United States in the early 1980s on a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture. He danced with the companies of May O'Donnell and Paul Sanasardo before joining the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1986. As a principal dancer, he has performed some of the most prestigious roles in the Graham repertory, including Aegisthus in Clytemnestra and the Preacher in Appalachian Spring. He performed opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov in El Penitente and was featured in two television specials, Martha Graham in Japan and Five Dances by Martha Graham at the Paris Opera. Rioult first began choreographing dances in 1989 while still a member of the Graham troupe. In 1994 Rioult left the Graham Company to dedicate his energy to PRDT and formulating a choreographic style of his own. Rioult's work has been performed and/or commissioned by many internationally known dance troupes including the Martha Graham Company, Geneva Ballet, Danse á Aix, Ballet du Nord and National Ballet of Lithuania. He has taught and set his works at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Harvard Dance Center, and the Martha Graham School, among many others, and in 1998 and 2002 received the Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography.
Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre's The Ravel Project will be presented Thursday, October 20 at 7:30 pm .Tickets are $27 for adults and $22 for students and senior citizens. RLAC Box Office phone is 717-231-ROSE (7673).