By Alastair MacAulay
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — No ballet by the 27-year-old choreographer Justin Peck is much like another; with each assignment he sets himself new choreographic hurdles. But Mr. Peck has quickly become the most eminent choreographer of ballet in the United States — and two particular characteristics have propelled him to the top: the exciting formal architecture of his dances and the kinesthetic thrill of his movement.
Justin Peck is one of the country’s most sought-after ballet choreographers. Shepard Fairey is one of the most famous street artists in the world. Peck is resident choreographer with New York City Ballet and lives in New York. Fairey lives in L.A. Their first collaboration is happening in West Palm Beach.
Miami City Ballet performs the world premiere of “Heatscape” on Friday, March 27, before taking it to Miami and Fort Lauderdale in April. Hear how it all came together.
Commissioned to create a new dance for Miami City Ballet, Justin Peck ran up against a wall — many, in fact. Lucky for him, these loomed among the ones with vibrant colors and suggestive figures that have turned the streets of Wynwood into an open-air art museum, a source of inspiration for the 27-year-old choreographer whose still brief but notable career includes a cache of critically-acclaimed ballets.
Shepard Fairey’s contribution to Wynwood Walls had a special impact on Peck. He endorsed recruiting the famed muralist to paint the backdrop for Heatscape, the world premiere in “Points of Departure,” MCB’s last program of the season.
“Shepard’s work translates well into a theater setting,” explains Peck. “It helps create a whole stage environment.”
In a season marked by stellar reviews, the Miami City Ballet scored yet again with its 2015 gala, an evening marked by art, dance, music and serious fundraising at Wynwood’s Soho Studios. Plus, muralist Shepard Fairey’s graphic language informs choreographer Justin Peck’s latest collaboration with the Miami City Ballet. “I am interested in the place I am commissioned to create in,” says red-hot choreographer Justin Peck. “The dancers, city, climate, culture and style all play a part in influencing the creative process.”
Miami City Ballet presents its 2015 Gala with a fusion of art, dance and music at Wynwood’s Soho Studios.
Chaired by Ana and Robert Barlick, the highly anticipated event will feature a one-night only, unique video art installation combining classical ballet with the street art that makes Wynwood such a uniquely Miami locale.
Miami City Ballet Director Lordes Lopez has injected new life into MCB. Evidenced by this year’s performance for Program IV, which includes a piece of art by Shepard Fairey. Ahead of that performance, called Heatscape, an amazing video by Justin Peck of the MCB dancers has been released ahead of a movie about the dance world superstar to be released in theaters on February 6th.
On Jan 18, 2015, Works & Process at the Guggenheim presented MIAMI CITY BALLET: JUSTIN PECK & SHEPARD FAIREY. Choreographer Justin Peck along with Miami City Ballet dancers and Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez, and street artist Shepard Fairey participated in Works & Process at the Guggenheim leading up to the Company’s March 27th world premiere of Heatscape.
Our dancers have returned to the studios after their 5-week break to start learning a brand new ballet by choreographer Justin Peck. This is Justin’s second ballet for MCB, which will premiere during our final program of the 2014-2015 Season in March. His new work calls for a large cast of dancers and scenery by the popular street artist Shepard Fairey — best known for his work on the Obama Hope poster and also for his large murals adorning local streets and establishments such as the Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Kitchen & Bar.
To capture the creation process behind his new work on our Instagram feed is corps de ballet dancer Emily Bromberg! Follow her at #EmilyMCBphotos to get an intimate look at Justin making choreographic magic!