SpinOff 2014 Celebrates Contemporary Dance
Last night, November 15, I attended The Sun King , a one-act contemporary ballet performed by Elements Contemporary Ballet, featuring live music by Baroque Band, a period-instrument orchestra. The setting for The Sun King is 17th century France, the court of Louis XIV. I traveled to France a few years ago and visited the palace and gardens of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette. For me, this performance provided depth to a previous experience and brought back some pleasant memories. The Sun King took place on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Being November, the glass doors were closed and served as a backdrop with attendees sitting where the chorus sits when performing with an orchestra. This was a completely new perspective compared to attending concerts in the summertime. Before it became dark outside, I could see the seating bowl, the lawn behind it, and even the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The skyline featuring all the lit buildings was