Val Caniparoli returned with two works designed to broaden Central West Ballet dancers in their technique and to familiarize them with his own choreographic language. "It was only our second year with Val Caniparoli and the dancers benefited from an introspective, in depth immersion into Val Caniparoli's style of movement and the intricacy of his steps", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "eventually, Mr. Caniparoli would have sufficient time with them to create an original piece for Central West Ballet dancers, we have already looked at the possibilites".

Songs is a refned piece for women with introspective solos and duets. Neo-classical in form, it demands the Caniparoli precision of movement and tremendous stamina. The other work this year, Suite, was an intricate trio for two males and one female and is vintage Caniparoli. With diffiicult passages and partnering work, Suite is a fascinating piece to observe. Central West Ballet raised the bar last year with Violin, a full fledge Caniparoli work. An ambitious start, Violin proved to be a success for Central West, which prompted Caniparoli to continue his involvement with the growing company. Although not everyone gets to dance in Caniparoli works at this time, Daveluy says it is a crucial opportunity for the entire troupe to experience the project either as a participant or as an observer. "Many times during my career, I found myself being a non participating member in pieces I would have loved to dance", Daveluy explains, "but it gave me a valuable insight to see my colleagues go through a process and indeed made me appreciate their performances".

Daveluy says that a dancer's career is filled with variety, unexpected roles and challenges. "It's part of serving as an artist", he points out, "much of the roles I performed came to me unpredictably and it was my responsibility to bring them to the stage as a performer, and that's what Central West Ballet does magnificently."

By CWB OFFICE PRESS

Central West in Val Caniparoli's Violin, 2010.

Daveluy says the company was ready to be taken to new levels because the dancers were made of the same fabric as those he had encountered throughout his career. "That particular generation of dancers at Central West had the fire within", he says, "they took to these challenges with ease and belief". The remarkable speed in which Central West Ballet has been able to sustain such levels has been shown since the Company moved to the Gallo Center for the Arts as resident company in 2007. Creations programs have included Neo-Classical, Contemporary, and Modern works performed with surprising maturity and craftsmanship. Such works have included Daveluy's own choreographies, which have been the back bone of the dancers growth as young professionals. But Daveluy says the significance of presenting a work by Master Choreographer Val Caniparoli this past season was an even bigger turning point in the Company's rise to success. "Val was a long time colleague and a friend, but I waited patiently until the time was right to bring a work of his to the Company". Daveluy says bold moves are important to set standards for the dancers and for the Company's standing as a the new "kid on the professional block". Daveluy and Larson have brought to Modesto numerous peers of theirs to help them establish a continuing vision for the Company. "Central West Ballet has been fortunate to have the backing of many professionals in the business who would not have otherwise been to Modesto to inspire the dancers and give them real stage life experience, Leslie and myself have been adamant that our resources be shared with Central West in order to help the art of dance here in Modesto". Daveluy says he has chose two other works with Caniparoli for the next Creations program. "Val and I discussed what could be done and I am excited to bring more of his works to the Company. The 2010 Creations program, which featured Caniparoli's Violin, was received with standing ovations by Modesto audiences.Creations, Choreography in America in 2011 continued this trend. "We have reached a point where many more things are possible for Central West. I am happy to see all this finally be a reality".

Creations, A Program for a Vision

Creations, Choreography in America has enjoyed progressive incarnations since the first installment at Johansen High School in 2007. Formerly the long running Arts in Harmony, Artistic Director René Daveluy renamed the yearly event to propel the Company forward. First billed as Dance Evening of New Creations, Daveluy refined the name until it fitted in with an expanding vision. "The decision to rename the Company's yearly presentations of original works came from a need to give Central West Ballet more stamina in performing longer pieces in an identical format used by all professional companies", Daveluy says, "it was the first in a series of moves designed to prepare the company for a new era". Daveluy is especially proud of the fact that the implementation of this program was achieved in record time. "Creations as it is known today, was an adventure that the company dancers took with me and Leslie Larson". Daveluy says that in fact, the very first piece which enabled a unification of all company members was a work entitled Nature's Rite. "One of my Principal Dancers, Alyssa Milano, came to me with a project to have the company dance at Disneyland Resort", Daveluy explains, "I saw an opportunity to create a full progressive work with the added benefit of having it performed on tour, so to speak. The results were excellent, but more importantly, it gelled the company together in a serious way".

Central West in Nature's Rite, revisited in 2007 at Johansen High School

By CWB OFFICE PRESS

Central West Ballet dancers took on a new adventure into collective creation in March at their new studio on Pentecost. "Our first Choreographic Workshop is being pioneered by a cross section of our company dancers", says Artistic Director René Daveluy. "Principals, Soloists and Corps Artists have signed up to create their own vision of choreographic works, it's a very exciting time". Daveluy says he is not surprised by the enthusiasm generated within the group. "The dancers are multi talented, he says, "they can paint, draw, some of them are terrific photographers and video editors. They also have a clear view of what they want when they work on a project". Daveluy goes on to say that choreography is a natural extension of their expression. "We are at a point where we can explore such individual creative endeavors". Central West Ballet dancers have been under Daveluy's tenure for seven grueling years of apprenticeship. On stage, the audience has witness their development in many facets of the art, such as stage craft, presentation and interpretation. Central West is known for being immaculate in their performances.

Five Creations in One Evening

Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson, who has had a significant hand in grooming the dancers for seven years, says it has been a very beneficial progression from beginning. "We established an attention to detail from day one", she says, "hair, make-up and pointe shoe cleanliness, and Central West dancers know the all important art of orderly bows at the end of a performance. We are very conscious of giving our audience a quality product from top to bottom". The first Five Choreographers of this year's event were Erikka Reenstierna-Cates, Nicole Firpo, Adelina Milano, Kateri Ransom and Gabrielle Santos. Daveluy says they all have something unique in their approach. "Through their choice of music or their movement, they have all shown an interesting and original potential". The community can got a chance to attend the Showcase Event on March 31st. "This was a special event and one that we'll be building on next year", Daveluy says, "it's a pioneering move and a great way to see something different and original".

Creations in 2011 brought two more Caniparoli works

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