Brooke RobertsonThere will be something for everyone this Sunday at the Performing Arts Center, where the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo will perform two very different ballets: one classical, one contemporary.
The local company will first perform a ballet based on William Shakespeare’s classic comedy of errors “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The ballet will be performed in a traditional style, with original choreography from artistic director Drew Silvaggio and company member Jackie Lee.
“It’s all about paving our own way,” Silvaggio said. “Everything is new. It’ll be fun, full of both slapstick (comedy) and melodrama.”
The second act, “Sidewalk Stories,” is Silvaggio’s original adaptation from Shel Silverstein’s book of poetry “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” The piece features original choreography by Silvaggio and tells the story of a family whose lives resemble different poems from Silverstein’s book.
According to Silvaggio, the choreography is modern and high-energy, “like looking at a picture book,” he said.
The contemporary choreography is supplemented by contemporary music. Etta James, Nat King Cole, DeVotchKa and even Queen are all featured in the selection.
“There’s definitely a wide variety of music (to keep) the audience interested,” Silvaggio said.
Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo has a long history in the community. Founded 30 years ago by Silvaggio’s mother, Lori Silvaggio, the company has been performing ever since.
Their “The Nutcracker” ballet, performed near Christmas annually at the PAC, has become a staple holiday custom for many local community members.
“We perform ‘The Nutcracker’ every year; it’s a tradition,” said Cathie Brown, marketing programs director for the company.
The company is comprised of a wide variety of dancers, young and old, experienced and trainees. Some have other full-time jobs, but all have been trained professionally, Brown said.
Silvaggio also has a long history with the company. After growing up in San Luis Obispo, he left to pursue a musical theatre degree at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Upon graduation, Silvaggio performed for several different organizations, including the Barrymore Awards (Philadelphia’s equivalent to the Tony Awards) as well as the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. He also toured China, Spain and Cuba with the San Luis Obispo Jazz Dancers.
After an injury, Silvaggio returned to the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo, where he currently works as the artistic director, as well as teacher and choreographer. Silvaggio will also dance in the upcoming performance.
“It’ll be a great time. A dance needs to do something for the audience, provoke them, make them question life. If I can make an audience do that, that’s how I know a show is successful,” he said.
Performances are Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the PAC ticket office or by phone at 756-2787.