Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet: RUSH – world premiere

The creation of RUSH – world premiere – celebrates Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet’s 25th year. This radical new work by internationally recognized choreographer and company founder Robert Sher-Machherndl, boldly brings contemporary ballet into sharp, present-day focus as he create something strange, beautiful and compelling. “ … highlight of the program” The New York Times.

RUSH demonstrates the powerful imagination and deeply exquisite emotional context which Sher-Machherndl consistently manifests on stage. A rigorous display of movement, body shape, and highly specialized arm épaulement are at play. An experimental work: smooth and velvety, often contrasted with the awkward and pedestrian, creates this transformative performance. RUSH undeniably redirects one’s mind, and takes the witness on an intriguing journey.

In RUSH, Sher-Machherndl pays homage to his European roots ~ after all, he’s a Viennese native who, prior to receiving the US “Alien of Extraordinary Abilities” visa, was principal dancer with Dutch National Ballet and Bavarian State Ballet. RUSH is performed by a powerhouse of collaborators: Makaila Wallace, formerly of Ballet BC; Sadie Brown, formerly of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet; and Sher-Machherndl himself. The dynamic interplay between these three master performers is a rare experience.

In addition to this 25th year celebration is a work by emerging choreographer, Maia Durfee, currently creating in Seattle, WA. Maia is a former student of Lemon Sponge Cake Ballet School where she received her foundational dance training.