Big Boi not an OutKast at Atlanta Ballet

I wanted to report of an interesting collaboration that has taken place between Big Boi (a member of the rap duo, OutKast) and the Atlanta Ballet. Titled “Big”, the performance seemed to live up to its name in spectacle. Read a review, here. And, it seems that Atlanta Ballet is hoping that the attention received in the wake of the endeavor will have a big effect on the rejuvenation of their company, ballet as a relevant art form, and in bringing ballet to a wider audience.

This is certainly not the first time that dance companies have sought to juxtaposition two art forms that seem vastly different from one another, or update ballet with current musical trends.  However, I thought the notion could be just the creative spark that some of you out there are looking for.  Perhaps you’d like to join your advanced hip-hop and ballet classes for an instant crowd-pleaser at this year’s performance.  Or if this has been overdone in your area, maybe there are new ways to bring ballet into the 21st century that are yet to be discovered!

Share your ideas!

Originally posted April 18, 2008

Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 309 articles for Dance Advantage.