The LYNX Blue Line extension is finally open! Now, you’re more connected to us than ever before! What better way to try out your first light rail trip into the city than to take it to see the ballet. Don’t let the chance to see The Most Incredible Thing slip by! We’ve pulled together the top reasons why you must see this most incredible performance!
1. Not your average fairytale ballet
Dancer James Kopecky told us “The Most Incredible Thing will really be a different setting for a story ballet. I think that audiences will be surprised at how different a story ballet could be without tutus.” Though this performance is included as part of our spring storybook series, nothing about it will remind you of your regular Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty classics. Goodbye platter tutus and tiaras!
2. You’ll love the rebel princess
The king needs to marry off his daughter to a man worthy to take half his kingdom, so he issues a challenge throughout the village on who can create the “most incredible thing.” However, the princess defies all rules given by her father – like listening to pop music and jamming out in her bedroom! In the end, SHE is the one who proposes (check the picture above!)
3. Its set to pop music. Seriously.
Yes, you heard right. No Tchaikovsky this time around. The ballet was actually envisioned by the Pet Shop Boys – Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. Pet Shop Boys are an English electronic pop band. The two have sold more than 50 million records worldwide and are listed by The Guinness Book of Records as the most successful duo in UK music history. The Most Incredible Thing is the Pet Shop Boys’ first ever composition for a dance work. Can you picture a ballet to the music playing in this video?
4. You’ll be the first ever American Audience
The Most Incredible Thing made its premiere in London at Sadler’s Wells in 2011. After receiving rave reviews, it will make its US premiere right here in Charlotte! This premiere is one of our largest and most innovative performances ever, so you must experience this big cultural win for our city.
5. Catch influences from basically everyone in dance history
When talking to choreographer Javier de Frutos, he mentioned the incorporation of many influences of dance history into this ballet. You might see some moves from the ballet greats like Nijinska (in the first wedding scene) or Balanchine (see a reference to Apollo’s three muses.) But also keep an eye out for the more American modern dance influences like Martha Graham or Paul Taylor.
6. Pilobolus is in the house
Who doesn’t love the New York City-based dance company, Pilobolus? There is one section of the ballet with detailed shadow choreography – you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it. We were lucky to have Special Choreographic Consultant Renée Jaworski, co-Artistic Director of Pilobolus come down to teach us some of their tricks with shadows. EEK!
THE MOST INCREDIBLE THING
March 9-18, 2018 | Knight Theater
BUY NOW
With the new light rail station at UNC Charlotte, we’ve made this super affordable for students like you. Advanced Student Rush Tickets are $20 – just call our box office 704.414.2760. At the Door Student Rush Tickets are only $15. Both available only for evening performances.
Photos of The Most Incredible Thing at Sadler’s Wells by Hugo Glendinning.