Performers in BAD BOYS OF BALLET “A Quiet Place” by Adrienne Canterna. Photo by Leila Mire.
Maryland Concert Series Season Opening Gala featuring the “Bad Boys of Ballet” has a little bit of something for everyone. The twenty-five piece show demonstrated the talents of local dance studios with performances by America’s Got Talent semi-finalists, “Bad Boys of Ballet” as the featured act.
The gala represented dancers from Edna Lee Dance Studio, Turning Pointe Dance Academy, Project T, Chris Collins Dance Studio, Centre Pointe Performing Arts, Power Up Dance Center, Studio Bleu, Urbana Dance, Royal Performing Arts Center, Dee Buchanan Dance Studio, Shylo Martinez Dance, Susan Ina Dance Studio, Studio Dans, Design in Motion, the Rock School, Studio Bleu, Spotlight Dance Studio, Dance Expressions, Maryland Festival Ballet, Maryland Classical Dance Academy, and Dawn Crafton Dance Connection. The unique setup of the show also showcased choreography by “Bad Boys of Ballet” dancers and local teachers, Ashley Canterna Hardy and Alicia Canterna. The children’s professionalism and passion shone on stage to exhibit the diverse arts scene Maryland has to offer.
The dancers’ swagger and coolness is one that many companies may try but few can pull off.
The “Bad Boys of Ballet” complimented the show tremendously with a contagious energy and playfulness that was palpable throughout the audience. The dancers’ swagger and coolness is one that many companies may try but few can pull off. The women’s flashy costumes besides the men’s bare chests were enough for any audience to whoop, holler, and swoon over.
The first act featured works by both Adrienne Canterna and her sister, Ashley Canterna Hardy (who also teaches in the area) to represent the “Bad Boys”. Adrienne Canterna and the BAD BOYS first piece of the evening was “A Quiet Place” featuring guest performer, Morgan Rust from the Washington Ballet. The piece began with a lyrical solo by Rust, interrupted by the energy and athleticism that are a trademark of Canterna’s company. Each of the male dancers was spotlighted individually to show off their acrobatic tricks and style.
Following a fifteen-minute intermission, the show resumed with works showcasing choreographers and “Bad Boys” dancers, Alicia Canterna and another work by Ashley Canterna Hardy. The night also presented “Bad Romance,” a solo performed by Adrienne Canterna with choreography by John Ole Olstad. Canterna looked the part of Lady Gaga with her bleach blonde hair and costuming that screamed Gaga. The piece’s unique musicality was interesting and a refreshing shift in a show that was otherwise heavily ensemble-based.
The final “Bad Boys” performance of the evening was excerpts from Rasta Thomas’ “Rock the Ballet.” While the show was not so much an innovative, cerebral piece, it satisfied the audience’s desire for entertainment. Most notable were the male solo moments where the performers were able to show off their dazzling tricks and stage charisma; thus making the mother’s in the audience sigh while the father’s shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
All in all, the “Bad Boys of Ballet” was an excellent choice to feature in the gala performance. Given the high school audience, it was a palatable and entertaining company for aspiring entertainers to share the stage with.
Running Time: Approximately 141 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
“Maryland Concert Season Opening Gala Featuring “Bad Boys of Ballet” ran through September 9, 2018. For Maryland Concert Series tickets or more info click here.
