26000 American Dr. Southfield, MI 48034 248-357-1100 Hilton Inn sowhfieki ON THEIR TOES from page 88 "Dilemmas of the Day" makes use of comic elements as well as symbolic ;=) music and lighting to highlight the girl's realization that the Old Testament is enjoyable to read. "Solomon's Decision," the second part of the program, depicts the ancient tale of two mothers fighting over one child. Choreographed by company member Andrew Bayne, the dance features Fisher as King D Solomon, whose "decision has set a /- precedent for justice and law throughout the millenniums," according to the Jewish. Perspectives brochure. "In Remembrance," depicting the grief of a mother who lost her child in the Holocaust, is by far the most haunting section of the program. Choreographed by Jennifer Vanucchi, it juxtaposes the jazz and dancing of 1930s Germany, banned by the Nazis, with a train delivering Jews to a con- centration camp. Costumes in this dance are partic- ularly symbolic: Yellow Stars of David are worn on the chests of black leotards; once confined in the camp, dancers wear shredded prison ' uniforms. Eventually, all the prisoners die, except for one who is liberated as she is about to be shot by a Nazi guard. At the end of the dance, the concentra- tion camp victims appear as angels to help the survivor cope with her altered sense of reality. "L'Chaim," the final section, chore- \ ographed by Allison Hart, celebrates life and love through the rituals of the Jewish marriage. The romantic ending of the Jewish wedding brings a warm closure to the program. The American Jewish Ballet's sec- ond program is no less ambitious in showing how history has shaped much of Jewish identity. It highlights the past 1,500 years of Jewish history in Spain, paying homage to the biblical, historical and intellectual traditions of Jews living in the Iberian Peninsula. Its first ballet, "The Zohar," deals with the mystical book of Kabbalah. "The Edict of 1492" demonstrates the relationship between Jews and the rulers of Spain, particularly Queen Isabella, who expelled the Jews in 1492. / In the same year, Christopher Columbus launched his ships in search of a new route to India. The plot of "The Edict of 1492" uses the Jews' accomplishments in Spain to show how Jewish and Spanish history are entwined. The third act in the program, "Ladino" (The Celebration) sets to music the words of three great medieval Jewish figures: philosopher Moses Maimonides and poets Samuel Ha-Nagid and Judah Halevi. The bal- let makes use of Ladino, the native tongue of Spanish Jews, with original music by American Jewish Ballet composer Rachael Sage and lyrics entirely in Ladino. Fisher is now working on a new program for the ballet's next season, based on the story of Esther. Purim will consist of six scenes, including "a type of Shakespearean tableau" as the opening and a battle between the archetypal enemies, Mordecai and Haman." Yet whether the American Jewish Ballet will survive to dance the Purim ballet is uncertain, as the young com- pany is facing financial hurdles. According to Fisher, the company is already $3,500 in debt, as "grants cover only 10 to 15 percent of the budget. Although the troupe has greatly benefited from the contributions of private individuals, as well as grants from the Harkness Foundation for Dance, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and the United Arts of Central Florida, it still needs more financing. Our budget is $20,000," Fisher said. "That's nothing when you employ 12 professional dancers." Recently, fiscal problems forced the troupe to cancel some perfor- mances. It was invited to perform in Cuba but was unable to cover the costs of travel. Some of the American Jewish Ballet's grant applications to Jewish cultural groups have been rejected, surprising Fisher. "We've touched people," he said. "We are doing something which has never been done before, and we're incorporating new and young artists." Fisher said he's worried about the future of the ballet without stronger financial backing. The New York Times Magazine recently ran a cover story about how Jews are increasingly assimilating and losing their culture," Fisher said. The American Jewish Ballet "is doing the exact opposite, yet no one is supporting us." I I For more information about the American Jewish Ballet, contact Julian Fisher at (407) 578-6486; e-mail at info@americanjewishbal- let.org ; or go to the Web page at www.americanjewishballet.org . We just spent S1.5 million to be completely refreshed and rejuvenated. We've gone to extremes to update, upgrade, and improve our hotel. We've installed new carpet, furniture, wall paper, and drapes throughout the hotel. We've redesigned the layout of our guest rooms and equipped every one with 2-line telephones with voicemail & data ports; a large work desk with thoughtful features like desk level outlets, pull-out shelf for your laptop and ergonomic chair; a coffee maker; and a hair dryer. FROM per room per night We've even converted all of our queen beds to kings. Come, check us out. For reservations, call your professional travel agent, 1-800-HILTONS, or the hotel direct at 248-357-1100. www.southfield.hilton.com I Offer valid through 12/30/99. Limited availability; advance reservations required. Rate exclusive of tax and gratuity and does not apply to groups or other offers and is subject to change without notice. The Hilton name and logo are trademarks owned by Hilton. ©1999 Hilton Hotels. WALLED LAKE FARMINGTON HILLS 31005 ORCHARD LAKE RD. 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