Alchemy Ballet To Present 'Minkus To Mingus' At Capital One Hall

TYSONS, VA — Alchemy Ballet will present "Minkus to Mingus: Classical to Contemporary Ballet and Jazz" on March 13-14, at the Vault Theater at Capital One Hall. The Herndon-based nonprofit Artists in Motion (dba Alchemy Ballet) will offer three performances, with a fundraising reception scheduled before one of the Saturday shows.

The program is designed to take audiences through various musical and dance traditions. It will include classical ballet, neoclassical works, and contemporary choreography. Music will range from 19th-century composer Ludwig Minkus to jazz innovator Charles Mingus, along with other soul and popular music artists.

"Minkus to Mingus is a celebration of contrast and connection — classical elegance meeting jazz improvisation," said Alchemy's Artistic Director Lorraine Audeoud Spiegler. "It captures Alchemy Ballet’s spirit: rooted in tradition while reflecting our commitment to innovation and cultural dialogue."

A central part of the program is the premiere of a new work by Lorraine Spiegler and Luis Serano, set to Mingus’s solo piano piece, "Orange Was the Color of Her Dress." This choreography explores emotional depth and musical nuance, combining jazz with contemporary ballet. The performance will also include jazz improv with dancer Angela Ingram to a Mingus piece, performed live by Jamie Sandel on bass and Alfred Yun on keyboard.

Additional highlights feature Rob Priore’s choreography to Aretha Franklin’s "Say a Little Prayer" and Jessica Brown’s "Trying Times," a dance collage honoring Roberta Flack. Lorraine Audeoud Spiegler’s original choreography to Hans Zimmer’s "Mercury Rising," danced by Lucia Park, is also on the program. Serrano will also premiere a piece set to Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz, Op. 34 in A minor.

Artists in Motion/Alchemy Ballet, founded in 2022, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It focuses on providing training and performance opportunities for dancers and creating world-class, cross-cultural productions. The organization stated it aims to bring diverse communities together and foster creativity and connection.

A fundraising reception is planned for Saturday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m., before the 7:30 p.m. performance. This reception will feature live jazz, wine, bites, and a mini-silent auction. Attendees can meet Spiegler and the dancers. Tickets for the performances range from $32 to $89, with group discounts available.