Big Boi meets Atlanta Ballet
September 27th, 2007 by Mosi Reeves in Backstage Pass 
(photo by Charlie McCullers)
The preview for big, Big Boi’s much-anticipated collaboration with choreographer Lauri Stallings and Atlanta Ballet, took place in the guise of a launch party for Atlanta Ballet’s 2007-2008 season. Held at the King Plow Arts Center, it mostly drew the kind of audience — lovers of the traditional arts — that probably knew nothing of hip-hop beyond what they might hear on the radio or TV. There were large tables of sushi and peppered chicken, and ballet patrons mingled around the studio with wine glasses in hand.
The host for the evening was John McFall, the company’s artistic director. He promised that Atlanta Ballet will create dozens of new costumes for big. “I think we’re going to set a bunch of new fashions with big,” he said, promising that the finished production will be a fantastic and provocative experience.
Then a fashion show organized by Tootsies, a vintage clothing shop in Buckhead, began. As a DJ spun a dance-pop mix that went from Daft Punk’s “Technologic” (great) to dance remixes of Britney Spears’ “My Prerogative” and the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha” (wack), models strutted in a medley of 1920s-inspired dresses, overcoats and ballet-point shoes.
After the models took their bow, two ballet dancers began weaving through the crowd, performing bizarrely angular moves and staring in people’s faces. A swarm of children ran out to an area set aside for the performance. Clad in white T-shirts and sweat pants, they did an elaborate step routine; then most of them ran out of the room, leaving one girl to shout, “Big!”
This initiated the central part of the preview, which only lasted 10 to 15 minutes. What we saw was clearly a rough cut, and much of it looked like a work in progress. Plus, there were some strange symbols floating about. What was the meaning of the rose petals the dancers often threw on one another? More importantly, why were so many of them carrying umbrellas?
Standout moments include a number set to OutKast’s “Bombs over Baghdad,” where the dancers moved slowly and methodically in contrast to the song’s rapid-fire booty bass beat. Another found a male and female dancer moving harmoniously to Sleepy Brown’s “I Can’t Wait.”
Although the big preview was short and sweet, it was remarkable to see hip-hop and R&B music set to a ballet, albeit one that was more a hybrid of modern dance than a traditional ballet like Swan Lake. After it was finished, McCall brought Big Boi and Stallings to the performance area, and both received rapturous applause. “Thank you for letting us share this little teaser,” said Stallings.
“We’re going to kill them in April. Believe dat!” said Big Boi.
The world premiere of big takes place April 10-13, 2008, at the Fox Theatre, and will reportedly contain musical performances from several Purple Ribbon associates, including Big Boi and Janelle Monáe. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
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September 27th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I think there’s a misplaced accent with Janelle Monáe (not Mónae). Am so excited to see her on stage again - check out her on Southeast Performer’s cover October (sorry - blatant self-promotion)
September 27th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Change was made on the post.
September 28th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I will not support the Atlanta Ballet until they re-hire the very talented musicians they fired.
September 28th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
This is the first I’ve heard of this. Can you please elaborate?
September 29th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
FYI, the Atlanta Ballet’s artistic director’s name is John McFall. Not McCall…
thank you.
September 30th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
sounds like an interesting production…something to break the monotony…i’ll be sure to check it out…keep us updated on this event and more of the sort!
October 1st, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Error updated in post, regarding artistc director’s last name. Thanks…
October 1st, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Oops, now let me correct my correction: artistic
December 8th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
If you want them to re-hire the musicians, give them money. They have no money.
December 8th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Again, please elaborate and name names. Empty accusations and haterade doesn’t help.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:18 am
oh man…..
March 12th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Hi,
I’m now rehearsing for Big. Its so cool and same with Lauri Stallings.
-Anonymous
answer if you want more info.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’ll bite, Anonymous. We want more. What else can you tell us?
April 1st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
What do you want to know???
April 5th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I would luv to say something! News from today! The kids sat through 3 hours of rehearsal and know after that all they are doing is throwing rose pedals for less than a minute! People are in tears, willing to call the radio that is supporting this, and they spent near 100 bucks on a dress. This is a horrible thing!
~What else do u’all want ta know???
-Anonymous
April 9th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
At least you’re in the show, Anonymous. I was informed today that I can’t even get a media pass. How old are you, Anon? Email me at rodney.carmichael@cln.com.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
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April 13th, 2008 at 1:00 am
i just saw ‘big’ tonight.
it wasnt at all what i expected.
and i am a dancer in a company myself, and i had a really hard time, well, getting it.
i mean, ‘fried shrimp’??? WHAT?
and the ominous eye?
April 16th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Hi All,
I saw the show on the 11th and thought is was OOOOOKKKKK. I would have loved to see Big interact with the dancers more, the few times he did interact the crowd loved it. After the show Outkast lovers like myself loved the music and the show but we were left wondering, “What was the plot?” As a new comer to the Ballet scene I thought it would have been nice if big narrated the story. All in all Janelle Monae stole the show for me and I wished she had her own show. Love you Big but Janelle was the only performer to make me feel like she was at least trying to infuse her performance with ballet.
K.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
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