Athletic moves, such as a gravity-defying splits jump performed by this muscular dancer, will be featured in State Street Ballet's 'Recess!' (Courtesy Heidi Bergseteren)
Athletic moves, such as a gravity-defying splits jump, will be featured in State Street Ballet's 'Recess!' (Courtesy Heidi Bergseteren)

State Street Ballet brings speed, sparkle, and extraordinary athleticism to the Lobero Theatre with “RECESS!” March 21-22.

“The fast-paced, family-friendly triple bill is designed to thrill audiences of all ages, showcasing dazzling technique, vibrant musicality, and the exhilarating power of live performance,” the company said.

The program opens with “Carnival of the Animals,” choreographed by Alexei Kremnev. Set to Camille Saint-Saëns’ score, this spirited ballet bursts with character-driven choreography, intricate partnering, and playful precision.

Next is “Interplay” by legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins, set to Morton Gould’s “American Concertette.”

“A tour de force of musicality and virtuosity, Interplay is packed with lightning-fast footwork, buoyant jumps, jazzy syncopation, and razor-sharp ensemble timing,” Santa Barbara Ballet said.

Both “Carnival of the Animals” and “Interplay” will be performed with live accompaniment by Opera Santa Barbara under the baton of Kostis Protopapas.

The program concludes with “Level Up,” an new commission created by Autumn Eckman, inspired by the world of video games.

With original music, projections and choreography, “Level Up” invites young audiences to see their own high-energy worlds reflected through a synergistic multi-media masterpiece.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how ‘RECESS!’ has come together to create a family-friendly triple bill like never before,” said Megan Philipp, artistic director. “This program is a celebration of the pure joy and freedom of childhood, expressed through sophisticated, world-renowned choreography.

“From the comical zoo characters in Alexei Kremnev’s ‘Carnival of the Animals’ to Jerome Robbins’ playground world of fun and games in ‘Interplay,’ this performance will leave you smiling, perhaps even skipping out the Lobero doors, as you rediscover the magic and wonder of childhood through iconic dance.”

“Ballet is often associated with grace and beauty, and it is, but what audiences may not realize is the extraordinary athleticism behind it,” said Cecily MacDougall, State Street Ballet, executive director.

“The stamina, power, and split-second precision required in works like Jerome Robbins’ ‘Interplay’ rival elite sports,” she said. “With ‘Recess!,’ we’re inviting young people to see ballet as an olympic level art form that pushes the limits of what the human body can do.

“At the same time, this program is pure joy. It’s incredibly fun for our dancers to perform and for audiences to experience together,” she said.

“Through partnerships with organizations like the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Gracie Fisher Foundation, we’re creating an event that extends beyond the stage, a vibrant, welcoming celebration of community,” MacDougall said.

In addition to its public performances, “Recess!” includes a sensory-friendly performance, 2 p.m. March 21, thoughtfully designed for families with special needs and young children.

State Street Ballet will provide three free educational outreach performances for nearly 2,000 students at the Lobero, which allow students to witness excerpts up close, participate in a mini dance lesson, and engage directly with the dancers, often sparking a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Public performances are 7:30 p.m. March 21 and 2 p.m. March 22 at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets available at statestreetballet.com.