CEDAR LAKE ENSEMBLE, THE INNOVATIVE CONTEMPORARY BALLET COMPANY, RETURNS TO MIAMI\'S GUSMAN CENTER MAY 19 and MAY 20.

    /24-7PressRelease.com/ - NEW YORK, NY, April 9, 2005—New York based contemporary ballet company, Cedar Lake Ensemble, returns to Miami's Gusman Center, 174 East Flagler Street, Thursday May 19 and Friday May 20 at 8pm. Founded by President Nancy Walton Laurie, the vibrant new ensemble merges classical and contemporary ballet with powerful multimedia theatrics.

The Philadelphia Inquirer raved of the company's performance, calling it "truly striking," and showcasing "dancing distinguished by their strong lines and impressive pointe work" while comparing the company's "to die for" production values to Cirque du Soliel. The Village Voice praised the company's "high-powered, eclectic vocabulary (with a) mix of modern dance, ballet and jazz."

Cedar Lake Ensemble's warmly received May, 2004 Miami debut EMERGE TOUR showcased "committed dancers...choreographic passages with real thrills and an original look," exclaimed South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Guillermo Perez.

This year's offering is an original full-length contemporary ballet titled Beyond The Red, and features former Eliot Feld member Nickemil Concepcion and Juilliard alum Jolene Baldini as well as featured performer Jason Kittelberger previously of Hubbard Street in a kaleidoscopic tale of love's sweeping journey. The 17-member ensemble under the direction of former Alvin Ailey dancer, Benoit Swan-Pouffer, will present a story of two young lovers of contrasting backgrounds, tested by life's temptations. As the two come to realize the significance of their relationship, they ultimately learn to accept the obstacles life presents, and how their love can overcome them. The performance incorporates Cedar Lake's signature high-tech production value, including a video landscape designed by Adam Larsen with lighting by Ryan O'Gara. Violinist Anna Kennedy will accompany the original musical score by Brett Jarvis. Costumes are by Bradley Meinke and sets by Tim Mackabee.

Formed in September 2002 by Laurie, Cedar Lake Ensemble is a rare for-profit organization offering its' members full benefits and 52 weeks of employment. The ensemble works with both established and rising artists from the world of dance, music, theatre and production to create performances that utilize components of all these disciplines. Cedar Lake Ensemble performers are not only trained in classical ballet and contemporary styles but are also required to take acting and scene study classes weekly to expand their performance.

"I have always been an admirer of the arts, especially the grace and athleticism that a dancer possesses. I started Columbia Performing Arts Centre, a dance studio for elementary through college age students in Columbia, Missouri almost a decade ago. I've seen how important it's been to that community and I felt it was time to expand with Cedar Lake Ensemble in New York at the professional level, both providing additional opportunities for new and emerging artists," comments Ms. Laurie.

The company, which recently purchased two buildings from renowned photographer, Annie Liebovitz in New York's Chelsea gallery district and will soon be renovated to include both studio and 200 seat performance space, includes Christopher Adams, Jolene Baldini, Jubal Battisti, Shaun Boyle, Nickemil Concepcion, Alexandra Gonzalez, Emaline Green, Jessica Keller, Jason Kittelberger, Radoslaw Kokoszka, Marcelino Palomino, Dawn Quaker, Jessica Coleman Scott, Ted Seymour, Dario Vaccaro, Kristen Elizabeth Weiser and Sydney Young.

Cedar Lake Ensemble will perform at 8pm May 19-20 at Miami's Gusman Center, 174 East Flagler Street. Tickets for the performances range in price from $35 - $25 with a special offer of $15 for seniors and students. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at (305) 358-5885 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

More information about Cedar Lake Ensemble is available by visiting www.cedarlakensemble.com.

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