New Brunswick Life

Thursday, February 7, 2008, 8pm; $50, $45, $35, $30

Box Office: 732-246-SHOW

New Brunswick, NJ (January 12, 2008)—The State Theatre presents an evening of soaring entertainment with AEROS on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 8pm. A fusion of gymnastics and modern dance, the members of AEROS—also members of The Romanian Gymnastics Federation—perform a breathtaking theatrical experience full of nonstop cartwheels, back flips, somersaults and handstands, comedic segments, human musical chairs, a sequence on a set of parallel bars, trampolines, and more. AEROS also features an original musical score. New Brunswick marks AEROS’ only stop in New Jersey this season. AEROS is part of the State Theatre’s winter festival, Hub City Carnivale: three weeks of performances, activities, and attractions for children 1-100, sponsored by PSE&G. Tickets range from $30-50 (student, senior, and group discounts apply, plus limited *$20 tickets and *KIDS GO FREE discounts).

AERO performers are: Lucian Alexa, Cristina Antonescu, Mircea Brinzea, Constantina Cioveie, Laura Cristache, Ioana Ganea, Ana Georgescu, Nadina Hotca, Gabriela Hreban, Cristina Marin, Tudorel Mavrodineanu, Oana Mincu, Cosmin Muj, Florin Nebunu, Cristina Nedelcu, Bogdan Popa, Simona Popa, Petru Porime Tolan, Alina Vlad, and Mircea Zamfir.

Families will cheer in delight as these talented gymnasts tumble, leap, jump, somersault, and perform daring mid-air acrobatics to a syncopated beat in this precisely choreographed performance of speed, strength, and physical coordination.

About AEROS

A synthesis of art and sports, AEROS is made up of a group of highly trained gymnasts from the prestigious Romanian Gymnastics Federation. The Romanian Gymnastics Federation has helped propel the careers of famous Olympic gymnasts such as Nadia Comaneci and Andrea Raducan.

AEROS, the concept of gymnasts as dancers, is a one of a kind performance created by world-renowned choreographers Daniel Ezralow, David Parsons, and Moses Pendleton in collaboration with STOMP creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. Derived from the Greek word “aero” meaning air, AEROS was first introduced to the creators by Italian producer Antonio Gnecci of AGR Associati in Milan in 1997. Gnecci wanted to create a show that integrates gymnastics into the creative world of the performing arts; a performance that showcases the muscular strength and grace of the human body through gymnastics. In 1999, Gnecci met with and proposed his idea to the General Secretary of The Romanian Gymnastics Federation, Adrian Stoica. Creative work for AEROS began soon after in the fall of 2000 and in 2001 the AEROS live show and behind-the-scenes-documentary was featured on BRAVO®.

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation is the first national gymnastics team to take on a performing arts project like AEROS. The show boasts a cast of 20, all members of The Romanian Gymnastics Federation, ranging in age from 19 to 26. Of the cast, five members hold World Championship titles in Artistic, Rhythmic, and Sports Aerobics; others hold European Championship titles. All AEROS gymnasts continue to compete in world gymnastics competitions while participating in daily rehearsals and trainings.

The Creators

Los Angeles native Daniel Ezralow has worked as a director, choreographer, and dancer. He started his career dancing for the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and later worked for the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Pilobolus Dance Theatre. He was one of the original dancer-choreographers of MOMIX and a founding member of ISO Dance. Ezralow has created original works for major dance companies including the Paris Opera Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company, and the Batsheva Dance Company. He has worked in television and film, choreographing for Julie Taymor’s The Green Bird on Broadway, Ron Howard’s film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and numerous music videos for artists such as Andrea Boccelli, U2, David Bowie, Sting, and Ricky Martin.

David Parsons has worked as a performer, choreographer, teacher, director, and producer of dance. Parsons, who was a principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1978 to 1987, has also made guest appearances with the New York City Ballet, the Berlin Opera, MOMIX, and the White Oak Dance Project. In 1987, Parsons founded the Parsons Dance Company and has since created over 60 works for the company.

Moses Pendleton is a noted choreographer and director. After graduating from Dartmouth College, he co-founded the Pilobolus Dance Theatre in 1971. His solo project, MOMIX, received international attention for its illusionist choreography and led to the creation of the MOMIX dance company in the 1980s. Pendleton, who has been the company’s artistic director since 1984, has also choreographed works for the Paris Opera Ballet, Joffery Ballet, Arizona Ballet, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

*$20 ticket discount is valid via phone and window orders, and B seating section only. Additional fees may apply. Discounts are not retroactive and cannot be combined. Limited seating available.

*KIDS GO FREE tickets are available for performances marked with this icon only. Get one child ticket free with every full-price adult ticket purchased for performances marked with this icon. Age appropriateness ranges from show to show. Please use your discretion when utilizing this discount. KIDS GO FREE discount is valid via window orders only for all kids under 16. Offer valid only in B and C seating sections. Limit four free tickets per order. Discounts are not retroactive and cannot be combined.

For tickets (or a brochure), call the State Theatre box office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre box office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm and at least one hour prior to curtain on performance dates. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 536.

The State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Continental Airlines is the official airline of the State Theatre. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre The State Theatre’s restoration was made possible with the generous financial assistance from Middlesex County and the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the administrative support of the New Brunswick Cultural Center and New Brunswick Development Corporation.

AEROS

Thu, February 7 at 8pm

$50, $45, $35, $30

STATE THEATRE

15 Livingston Ave

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Box Office - 732-246-SHOW (7469)

Online - www.StateTheatreNJ.org