Tulsa Ballet Ready For In Black

In its first international tour in 2002, Tulsa Ballet was declared one of the best in the world.  Opening Friday, the Tulsa Ballet laughs at Italy's disco era obsession in the ballet, In Black.

Behind the scenes watching the dancers practice it's hard to believe this is what they do for at least seven hours which can be difficult on the body.

"Me, myself personally, I'm trying to get to 35 then I'll be happy if I can make it. For instance, myself, I've had a lot of shoulder problems the past few weeks, but you just try to push through it because it's performance time," said one performer.

The company has received two feature articles in Dance Magazine during the past seven years and has been featured in the New York Times, Pointe Magazine and Dance Europe.

 "Here in this company they have the classical technique, but the difficulty is to mix the classical technique with the contemporary movements.  That's why I'm here so hopefully by Friday they will be ready," said Tony Fambre.

In Black premiering this weekend is a presentation of contemporary dance featuring three works:  the Viva Verdi and Remansos and Black Cake.

"This ballet is very romantic and very poetical.  It's a soothing piece," said Tony Fambre.

In one piece elegant party goers having had a little too much to drink lose their sophistication and allow for some very entertaining choreography.

"My ballet will be very dynamic and is actually very difficult technically to dance," said director Luciano Cannito.

The props are almost ready, the costumes are chosen, and now all that's left is the rehearsal.

This ballet just might turn a ballet novice into a ballet enthusiast.

 "It's fun.  It's things your relate to.  It's things you've seen before in your life and  Saturday Night Fever and John Travolta.  That's a great example eating spaghetti and chasing each other with swords.  Things you do everyday live," said Todd Cunningham.

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com anchor/reporter and Chris Howell, Video Journalist. Find more of their stories in our Web Exclusives section.