By Sommer Mathis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 26, 1998

Of 'Javelinas' and ballerinas

Two years ago, Tucson Regional Ballet performed "The Three Little Javelinas," an original ballet adaptation of the children's book written by Susan Lowell, to a repeatedly sold-out house.

"It was so packed, we had to turn people away," said Linda Walker, artistic director and founder of TRB.

Not wanting to mess with a good thing, Walker will bring "Javelinas" back this weekend as a part of TRB's spring repertory presentation, which also includes five other ballets.

"It's a family ballet," Walker said. "I hear more adult laughter, but the kids love it."

"Javelinas" is a wholly local production, combining Walker's choreography with music composed by Ilona Vukovic-Gay and live accompaniment by the Southwest String Quartet.

According to Walker, the local community is very supportive of the company's dance endeavors. "We feel very fortunate. We usually have big audiences," she said.

Walker founded TRB in 1983, with a mission to provide affordable, accessible and quality ballet for the Tucson community. Now that TRB has gained membership in Regional Dance America/Pacific, the company has had the opportunity to perform at festivals across the country. Next year, TRB will host the festival here in Tucson.

Because of its non-profit status, TRB relies on grants and donations for much of its budget. It puts on two public performances every year, as well as several shows for nursing homes and schools as a part of a grant it receives.

"It's especially nice working with live music," Walker said of the accompaniment by Southwest String Quartet. "Each performance is different, because the music follows us. It's such a treat."

Vukovic-Gay agrees. "I think (live music) makes quite a difference on the audience's perception of the piece. There's more impact, because the musicians are actually on stage, so you can see and hear more things," she said.

The senior dancers who will perform the bulk of the show are between the ages of 13 and 17, but Walker describes them as very seasoned.

"People are always surprised when they see the dancers' ages in the program. They seem much older on stage," Walker said.

Things are a little hectic as the company prepares for the performance this week.

"Right now, it's bad, but it's in self-mode now. The kids learned some of these dances in just two days last weekend. There's just a little more rehearsing to do," Walker said.

The performance this weekend will also include "Estancia," by New York-based choreographer Daniel Catanach, "Antique Fragments," choreographed by Jon Cristofori, and a student-produced ballet titled "Flux."

TRB presents "The Three Little Javelinas" and other works Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center's Leo Rich Theatre. Tickets are $11, $9 for students. Call 791-4266 for more information.