By Christopher Blank - The Commercial Appeal
February 27, 2010

Ballet Memphis will take a slice of Tennessee music and dance to the nation's capital this summer. The professional dance company will perform in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts "Ballet Across America" biannual program, showcasing dance companies from across the country.

It will present a 2007 original work, "In Dreams," set to music of Roy Orbison and choreographed by Trey McIntyre. Other companies appearing on the same program include Pacific Northwest Ballet from Seattle and Ballet Arizona from Phoenix.

"This is a very important watermark for Ballet Memphis and the city we represent," said artistic director Dorothy Gunther Pugh. "The Kennedy Center came to us, and they have a very high standard for dance presentation."

The Kennedy Center appearance marks the Washington debut for the dance company.

"In Dreams" has become a favorite touring piece for Ballet Memphis. It was among the works the company took to New York City for its 2007 debut at the Joyce Theatre, and also to the 2008 Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis.

"It's a really good piece for us to perform because it sets us apart in terms of the different ways we create work to reflect the community," Pugh said. Orbison's early recordings were at Sun Studio in Memphis.

The Washington shows are 7:30 p.m. June 17, and 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. June 19. Tickets go on sale April 7, and are $29-$79. The toll-free number to the Kennedy Center is (800) 444-1324.