The First Day

A groundbreaking collaboration between multi-platinum music producer Patrick Leonard and the Montana Ballet Company (MBC) premiered at Bozeman's Emerson Cultural Center's Crawford Theater on May 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The First Day, an original contemporary multimedia ballet, combined the talents of the Grammy-nominated Leonard, famous for his longtime partnerships with such rock luminaries as Madonna, Elton John, Pink Floyd, and Michael Jackson, with Bozeman's own Emmy award-winning student filmmaker Jennifer Grace and MBC's co-artistic director Amy Stoddart. The First Day, written by Leonard's daughter Jessica, weaves a tale of human tragedy and triumph in the compelling portrayal of a woman imprisoned in solitary confinement, who learns the date of her execution, yet is so cut off from the world she no longer knows the present date. The ballet, set to Leonard's evocative soundscape, is a journey through the course of a single day in the woman's life — a day that dramatically transforms the way she views her existence.

Leonard's musical score, stylistically reminiscent of Pink Floyd, featured the emotive solo vocals of popular local talent, Jeni Fleming. Amy Stoddart's innovative and introspective approach to contemporary ballet was expressed through MBC's principal dancer Caitlin Ross, and Jennifer Grace's multimedia projections deepened the visual intensity of this compelling piece. The dance performance was followed by Leonard accompanying Fleming, taking audiences on another multi-sensory journey of the legendary producer's musical career. In addition, PBS producer Charles Dye partnered with Montana PBS and Terry Beaubois of Montana State University's Creative Research Lab to create a "behind-the-scenes" film capturing the multidisciplinary collaboration that goes into developing a World Class multimedia ballet in Bozeman, Montana.

According to Stoddart, Bozeman provided the perfect cultural palette for fresh creative collaboration. Formerly an associate professor of dance at the University of Oregon, she brings years of national and international experience to the MBC, and explained "The opportunity to work with world class artists outside of NY or LA allows us the freedom to push boundaries and delve more deeply into our art, creating work that is unhampered by urban pop culture expectations."  Patrick Leonard, who in 2008 became the first American to play at Kensington Palace, concurred, "I'm thrilled to be working with so many gifted and dedicated people. The opportunity to create a new piece of work in such a vibrant and exciting place is a gift any composer would love." Leonard, who sits on the board of directors for the Martha Graham Company, met Jennifer Grace while she was working with the Jim Henson Company as part of the Emmy Foundation's mentorship program. Grace, a former professional snowboarder, is completing her MFA at Montana State University's Science and Natural History Filmmaking department.  Also part of the creative team was Patrick Leonard's cousin Charles Leonard, who created a minimalist inspired set and original illustrations. The lighting was designed by Tom Watson, a professor in the MSU School of Film and Photography and designer for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.  Following the concert, audience members had the opportunity to meet the The First Day's creative team. All proceeds will go toward the production of two additional original contemporary works that build upon The First Day's theme of social justice and self-awareness.

Please visit http://www.thefirstday.info for more information