Fergus the Turtus by New York-based Benjamin Briones Ballet will be the world’s first full-length turtle ballet. At a time when wildlife preservation is so vitally important, the production will showcase the beauty and plight of the natural world through dance. The first animals to take centre stage are the humble tortoise and turtle. The vision is to show that the arts can play a key role in bringing conservation issues to a wider audience.
Benjamin Briones Ballet is offering a virtual glimpse into this bold project on 17 August 2021 at 7.00-8.00pm London time. Writers, wildlife conservation experts and ballet aficionados have collaborated with the Benjamin Briones team to deliver a choreographed taster of the fairytale ballet based on real conservation issues, with beautiful footage of both ballerinas and animals. This will be followed by an opportunity to meet the dancers and the team the behind the project.
This will be the European premiere of a filmed excerpt of Fergus the Turtus.
It can be viewed at…
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fergus-a-turtle-ballet-a-work-in-progress-tickets-164201217261
Suggested ticket price: £10.
The target is to raise funds to produce a full-length ballet to open in Summer 2022. Fergus will begin in New York City in as a two-act ballet. Follow-up performances are planned in New Mexico and London.
‘The ballet presents a unique collaboration between the arts and conservation,’ says Briones, ‘bringing awareness to the dance audience of a species close to extinction’.
The ballet is based on the book Fergus the Turtus by Sebastian Morley and has been produced with support from the Fergus Advisory Committee, consisting of leading wildlife experts from Turtle Conservancy, The Pritchard Collection, Hudson River Park, Desert Tortoise Council, Terrapin Nesting Project and European Turtle Alliance.
The production promises to excite and inspire, with dazzling handmade costumes by artist Rene Maynez, a dynamic score by Felipe Perez Santiago and a special guest appearance by former Royal Ballet soloist Fernando Montano, dancing Henry the Sulcata.
Fergus is a fictional mix of tortoise and turtle – a ‘Turtus’ – with a mother living in water and a father on land. Fergus experiences many adventures in search of his own identity and his role in the world. Fergus discovers that his true superpower is being unique. He encounters issues such as habitat loss, pollution and poaching for the pet trade and so-called medicinal purposes. Young and old will enjoy the artistry while learning about our wonderful planet and vulnerable species of turtles and tortoises.
‘It is my vision to make the ballet far-reaching in its scope to educate and inspire,’ says Briones. Performances of Fergus will accompany dance and conservation workshops, as well as community events. These will not only show viewers of all ages the artistry of ballet, but also help to provide education on conservation, our planet and the wonderful and intriguing species of turtles and tortoises.
‘I am so thrilled to read that my dear friend Chiara Gorodesky has inspired a unique dance adventure supported by a team of conservationists to epitomise her love of tortoises, terrapins and turtles,’ says Graham Watts OBE, Chairman of the National Dance Awards. ‘Benjamin Briones is choreographing a tale of love, courage and survival to tell the story of Fergus the Turtus that will enchant big and small. Turtles and tortoises are are among the most threatened groups of animals and are in desperate need of conservation help. They play vital roles in a healthy ecosystem face habitat loss, unsustainable consumptive exploitation for food and medicinal products, and are victims of international pet trade.’
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