GO! Contemporary Dance Works sets sail in its 20th season with a raucous and swashbuckling ballet, The Barbarosa, at the Bijou Theatre on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, 2024. This contemporary ballet includes aerial artistry, sword fighting, and world class choreography to tell the tale of legendary pirate Anne Bonny. Both dangerous and grandiose, this riveting two act ballet follows Anne Bonny’s transformation from privileged plantation life in South Carolina to her pirate adventures on the open seas. Giving its audience an insightful look into her life, act one delves into Anne’s childhood on her father’s plantation in the Carolinas. Act two takes place on board The Barbarosa with clashing sword and knives, mermaids and sirens, and pirates swinging in the air on ropes and nets. “Historians do not have many details about Anne. She shows up in history for only three years, yet she is one of the most notorious pirates known today,” states director Lisa Hall McKee. “She was said to be a rebellious child with a fierce and courageous temper. We present her from that perspective and that her rage and disdain for traditional Victorian life drove her to piracy. As a pirate she was said to be robust, fearless and tenacious, fighting alongside men, gaining their respect.” Written and directed by McKee, this large scale, two-act inventive ballet takes a historical figure in a fictional direction and features 50 dancers including professionals, pre-professionals and a youth cast.

Micah McKee, a former member of GO! and recent graduate of George Mason School of Dance, will dance the role of the robust and fiery Anne. “Micah is perfect as Anne. She can present her with youthful, devious playfulness in act one and then switch to Anne ten years later in act two as a commanding pirate who is always ready for a good brawl,” says McKee. Authenticity to historical subject matter is a primary focus of GO! Both entertaining and educational, this ballet is appropriate for all ages. As part of their outreach, GO! will offer free Anne Bonny educational packets to young audience members at the performances. GO! will also hold a “Twelve on Twelve” ticket day, where students can purchase a Tier 2 ticket for $12 on February 12. GO! will hold three performances: February 24 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM and Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit gocontemporarydance.com or call 865-539-2475.

GO! is a non-profit pre-professional youth dance company in Knoxville, TN and has presented over 200 performances throughout East Tennessee since 2004.