Seasons of Resilience

Responding to the exhibition 'Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism,' Moveius Contemporary Ballet returns to the National Portrait Gallery with two works in reverence of environmental leaders’ legacies while exhibiting the company’s signature style merging policy and dance.

Seasons, a world premiere commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, draws inspiration from the legendary environmental author Rachel Carson. Set to a modern musical rendition of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, the ballet contemplates Carson’s transformative book "Silent Spring” and her love of birds. Choreographed by DC-based dancer and environmental expert Diana Movius, this evocative piece leaves a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting the beauty and resilience of nature alongside its fragility.

Opening the program, Apocrita, is an athletic and energizing ballet that pays homage to biologist E.O.Wilson and the fascinating and often overlooked lives of ants, wasps, and bees. The work imagines their intricate societies, struggles, and triumphs.

The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program, or if you would like to request real-time captioning (CART), sign language interpretation, or any other accommodations, please contact Vanessa Jones at [email protected]. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated for requesting accommodations.

Image Credit: Rob Cannon

Host or Publisher Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery