On May 12-13, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall will be transported to the year 1930. Dancers will twirl and dash across the stage to the tom-tom rhythm of big band jazz as audiences delight in the best of Swing Era entertainment. This exhilarating evening of live music and dance is The Tallahassee Ballet’s 2016-17 season finale, “Rhythm Explosion.”

A collaboration between The Tallahassee Ballet (TTB) and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Jazz, “Rhythm Explosion” will have audiences swaying to the sounds of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and other prohibition-era favorites. Leon Anderson, director of jazz studies for FSU, will conduct this diverse and stimulating celebration of jazz music. Guided by TTB’s Tyrone Brooks as artistic director and Leon Anderson as musical director, something truly unique has emerged in this production.

“‘Rhythm Explosion’ is a rather extraordinary collaboration! It is neither strictly music nor dance, but a very tasty combination of both in equal measure,” said Brooks.

In addition to orchestral talent, Rhythm Explosion showcases the talents of two special guest artists. The soulful voice of Avis Berry will join the orchestra for several powerful numbers. Berry is an FSU College of Music alumna and accomplished jazz, gospel, and classical singer. The Tallahassee Ballet is also pleased to welcome guest artist Kai Lin, New York City-based dancer and choreographer, to perform his work set to Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood.”

“Rhythm Explosion” is curated by Brooks and artistic associate Lauren Hernandez and features a robust collection of short works from four different choreographers.

Christopher Huggins, world-renowned choreographer and former member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will open “Rhythm Explosion” with the premiere of an original piece, “Duke’s Place.” This contemporary showstopper showcases the dynamic and charismatic nuances of Duke Ellington’s compositions in an exhilarating and entertaining performance. “Take the “A” train over to “Duke’s Place” where we are rockin’ in rhythm,” said Huggins.

Anjali Austin, a former member of Dance Theatre of Harlem, and FSU School of Dance Professor, will present her work “Suite.” Utilizing select excerpts from jazz pianist and artist Mary Lou Williams’ “Zodiac Suite,”

Austin engineered a piece that envelops the prominent and subtle aspects of this celebrated work. Austin characterizes “Suite” as “an investigation of process and orientation as it relates to composition techniques in music and ballet.” She adds, “It is an opportunity to refresh one’s creative palate and revel in the sophistication of eclectic sound and movement.”

TTB’s resident choreographer Kathryn Karrh Cashin, is excited to present her piece “The River,” set to excerpts from Duke Ellington’s suite “The River.” This suite was Ellington’s first symphonic score that was written specifically for dance. “The River” showcases The Tallahassee Ballet’s exceptional attention to technical detail as it flows through Ellington’s “The Spring,” and “The Meander,” and finally, his renowned tour de force, “The Vortex.”

“It is thrilling to have a spring concert with all live music, especially since it is jazz, which appeals to so many,” Cashin said. “I am so pleased that Tyrone Brooks and Leon Anderson made this collaboration possible and am honored to be a part of it.”

“Rhythm Explosion’s” ebullient finale is “Sing, Sing, Sing,” choreographed by Cashin. Featuring The Tallahassee Ballet’s entire company and set to the swinging sounds of Benny Goodman’s iconic hit, “Sing, Sing, Sing” is the perfect closer to an incredible season for The Tallahassee Ballet, and will have patrons swaying along from their seats.

Tickets for “Rhythm Explosion” can be purchased online at tallahasseeballet.org or by calling (850) 224-6917, ext. 21.