New Alberta Ballet work to be set to music of Elton John

The Alberta Ballet, which created a well-regarded dance to the music of Joni Mitchell in 2007, has announced it will produce a new work based on the music of Elton John.

ELTON will be a contemporary work, choreographed by artistic director Jean Grand-Maître and his design team.

The Calgary and Edmonton-based dance company created The Fiddle and the Drum, a collaboration with Mitchell that made its debut in January 2007 and toured internationally.

John approached the ballet about the project last September, after seeing a production of The Fiddle and the Drum, according to an Alberta Ballet spokeswoman.

He has been working with Grand-Maître and the ballet since then to confirm details of the new work.

He's also taking a keen interest in how the dance develops, according to a release from Alberta Ballet.

"I was enthralled and inspired with The Fiddle and The Drum, and I am looking forward to seeing what Jean and the Alberta Ballet will create with my music," he is quoted as saying.

The dance is to tell the story of John's musical career and offer insight into the superstar's psyche, the ballet said.

British-born John has been an influential force in pop and rock music for four decades, with hits such as Daniel, Tiny Dancer, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Candle in the Wind.

He has written songs for musicals such as The Lion King and Billy Elliot.

The dance is scheduled to debut May 6, 2010, in Calgary, followed by performances in Edmonton.