WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Montgomery Ballet’s Golden Anniversary Celebration
Montgomery Ballet's Golden Anniversary Celebration
A Weekend of Ballet, February 8 - 10, 2008
Two Evenings of Premiere Performances featuring
"Lost, the Story of Carmen" & "Le Corsaire" and a Sunday Matinee, "Sleeping Beauty"
Marking its 50th year, Montgomery Ballet continues celebrating an exciting year of programming with a weekend of dance to be presented at the historic Davis Theatre on February 8 & 9, 2008 at 7:30pm and on February 10, 2008 at 2:30pm. On February 8 & 9, 2008, an evening of premiers will be presented, featuring two ballets very different in style and mood. "Lost, the Story of Carmen", is a World Premiere created specifically for this event by Elie Lazar, the new Artistic Director. A local premier of "Jardin Annimé" from the full-length classical ballet "Le Corsaire" completes the evenings program. On February 10, 2008, a matinee performance featuring "Sleeping Beauty", appealing to a younger audience and families will conclude the weekend long celebration at the Davis Theatre.
This year, Montgomery Ballet, endeavoring to appeal to a broader audience, will change its format and present two different programs in one weekend. The diverse combination of works showcases the depth of its talented artists, as well as Mr. Lazar's great artistic vision.
"Lost, the Story of Carmen" is the third world premiere Elie Lazar has choreographed for the Montgomery Ballet since his appointment in June 2007. "Lost" is a dramatic work adapted from the well-known story of "Carmen", to the familiar score by Georges Bizet. Ginny Smith, a strong soloist of classical repertoire, will perform the lead role of "Carmen". Ian Morris, cast in the role of "Don José", showcases his skills as a strong dancer and partner.
"Jardin Annimé" is an excerpt from "Le Corsaire", a story about pirates and princesses. The ballet received a great deal of acclaim when Rudolph Nureyev toured the world with Dame Margot Fonteyn. Today, many ballet companies are reviving the full ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. It is a wonderful example of pure classical style of the Russian school of dance, making it a perfect fit with the Montgomery Ballet's mission of maintaining a world-class repertoire.
Concluding this celebration, Montgomery Ballet will offer a special matinee performance of the famous fairytale ballet, "Sleeping Beauty", with the original choreography by Petipa. This enchanting ballet is a wonderful way to introduce children and young audiences to the graceful art of ballet. Montgomery native, Abby Maruna will dance the leading role of "Princess Aurora". Ms. Maruna, who was trained at the Montgomery Ballet School, exemplifies another aspect of the company's mission - to develop capable dancers for professional careers.
On February 19, 2008 at 5:00pm, The Montgomery Ballet will host the "Tuesday Club", FREE and open to the public. The Tuesday Club is a gathering, in an intimate and comfortable setting at the Montgomery Ballet Studio, to get acquainted with the artists of the company and observe them in the development of the repertoire for the upcoming performances. In addition, there will be conversations with special guest speaker and dance writer, Pamela Gaye, accompanied by wine and cheese. Please call the Montgomery Ballet Office at 409-0522 for reservations.
The Montgomery Ballet will continue its series of lecture demonstrations, sponsored by the Museum of Fine Arts, January 19, 2008 at 11:00am in the Wilson Auditorium at the Museum. The lecture demonstrations are also free and open to the public. The collection of lectures are led by Elie Lazar. They are designed to let you view the dancers up close and realize how the magic is being created before your eyes, while following the progression of their discipline, accuracy & knowledge. Mr. Lazar adopts the idea that "an educated audience makes for a good audience". The lecture on January 19th will be "Classic v. Contemporary: The Evolution". Make your reservations early, as space is limited.
All performances will be staged at the Davis Theatre. Tickets, $10 - $30, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.montgomeryballet.org or call the Montgomery Ballet Office at (334) 409-0522.
Funding for the Company's extensive performance schedule and touring is made possible in part through a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Department of the State, and by generous corporate foundations and individual contributors.
