From the press release from Asheville Ballet:
A spectacular professional production of the full original ballet from Imperial Russia interpreted and performed by Asheville’s own, and only, Professional Resident Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn.
As part of its 52nd Season performing for Western North Carolina audiences, The Asheville Ballet performs Sleeping Beauty at Diana Wortham Theatre, May 18 and 19 at 7:30. Tickets range from $15 to $40, with group rates available in all sections. For reservations call the box office at (828) 257-4530. For group rates call Ann Dunn, Director, at (828) 258-1028.The Asheville Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty recreates the original choreography in all of its splendor and grace. Children and adults will be charmed by ballet’s greatest classic. This all-time favorite story of a battle between good and evil is one of the world’s favorite love stories. The beautiful princess, Aurora, is cursed by the horrible fairy, Carabosse, blessed by the Lilac Fairy, and rescued from her hundred-year old slumber by the handsome prince, Desiree. The audience will laugh with the clumsy butler, will enjoy such familiar characters as Little Red Riding Hood, and will be spooked by Carabosse’s scary minions. Of course, the golden wedding pas de deux is classical ballet at its best.
Asheville Ballet members Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Allison Hertzberg, and Ann Dunn have collaborated on the reconstruction and have contributed original choreography. Coralynn Schiefelbein will mesmerize as the lovely Aurora.
There is a direct historical line behind our production, from the original choreographer and teacher, Petipa and Vaganova, with the 19th century Russian Kirov Ballet; to their pupil, dancer/choreographer George Balanchine, with his 20th century New York City Ballet; to his pupil, dancer/choreographer Ann Dunn, with our very own 21st century The Asheville Ballet.Asheville is fortunate to have a ballet company of this caliber. The community has, essentially, a year-long resident repertoire company of professional adult dancers. Seasoned ballet fans and novices alike have the opportunity to watch consummate artists perform a wide variety of roles. Over the last half-century, the company has come to stand for powerful, meaningful, memorable performances.
The Asheville Ballet has built a reputation on the belief that dance plays a vital role in the education and culture of the community. As a key component of its Educational Outreach Program, The Asheville Ballet asks that people purchase a small block of tickets for donation to Eliada Home, Presbyterian Home for Children, and the Women’s Shelter. This popular opportunity helps young people enjoy a professional ballet for the first time in their lives. For reservations call or write Ann Dunn, Director at 828.258.1028 or ann.dunn@mindspring.com.
The Asheville Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty is a perfect opportunity for young people to encounter professional classical dance and a wonderful, traditional story, in a real theatrical experience.
Asheville Ballet is one of Western North Carolina’s oldest non-profit arts organizations. First incorporated in 1963, the company has created and presented work in Asheville every year since. In an average season, formal and educational outreach programming affects a culturally diverse audience of approximately 23,000 people. An active advisory panel and a strong, well-organized volunteer base assist a committed board.
Asheville Ballet has produced residencies by historical choreographers (Anna Sokolow, Douglas Dunn, Lori Bellilove), hosted master classes and workshops by international dance stars (Sean Curran, Mark Dendy, Chuck Davis, David Dorfman), produced the three-week Fall Into Dance festival, and commissioned both classical and contemporary choreography.
Asheville Ballet productions reflect the region’s varied interests. In addition to an ongoing relationship The Biltmore Estate, work has been produced for fund-raisers (The Health Adventure, The Arts Council), civic events (Martin Luther King Day, Bele Chere Festival), and commercial events (The Miss Asheville pageant, opening for the Pointer Sisters).
Since its inception, Asheville Ballet has produced both cutting edge interdisciplinary work and full-length major work. The company has collaborated with other local art agencies (the Asheville Symphony, Asheville Bravo Concerts, Asheville Community Theater, Asheville Lyric Opera), and has worked live with the area’s major musical, poetic and visual artists.
In addition to promoting new work and a professional ballet company for our region, Asheville Ballet offers an annual lecture series on dance appreciation, in co-ordination with other local dance presenters, and generates educational articles on dance history and appreciation for national and local publications. The company has built a full library of dance-related materials.
Asheville Ballet’s commitment to supporting its professional adult members is evidenced by its challenging and stimulating performances, choreography, and teaching opportunities. The company also continues to nurture the careers of advanced youth members. Dancers who have worked with the ballet have performed with Alvin Ailey, Kirov Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Forth Worth Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Colorado Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Boston Ballet, Geneva Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Company dancers have appeared in Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and have won titles all the way up to Miss and Mrs. America. They have also been accepted at the schools of the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Juilliard, Boston Ballet, Jose Limon, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Robert Joffrey, and The Dance Conservatory at Purchase.
Asheville Ballet has created and found funding for scholarships for advanced dancers to pursue professional work in New York and Europe, and for underprivileged children to study dance in Asheville. The company has worked with Project Steam, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Helpmate, Elida Home, Presbyterian Home for Children, and local churches to locate and encourage new dancers and dance-appreciators. The Tix for Tots program makes hundreds of tickets available to introduce young people to the wonders of dance.
Did you know that we have produced both Miss and Mrs. America? Did you know that we currently have dancers on Broadway in Mary Poppins, on international tour with the Shen Wei company, and performing in international ballet, modern and jazz companies? We produce dancers, and non-dancers who love dance.
For more information call Ann Dunn at (828) 258-1028 or The Asheville Academy at (828) 252-4761.
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