Alabama Ballet to Present 37th Season
Birmingham, AL (July 2, 2018)- Alabama Ballet’s 2018-2019 Season opens this fall on September 21. Highlights of the 2018-2019 season include: the intimate season opener, At Home, in September, the romantic La Sylphide in October, the traditional holiday performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® during December, the timeless classic The Sleeping Beauty in March and a mixed repertory performance, Ovation, in April. Season ticket subscriptions go on sale July 1 and individual tickets on August 1. For more information, visit www.alabamaballet.org.
The season opens with Alabama Ballet At Home, a home studio performance of selected repertoire that offers a chance to see the dancers perform in an intimate atmosphere with complimentary drinks and an affordable ticket price at $20. At Home is a great way to introduce friends and family to the excitement of live ballet performance in the company’s own studio located in the Lakeview District of Southside, Birmingham. This production is sponsored by Glenda Cochran and Associates and Merrill Lynch.
In October, Alabama Ballet presents the magical, romantic ballet La Sylphide at the BJCC Theatre. La Sylphide is a ballet in two acts that takes place in the Scottish Highlands. A young man, James, leaves everything he knows and loves to pursue the elusive woodland sylph of his dreams as a vengeful witch, Madge, conspires to tear them apart with her dangerous magic. This tragic tale represents the coexistence of fantasy and reality and is the oldest of the romantic ballets.This production is sponsored by Protective Life.
In December, Alabama Ballet proudly presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® at the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University. The Alabama Ballet remains one of only eight companies in the world granted the rights to perform this holiday classic by The Balanchine Trust. Performed to Balanchine’s exacting specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets.
In March, the company presents The Sleeping Beauty, one of the most timeless and classic ballets. Alabama Ballet will be joined by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for the performances. This classic and beloved fairytale is full of enchantment, romance and charm. Get swept away by the timeless tale of how the villainous Carabosse and the noble Lilac Fairy cast dueling spells over Princess Aurora, which can only be broken by her truelove’s first kiss. The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marius Petipa, features spectacular sets, vibrant costumes and the beautiful score by Tchaikovsky. The Sleeping Beauty will be presented at the BJCC Concert Hall. This production is sponsored by presenting sponsor Baker Donelson and is also sponsored by EBSCO Industries, Inc. and The Hugh Kaul Foundation.
In April, Alabama Ballet will close the season with Ovation, a mixed repertory performance featuring three world premieres by critically acclaimed Germaul Barnes and our own company dancers Nadine Barton and Frederick Lee Rocas. Ovation highlights the Alabama Ballet dancer’s versatility, strength and artistry while showcasing bold and creative original contemporary works. This performance will take place at the BJCC Theatre.
“Our 37th season brings an exciting variety of works, from classic to contemporary and timeless to never before seen,” said Tracey Alvey, Artistic Director of Alabama Ballet. “It offers a little something for everyone – comedy, tragedy, family friendly and one-of-a-kind. I look forwarding to bringing these performances along with a wealth of talent to this year’s stage.”
Alabama Ballet season tickets can be purchased online at www.alabamaballet.org or by calling the Alabama Ballet office at 205.322.4300. Season subscriptions go on sale July 1 and cost $250. A season subscription ensures premium seating with priority selection and includes several other benefits. Each season subscription includes one premium seat ticket to each of the season’s performances, including At Home. Tickets go on sale to the public on August 1 and can be purchased online, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at the box office. Show ticket prices range from $30-$65.
About Alabama Ballet
The Alabama Ballet is the state’s premiere professional ballet company. The company has achieved national prominence as one of only eight ballet companies in the world permitted by the Balanchine Trust to perform Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. The Alabama Ballet promotes the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performances, dance education and community outreach. Education and outreach activities include CityDance, which provides 16 weeks of dance training for youth from the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Alabama Ballet is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
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