It’s time to draw back the curtain as we unveil our latest stories happening in the ballet world!
First, discover the Australian Ballet’s groundbreaking new production *Oscar*, the first full-length ballet centered on a gay protagonist, blending the life of Oscar Wilde with his iconic stories. Then, embrace the Halloween spirit by booking tickets to the Toledo Ballet’s world premiere of Sleepy Hollow, a thrilling adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Lastly, be inspired by Madame Suzelle Poole, the 84-year-old ballerina who continues to dance daily, motivating her students at the Royal Ballet Academy of Dance.
Would you look at that? It looks like the show is about to start. Take your seats and scroll to see what this week’s show has in store!
Photo Credit: Andri Tambunan
Since joining Sacramento Ballet in 2017, Anthony Krutzkamp has transformed the company into a forward-thinking, world-class dance organization, attracting diverse dancers and renowned choreographers. Under his leadership as both artistic and executive director, Sacramento Ballet now showcases innovative contemporary works and elevates the city's cultural landscape with
bold performances like "Dracula" and world premieres by top choreographers.
Philadelphia Ballet opened its 60th season with Angel Corella's revised Le Corsaire, showcasing exceptional dancing but retaining problematic elements from the original storyline. Despite attempts to update the narrative, issues like the portrayal of slavery and Asian stereotypes in costumes and sets remain largely unchanged, prompting calls for more meaningful revisions.
Photo Credite: Christopher Rodgers-Wilson
The Australian Ballet premiered "Oscar," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, marking the first full-length ballet with a gay protagonist and a focus on his romantic relationships. The ballet, blending Oscar Wilde’s life with his stories, explores queer love with delicacy and tenderness, offering a significant shift in ballet’s narrative landscape.
If You're Around This Weekend
Photo Credit: The Toledo Ballet
Eric Otto, artistic director of the Toledo Ballet, has adapted Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow into a family-friendly ballet emphasizing the romantic triangle of Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, and Brom Bones, with spooky elements like the Headless Horseman and a coven of witches. Featuring a live score by composer Jonathan Heck, performed by the Toledo Symphony, the ballet will premiere on October 25-26 at the Valentine Theater, marking Otto's vision of creating high-quality fall productions for the community.
The Joffrey Ballet opened its 69th season with the North American premiere of Cathy Marston's Atonement, based on Ian McEwan’s novel, exploring themes of guilt and redemption through the character Briony Tallis. The production, set in 1935 England and featuring a powerful score by Laura Rossi, will run at the Lyric Opera House this weekend with performances on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 pm.
If You Feel Like Watching
The National Ballet of Ukraine is doing more than performing; they are dancing with a purpose, raising funds for children trapped in their war-torn homeland. As they tour across 16 U.S. states, the dancers see it as their duty to not only showcase their artistry but also to represent their country and its ongoing struggles.
At 84, Madame Suzelle Poole continues to inspire others with her lifelong passion for ballet, dancing daily and teaching at the Royal Ballet Academy of Dance. Having started her journey in the 1940s, she believes that age is no barrier to doing what you love, and her commitment serves as a role model for the next generation of dancers.
If You Feel Like Listening
Kirsten Kemp, a former professional ballet dancer turned High-Performance Mindset Coach, helps dancers overcome mental barriers and build confidence for consistent peak performance. In this episode, she shares insights on the true nature of confidence, how rigid expectations can fuel self-doubt, and offers practical strategies for dancers, particularly those navigating auditions.
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