Alabama Ballet’s season opens with an Alabama Ballet at Home performance of selected repertoire presented Friday and Saturday in the more intimate atmosphere of the company’s studio in the Lakeview area.
Tickets for the event are $20, which includes complimentary drinks. They can be bought at the door as well as online or by phone.
Next up is “Ovation,” a mixed-repertory performance being presented Oct. 22-24 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex theater. In the performance will be segments of classic ballets and contemporary works, including an original work by choreographer Garrett Smith titled “Imitations” and George Balanchine’s “Western Symphony.”
In December, “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” will be performed at the BJCC concert hall. The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world granted the rights to perform this holiday classic, which includes opulent costumes and extravagant sets.
On Feb. 25-27, the company presents “Blue Suede Shoes,” by Dennis Nahat, at the BJCC concert hall. The ballet is danced to 36 master recordings of Elvis Presley songs, combining classical dance and classic rock with a helping of jazz thrown in. The 90-minute ballet incorporates 280 costumes, all designed by Bob Mackie, and 16 sets.
“Don Quixote,” a classical ballet about a nobleman obsessed with stories of ancient chivalry, is scheduled for April 22-24 at the BJCC concert hall to close out the season.
“This 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 forward to bringing these performances along with a wealth of talent to this year’s stage.”
Alabama Ballet is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The company began in 1981 as an outgrowth of the Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and Ballet Alabama, and under the co-artistic direction of world-renowned dancers Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski.
In addition, Alabama Ballet will be celebrating Artistic Director Tracey Alvey’s 15th anniversary and Associate Artistic Director Roger VanFleteren’s 25th anniversary with the organization.
Alabama Ballet season tickets can be purchased for $265 online at www.alabamaballet.org or by calling the Alabama Ballet office at 205-322-4300. Tickets to the Alabama at Home performance are not part of the season package and can be bought at the door, online or by phone.