Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents "DreamScape"
Returning to the stage will be two very popular pieces by Clover Robinson. “Blackbird,” a Beatles favorite sung by Dionne Farris, is a female solo that will be danced by Alicia Ngiraingas. The dancer embodies strength from the earth and the natural freedom of a bird in flight. “Half Acre” like so many dances choreographed by Robinson, resembles poetry in motion. The audience will be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the four female dancers as they move with heartwarming freedom to the beautiful voice of Sally Ellyson of the indie - folk - rock band HEM.
Other classics returning to the stage include “Adagio For Strings” and “Romance.”
“Adagio for Strings” with music by Samuel Barber and choreography by Shelagh Dubsky, is a stunning piece that is considered by many to be Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s signature piece and has been danced by most of the girls who have danced at the AAC over the many years of the company’s existence. “Adagio For Strings” takes the individual dancers with their own interpretation of the music to a place where the entire ensemble is operating as one. Truly ethereal in its simplicity, the ballet creates an intimate resonance between the dancers, the music and the audience.
“Romance” created for Clover Robinson and her partner Mark Sivy in 1992, is still relevant today. Meghann Stell and Dan VanAllen will dance the roles this year which reveal the deep and eternal love of a man for a woman. Beautiful lines and poetry make this dance memorable.
“Moving to Stand Still” is a new work for the company. Set to the beautifully conceived music of Bach’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D Minor, this piece incorporates a ballet base with an intense movement style that pushes the dancer to the edge of musicality and physicality. Dancers move in bundles of combustive energy while ultimately remaining true to their classical training.
On the classical side, no performance is complete without a virtuoso Pas de Deux. This year will be no exception with Tim Kolman and Sarah Mudd dancing the charismatic classic “Don Quixote” pas de Deux. Kolman, who has received many scholarship offers for summer study at prestigious dance schools, brings the male role in “Don Q” to a new level of accomplishment as Mudd displays quick footwork to match her partners fire.
Pieces choreographed by instructor Karen Sly include a modern quartet involving boxing gloves and is set to the music of the Adiemus Variations performed by the Smith Quartet of the London Philharmonic. Another is set to Five for Fighting’s “100 Years” and features two Arts Center families. The piece centers around the quick passage of time for both individuals and for parents watching their children grow. In a final work by Sly, Florence and the Machine accompany Tessa and Tobias Deutsch on a humorous journey through the ups and downs of love.
Also on the program will be a series of solos, duets, quartets and group pieces set to the music of Brandi Carlile, Elton John, the Beatles, Debussy, Rossini and Verve with additional choreography by Scott DeCola and Meg Stell.
Come and join us for an unforgettable experience that the entire family will enjoy!
Posted on 5/02/2012 — Read More
It's "Nutcracker" time!
Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m.
The curtain opens on the grand home of Dr. Stahlbaum and his family where preparations are underway for a festive holiday party. Soon the audience is swept into a magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the snow forest and onward to the Enchanted Palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her royal subjects. It’s an enchanted and magical ride for everyone! Come join the holiday fun at a family friendly price in an intimate theater setting where the audience can really be a part of Clara’s dream! Also available this year is the ever- popular “Sugar Plum Luncheon” on December 10th, a “Backstage Tour” on December 10 and 11, and “Clara’s Punch and Sweet Treats” following the show on December 17th. Registration is required for each of these events.
Don’t miss the magic of the season!
and help support the Faith Food Pantry at Faith Lutheran Church-the oldest food pantry in Ashtabula Co.!
Get 50% off a ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 15th for each item of food you bring to the Arts Center for donation to the food pantry.
Especially needed: tuna, peanut butter and canned goods. *No expired items, please!
Sugar Plum Luncheon!
It's a merry time on this cozy Christmas Eve at the home of the Stahlbaum family. Wreaths and mistletoe and pine garlands tied with fancy red ribbons decorate the house.
As snow falls gently outside the frosty paned windows, cookies, pies and sweet breads fill the air with the delicious sweet scents of sugary apples, pumpkin and cinnamon. Like children all around the world on this very special evening, Fritz’ and Clara’s heads are swimming with visions of sugarplums and Christmas surprises!
As guests arrive for the family's annual Christmas party, music plays, dancing begins and the children happily scurry around the tall tree sparkling with shiny glass balls and tinsel. Oh! It’s a Christmas Eve they’ll long remember! Before long, a knock is heard at the door. The fantastic Herr Drosselmeyer sweeps into the room, to the delight of all the children who know his pockets will be filled with magic!
Herr Drosselmeyer entertains the crowd with his tricks and tales and presents the children with treats and toys. To Clara he gives the most special gift of all--a charming Nutcracker doll. But as little boys sometimes do, Fritz becomes jealous and in a pouting tantrum, he breaks the doll and brings Clara to tears. Herr Drosselmeyer, however, is a magic man. With a wave of his magic handkerchief he fixes the broken toy and brings a smile back to little Clara's face. At the end of the evening, party guests bundle in wool coats and knit caps and make their way home through the chilly night air. With cakes and cookies packed away in the cupboard and nothing but bits of paper and holiday ribbon left strewn across the floor, the family snores softly in their beds.
All the family, that is, except Clara. Unable to stop thinking of her favorite new toy, the little girl slips quietly back to the living room where, with drooping eyelids, Clara lies down under the beautiful tree and clasps her Nutcracker doll tightly in her arms.
As the tall clock strikes midnight, Clara is startled awake and discovers that the family's beautiful tree is growing! And growing! And growing! The tree grows to a gigantic size! Up, up, up! And then, right before her eyes, the Nutcracker doll and Fritz's toy soldiers come to life and they begin to grow too! Out of nowhere, an army of furry, larger-than-life mice, led by an evil Mouse Queen, scurry into the room! In an effort to protect Clara, the Nutcracker and his soldiers engage the mice in a fierce battle! Swords clang and cannons fire! Kaboom!
Everything happens so quickly! Clara is afraid that the Nutcracker might be hurt! In a desperate attempt to save him from defeat, she reaches for the first thing she can find and throws her slipper at the evil Mouse Queen, giving the Nutcracker the chance to recover and defeat the evil rodent once and for all!But then, more magic happens! As the furry mice flee with their leader's lifeless body, Clara's Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince! Taking her by the hand, he leads her to a beautiful sleigh and the two of them embark on a midnight journey beneath the starry, moonlit sky. Into the Enchanted Kingdom they go, where snowflakes come to life and dance in the gentle breezes of the Snowy Pine Forest. Their next stop is the Land of Sweets where candy striped flowers grow atop whipped cream mountains whiter than snow! Clara and her prince are greeted by the Sugarplum Fairy who rules over this magical land. As they tell their adventurous story, the Sugarplum Fairy is so impressed with their bravery and heroism that she throws a lavish festival in their honor.
Clara and the Prince are treated like royalty and showered with gifts of sweets. Delightful dances begin to the lively music of the Spanish fandango. Dancers move their bodies like rising steam to an Arabian song and Matroishkas dance to an invigorating Russian Trepak. When the amazing Mother Ginger whirls onto the floor, little bon bons dance out from beneath her skirt! These are the most beautiful dances Clara has ever seen. She and the Nutcracker Prince watch with amazement as a handsome Cavalier enters the scene and escorts the Sugarplum Fairy to the center of the room. There, the captivating pair dance the most beautiful dance of all.
And then, Clara's most perfect evening must come to an end...
Posted on 12/05/2011 — Read More
Get 50% off "Nutcracker" tickets!
and help support the Faith Food Pantry at Faith Lutheran Church-the oldest food pantry in Ashtabula Co.!
Get 50% off a ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 15th
Posted on 12/05/2011 — Read More
"Nutcracker" Backstage Tour Offered Dec. 10 & 11
Posted on 12/05/2011 — Read More
New this year! "Clara's Punch and Sweet Treats" Reception
Following the 2 p.m. performance on December 17th, join “Clara” for holiday punch and sweet treats in the gallery and enjoy the opportunity to meet and take photos with some of the “Nutcracker” characters!
Adults $4 Children $2
Posted on 11/14/2011 — Read More
Sugar Plum Luncheon Tickets Are On Sale Now!
The Sugar Plum Luncheon is SOLD OUT! Thank You!
at 12:00 p.m.
$10 adults/$7 children
Reservations and prepayment required.
Attend the luncheon and receive $1 off the 2 p.m. “Nutcracker” performance!
This event often sells out early!
Reserve your seats today!
Posted on 11/14/2011 — Read More
Join "The Nutcracker" Cast!
“The Nutcracker”
will return to the stage this December! All dancers enrolled in Ballet I and up are invited to participate. This is a large scale production that utilizes performers of all ages. Come join our cast and build confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime!
Posted on 8/16/2011 — Read More
May's Spring Dance Concert
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula
presents
"Fusion"
May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
At long last spring is here and Ballet Theatre Ashtabula will be performing its annual spring concert with a striking mix of both contemporary and classical dance. Come join us to experience the sheer beauty of dance.
On the classical side of the program, dancers will perform two famous classical ballets, “La Vivandiere,” a ballet with original choreography by Arthur Saint-Leon and restaged by Scott DeCola and The “Blue Bird Pas de Deux” from the third act of “Sleeping Beauty.” Other pieces rooted in classical ballet will include “L’Ecole de Ballet” and “Arabesque” with music by Francis Poulenc and Claude Debussy.
Also on the program will be a full company piece to Ravel’s hypnotic “Bolero.” There is no denying the emotional and energetic power of this compelling score as it lends a strong backdrop for the dancer’s relentless, yet soothing choreography.“Soul Thirsty,” originally staged ten years ago by Karen Sly, begins with familiar sound effects that we hear during our busy everyday lives and segues into a solosection in which we see and feel the inner turmoil of a soloist who has become cold hearted. Just as the character reaches a pivotal moment, the music of Pink Floydsignals the return of the other dancers for a dynamic, uplifting conclusion!
The music of Adele, Queen, Seal, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Beethoven also make an appearance on the program adding different moods and styles. Queen’s famous “Another One Bites the Dust,” with choreography by Caitlin Dubsky, has a big cast performing fun and energetic movements. Beethoven’s mysterious and meditative “Moonlight Sonata” serves as a backdrop for a ballet which promises connection, but delivers dancers intoisolation instead. Adele’s “Love Song” is a danceshowcasing three couples who deal with the nature of true love and is choreographed by Scott DeCola and Seals. “I’ve Been Waiting” is a duet that promises to bring a smile to everyone’s face as they are treated to a fast and uplifting romp by dancers that have been brought together by fate. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Life By The Drop” accompanies dancers as they discover how much a strong friendship really means when it comes to sharing the joys and heartaches of life.
Don’t miss this unforgettable moment to see Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s hommage to the sheer beauty of classical dance and the exhilaration of contemporary styles. Order tickets today!
Box Office Prices: Patron $14; General $11; Senior $10; Child $9
Or save $2 per ticket when you purchase in advance! (440) 964-3396
Posted on 4/26/2011 — Read More
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents "Who Dunnit?"
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents "Who Dunnit?"
Friday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 & 19 at 2 pm.
Does it bring back memories to hear the words, “Miss Scarlet in the library with a rope?” That’s right! It’s from the favorite board game Clue! You can now share with your entire family those fun times you had playing Clue as a kid when you see Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s murderously funny tale “Who Dunnit?” The ballet, a spoof in the tradition of Agatha Christie and the famous Clue game will present notorious suspects to share their darkest secrets of their wicked past! You’ll love the silly yet dastardly efforts to hide motives and murderous deeds as one by one, the characthers die...either by foul play or their own mishap! You and your family can play detective and solve the crime along with this cast of zany characters and watch as the answers unfold to the intriguing questions, “What happened?,” “What could have happened?” and “What really happened?” Order your tickets today and get ready for the fun! (440) 964-3396.
General Admission: $12
Senior & Student: $11
Children under age 12: $10
OR save $2 per ticket when you purchase in advance!
Advance sale tickets must be purchased prior to 4 p.m. on the day of the show.
Posted on 8/19/2010 — Read More
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula Opens "Illuminations" Next Friday!
Posted on 4/30/2010 — Read More
Join us for Mother's Day Brunch on May 9
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents “Illuminations” May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Friday & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
Featuring songs byJohn Lennon, Yes, Dave Matthews, Rusted Root, Paul McCartney and more!
Treat Mom to brunch and a show!
“Mother’s Day Brunch”
Sunday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $10/Children $7
Reservations and prepayment required by April 30th.
Attend the luncheon and receive $1 off your ticket to the 2 p.m. dance performance of “Illuminations.”
Posted on 4/21/2010 — Read More
Spring Dance..."Illuminations"
Pure energy and hypnotic eloquence are words that best describe Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s entertaining mix of ballet and contemporary movement when Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents this year’s spring dance concert, “Illuminations.” The original production will open next Friday night. Performances will be held on May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at the Ashtabula Arts Center. Friday & Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m.
“Illuminations” will include a series of images, styles and music designed to appeal to both the young and old. Audiences will enjoy this year’s emotionally charged choreography set to a wide variety of music by well-known composers and artists.
“Dari Dalam” is a full ensemble piece danced to the awesome percussion of Rusted Root. This work by Clover Robinson has a tribal energy that doesn’t quit and will be sure to take audiences along for the non-stop ride.
“ORR” choreographed by Karen Sly, is a multi-aged African dance that was inspired by a close friend’s missionary work in Liberia. This work expresses the feeling of a tight knit community while showcasing the alienation of the various populations in Liberia.
Some of the more contemporary pieces in the repetory will include the bluesy sounds of Dave Matthew’s “Some Angel” which is the backdrop for an intimate duet that captures the inner emotions of love lost and the desperation to find it again.
A more whimsical piece, “Forever Friends” portrays young friendships and the fun of being schoolmates. Set to the music of the White Stripes and choreographed by Clover Robinson, this piece will take audiences back to a simpler time of catching fireflies, double dares, and having a best friend.
“Imagine - Your Move” is an ensemble piece set to the music of John Lennon and Yes. Choreographed by Shelagh Dubsky, the piece is beautiful and hypnotic with movements unfurling in waves creating a tranquil and relaxing experience. The two songs have similar themes with metaphors about peace and living a quality life that makes them work well together with this choreography that is both visual and peaceful with its textural shifts and fluid movement.
Another contemporary piece on the program is Eva Cassidy’s “Fields of Gold,” a romantic duet about young love, pure and true and “My Love” a solo with a
beautiful portrayal of grace and strength paired with the resonating voice of Adele.
To round out the program, Ballet Theatre Ashtabula will perform the “Le Corsaire” pas de deux, a free-wheeling romp to Brandeburg Concerto No. 3, “A Certain Softness” a duet to Paul McCartney music and “Mustang Sally” sung by artist Andrew Strong. “On Your Way” will also be performed by Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s graduating senior Melissa Kolman to the music of senior and rising star Kate Lee, who most recently has made her debut at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Tickets for “Illuminations” are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Ashtabula Arts Center box office or by phone at (440) 964-3396.
Show tickets are $12 patron seating, $9 adults, $8 seniors and $7 students and children.
Posted on 4/21/2010 — Read More
"Nutcracker" Season at the Ashtabula Arts Center!
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents...
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Posted on 11/25/2009 — Read More
Get 50% off "Nutcracker" tickets!
Get 50% off a ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 17th at 7:30 p.m. of Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s “The Nutcracker” for each item of food you bring to the Arts Center for donation to the food pantry.
Especially needed: tuna, peanut butter and canned goods.*No expired items, please*
Posted on 10/27/2009 — Read More
Sugar Plum Luncheon 2009
Posted on 10/27/2009 — Read More
It's "Nutcracker" time!
Your entire family will love this traditional holiday treat! Tickets sell quickly! Order yours today!
The holiday season is upon us and with it comes the holiday tradition and timeless classic “Nutcracker.” Enduring for more than a century, this story ballet is a fairy tale for all ages. It is the nostalgia for holidays past and the promise of holidays to come that make “Nutcracker” an enduring favorite of all generations. Children will particularly enjoy the fun-loving antics of the delightful mice and the Bon-Bons who make their appearance from beneath the gigantic hooped skirt of the beloved Mother Ginger.
“Nutcracker” is a holiday spectacular that transports the audience to the most magical of all places during the holiday season, the world as seen through the eyes of a child. Here families can share together in the Stahlbaum’s Christmas Eve party and the exhilarating midnight battle between the Nutcracker and the evil mouse king before joining Clara on a whilrwind adventure through the enchanted snow forest to the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
This holiday treat beloved by all is filled with dazzling special effects, the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky, and spirited dancing by the area’s finest dancers. Purchase your tickets early to guarantee seats for this most cherished classic!
December 12, 13 & 19th$2 per person Reservations required
Posted on 10/27/2009 — Read More
"Peter and the Wolf"
"Peter and the Wolf"
Saturday and Sunday, September 19th and 20th at 2 pm.
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Posted on 9/13/2009 — Read More
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents "Peter and the Wolf"
Image via Wikipedia
Prokofieff’s "Peter and the Wolf"
Friday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to “Peter and the Wolf” are on sale now!
General Admission Adult: $12
Advance sale ticket purchases will receive a $2 per ticket discount.
The September Stage Features
“Peter and the Wolf” and “Sunday in the Park”
Presented by Ballet Theatre Ashtabula at the Ashtabula Arts Center, Prokofieff’s “Peter and the Wolf” will be held Friday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20th at 2 p.m.
“I think this play does more than teach children a life lesson, it also acts as an introduction to music and dance. Kids get to experience the complicated beauty of an orchestra while watching the disciplined movements of dancers,” says Shelagh Dubsky, Dance Coordinator at the Ashtabula Arts Center.
“Sunday in the Park,” a comedic adaptation of the ballet Les Sylphide by Chopin, will follow directly after “Peter and the Wolf.”
“Sunday in the Park” is a subtle comedy about a young man who sits down in the park to read his newspaper. Soon after he sits a young women finds him, falls in love, and tries to convince him to marry her. When she finally catches his attention, another beautiful women appears and takes an interest in him. Soon, a crowd of people is chasing the young man around the stage when all he wants to do is sit and read his Sunday paper.
“These ballets have been very difficult for our dancers,” says Dubsky. “Many of them have taken on lead roles for the first time and have found it very challenging. I have pushed them; given them difficult choreography and they have worked very hard to prepare for the show.”
Tickets for the double feature production are on sale now. General Admission tickets are $12, senior/student are $11 and children under age 12 are $10. Advance sale ticket purchases will receive a $2 per ticket discount. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Arts Center at 964-3396.
Posted on 8/26/2009 — Read More
Mother's Day Brunch
“Mother’s Day Brunch”
May 10
Tickets: Adults $10/Children $7
Attend the luncheon and receive $1 off your ticket
Posted on 5/05/2009 — Read More
Spring Dance Concert 2009
"Random 8's"
May 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
Tickets:$12 patron seating
Premieres this spring include the haunting music of Vitamin String Quartet performing U2’s “Running to Stand Still” as a backdrop for an emotional journey of six dancers separating and coming together again. Through the work they struggle to help one another out of the dark and into the light.
Another new work is set to the music of Philip Glass whose style is quite recognizable owing to its seeming simplicity and hypnotically beautiful themes. Composed for Stephen Daldry’s film “The Hours,” the music creates a dreamlike palette for dancers to move with contemorary freedom. For sheer fun, “Mango Tango” showcases the company with a cool Latin groove. Inspired by the passion of Tango and the flirtatious sound of the mandolin, a full cast brings you a taste of exotic fun.
Also premiering is a work titled “Stage Six.” Based on an educational philosophy of critical thinking developed by Benjamin Bloom, the piece has the dancer’s voices dubbed over the music as they answer the questions: What is dance? Why do you dance?
Other works on the program range from classical ballet as in the popular “Diamonds,” a ballet choreographed to Karl Jenkin’s popular diamonds commercial to “Hey Mama” a full company piece derived from African Rhythms and movement with music by the Black Eyed Peas.
Posted on 5/05/2009 — Read More
