BOW OUT, NUTCRACKER, CINDERELLA and More Set for Richmond Ballet's 2013-14 Season

Richmond Ballet celebrates its 30th season this year, and with this landmark year comes a spectacular lineup of both contemporary and classic ballets.

"We are thrilled to be bringing our region a collection of works that includes world premieres from innovative choreographers, as well as treasured classics," says Stoner Winslett, Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet. "The group of dancers we have now marks this as a golden age of ballet in Richmond. That makes our 30th anniversary a year to remember, and a year to see every ballet of the season."

Among this season's lineup:

Studio One: World Premiere and Bow Out, October 1-6, 2013 at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre.

Building on the success of Gargoyles, Philip Neal, one of Richmond Ballet's most illustrious alums, will return to choreograph another world premiere to open the 30th anniversary season.

Ballet at its most unexpected: Bow Out pairs sleek style with the unconventional jazz music of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet. In Bow Out, both male and female dancers don men's suits for an urban take on contemporary movement. Choreographed by Caniparoli, who has been called an "American master with a uniquely eclectic style," Bow Out premiered in 1995 at Richmond Ballet.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration with Richmond Symphony, November 1-3, 2013 at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.

With its fluid movement and high emotion, the neoclassical Serenade was the first piece George Balanchine created in the United States. This milestone in the history of dance is set to the grand, expressive music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The ballet's 28 dancers perform in blue costumes against a blue background, creating a visual that is truly memorable.

Fancy Free, the first ballet choreographed by the renowned Jerome Robbins, is a lively work filled with sailors, fistfights and fun. This popular ballet with music by Leonard Bernstein - set in a bar and the outside sidewalk in wartime New York City - was the basis for the movie On The Town, starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.

Originally choreographed by Nijinsky and scored by Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring celebrates its 100th year in 2013. The ballet's avant-garde music and choreography reportedly caused a near riot in the audience when it was first performed in Paris. Today, it is recognized as the ballet that changed music and dance forever. Richmond Ballet will perform the version of The Rite of Spring created in 1993 with choreography by Salvatore Aiello.

The Nutcracker with Richmond Symphony, December 14-23, 2013 at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.

Richmond Ballet Artistic Director Stoner Winslett's version of The Nutcracker has been called, "Perfect... In my dream version of America, every state has a Nutcracker this good" (Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times). This grand Richmond tradition returns with live music by Richmond Symphony, with 13 performances in the grand Carpenter Theatre. Make your holiday season complete and share the fun of the Mouse King, the Chinese Dragon, the Russian Bear, and much, much more.!

Cinderella with Richmond Symphony, February 13-15, 2014 at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.

This classic fairy tale comes to life in a glorious presentation choreographed by Malcolm Burn for Richmond Ballet. This magical production of Cinderella was inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Perrault fairy tales, and features the dramatic music of Prokofiev, performed by Richmond Symphony.

Studio Two: New Works Festival, March 25-30, 2014 at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre.

These provocative works take dance to its limit, with fascinating new choreography matched with the amazing skill of the Ballet's dancers. During the New Works Festival, audiences see a wide range of movement styles, and often witness the early stages of works in progress. The festival also sets the stage for potential additional collaborations between the Ballet and participating choreographers.

Studio Three: World Premiere by Ma Cong and Lines Squared, May 13-18, 2014 at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre.

Cong's captivating works are known for powerful dance, creating unforgettable experiences for our audiences. This new work is sure to follow form. Alongside Cong's new ballet, Jessica Lang's acclaimed Lines Squared returns to Richmond Ballet. This celebrated work is art inspired by art. The ballet reflects the geometric paintings of Piet Mondrian, with patterns of black lines on white and periodic blocks of primary color.

Richmond Ballet season tickets can be reserved by calling 804-344-0906, extension 224. Season ticket holders enjoy guaranteed priority for every performance, an easy exchange policy, and the best prices for performances, with savings up to 15 percent.

"This is definitely the time to become a season ticket holder," says Brett Bonda, Managing Director of Richmond Ballet. "Our 30th Anniversary Season will surely be a year to remember. You'll want to reserve a seat now." For more information, click HERE.

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