Colorado Ballet Announces Full Lineup for 2016-2017 Season

DENVER - Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs announced the 2016-2017 season, which will feature technically-challenging classical ballets, innovative contemporary works and the 56th annual production of The Nutcracker.

Colorado Ballet opens its 56th season with Swan Lake, October 7-23, 2016 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. This ballet features the original choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set and updated by former American Ballet Theatre principals Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner and Sandra Brown, Ballet Mistress for Colorado Ballet. Swan Lake features Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's classic score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Colorado Ballet's production will be presented in four acts with two intermissions.

"Swan Lake is one of the greatest classical ballets of all time, juxtaposing the themes of love and unrequited love throughout the timeless story of Prince Siegfried, the beautiful Princess Odette, the villainous Baron Von Rothbart, and evil Odile," said Boggs. "This stunning masterpiece will stay true to the original ballet with revitalized choreography that premiered in 2008, and will include grand sets and elaborate costumes. Swan Lake will also feature some of the greatest acting you will ever see during a ballet performance with the lead female dancers portraying both Odette and Odile; a feat that is extremely challenging both psychologically and physically. Whether you are a die-hard ballet lover or have never seen Swan Lake before, you will love this magnificent production."

The season continues with The Nutcracker, November 26 through December 24, 2016 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Nutcracker features more than 300 costumes, 30 Company dancers, 20 Studio Company dancers, 65 Academy dancers, scenery by José Varona and timeless choreography paired with Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

"Colorado Ballet's captivating presentation of The Nutcracker remains the 'gold standard' because it is largest production of the holiday favorite in Colorado," said Boggs. "This tale of larger-than-life holiday magic continues to be as popular as ever, with nearly all performances sold out in 2015 and 2014. Purchase your tickets early for this dreamy production that features lavish costumes, exuberant dancing, whimsical battles, hypnotizing snow flurries, sumptuous sets, majestic live music and a little bit of magic."

In the spring, Colorado Ballet will present a collection of three master ballet works to live music by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra in Ballet MasterWorks, February 17-26, 2017 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Ballet MasterWorks includes Firebird, by choreographer Yuri Possokhov, Choreographer in Residence for the San Francisco Ballet and music by Igor Stravinsky. The ballet is based on the Russian folklore tale of the Firebird, a magical creature who assists Prince Ivan Tsarevich in rescuing the maiden Tsarevna from Kashchei the sorcerer. The production will also feature Serenade choreographed by George Balanchine to Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings in C." Serenade was the first original ballet Balanchine created in America and is one of the signature works of New York City Ballet's repertory. Colorado Ballet is extremely excited to present a work by choreographer Ji?í Kylián for the first time-rounding out the program with Petite Mort by Kylián with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Kylián created this ballet for the Salzburg Festival on the second centenary of Mozart's death.

"Colorado Ballet performed Ballet MasterWorks productions in 2013 and 2015 and this new collection of works in 2017 will highlight the tremendous talent our dancers and musicians have to offer," said Boggs. "It is so important that we present a collection of master works every two years because it challenges our dancers and showcases their artistry and elegance. Where else can you see Firebird, Serenade and Petite Mort in one production with live music? Ballet MasterWorks also shows the caliber of dancing that audiences can see in Denver; proving that you do not need to go to New York or San Francisco to see ballet of this quality. I am so honored to present these three master ballet works to powerful live music."

Colorado Ballet will close out its season with the children's classic, The Little Mermaid, March 31-April 2, 2017 at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The Little Mermaid includes choreography by Tony Award nominated choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett and original music by composer Michael Moricz. The score includes narration and lyrics with the music to enhance the telling of the story. Carolina Ballet premiered this version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story in 2012. This production will also open with a special performance of Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, choreographed by Clark Tippet featuring a vibrant violin ensemble composed by Max Bruch. Colorado Ballet first performed the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1in 2007.

"The Little Mermaid is perfect for families and anyone who enjoys a classic love story," said Boggs. "The colorful costumes, vigorous dancing and entertaining musical score will entertain audiences of all ages. This is the first time that Colorado Ballet has ever presented this classic fairy tale and will demonstrate what it looks like to dance 'under the sea.' Plus, the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 is always an audience favorite. This production is a colorful and fun way to close out our 2016-2017 season."

Season subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets will be on sale July 15. Visitwww.coloradoballet.org for more information.

In addition to the season productions, Colorado Ballet will perform at the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts in August 2016. For more information on additional performances, visit www.coloradoballet.org.

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 56 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Community Engagement programs. Visit www.coloradoballet.org.