Nevada Ballet Theatre Launches 45th Season with THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, 10/22

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) will launch its 45th (2016-2017) Anniversary Season and fourth year as Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts withThe Sleeping Beauty on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 23 at 2 pm. Tickets from $29 (plus fees) may be purchased by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visitingwww.nevadaballet.org.

As one of the most revered works in the classical ballet repertoire, The Sleeping Beauty is the second of Tchaikovsky's most successful ballet compositions and one of the most beloved and well-known story ballets of all time. Since its premiere in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, it has been performed all over the world. Steeped in ballet history, its rich storyline boasts an array of exuberant characters -- Puss and Boots and TheWhite Cat; Princess Florine and the Bluebird, and Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf -- each expertly paired with Tchaikovsky's sweeping melodies.

"Beginning with The Sleeping Beauty, NBT will present three of Tchaikovsky's greatest musical accomplishments this season," said NBT Artistic Director James Canfield. "This ballet, as well as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, which are all premieres for our company at The Smith Center, will bring historical relevance to this memorable 45th Season."

The embodiment of a true fairytale, The Sleeping Beauty has been embraced by ballet patrons of all ages as well as those new to the art form. Staged by James Canfield with choreography after Marius Petipa, students from NBT's affiliated Academy will join NBT's professional company in this premiere production, with sets, props and costumes courtesy of Cincinnati Ballet.

Prior to both performances, NBT will present Insights, a special educational discussion offering patrons a rare opportunity to further engage with the history of The Sleeping Beauty. Accompanied by multi-media content, in-depth commentary on the lineage and music of this time-honored story ballet will be discussed. Insights is free to all ticket holders and will take place in the Troesh Studio Theater 45 minutes prior to curtain (6:45 pm on Sat., Oct. 22;1:15 pm on Sun., Oct. 23).

Ensuring that the arts are accessible to all children in Clark County, two special school matinees will be presented on Friday, October 21 at 10 am and Noon, providing over 2,000 students the opportunity to witness the magic ofThe Sleeping Beauty on the Reynolds Hall stage. Prior to the performance, students receive a study guide, with information on the history and the music of the ballet.

On opening night, NBT will host "Kids Night Out at the Ballet," where over 30 students receive the opportunity to attend a public performance with their peers, allowing them a true "ballet patron" experience.

NBT Marks 45th Anniversary with Cynthia Gregory-Designed Commemorative Pendant

Serving the community for more than 20 years, Jeff White Custom Jewelry, located at Tivoli Village, along with legendary Prima Ballerina and Las Vegas resident Cynthia Gregory, will debut a one-of-a-kind pendant in celebration of NBT's milestone 45th Anniversary Season. Produced by Jeff White Jewelry with concept and design by Gregory, this limited time creation will be available in three styles including sterling silver, rose or yellow gold or custom with the option of semi-precious or precious gems. All proceeds from the piece, which will be available beginning in October, will be donated directly to the Company to support its professional company, affiliated Academy and Education and Outreach programs, which serve over 20,000 students a year.

2016-2017 SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Subscriptions are available from $129 with up to 40% in savings for an entire year of extraordinary dance experiences. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Single tickets to select 2016-2017 Season Performances range from $29 (plus fees) and up and can be ordered by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Las Vegas and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre is the resident ballet company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit NBT on the web: www.nevadaballet.org; Like NBT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NevadaBalletTheatre or Tweet: @NVBallet.

Photo Credit: Alicia Lee