Ballet Academy East's Pre-Professional Division to Present World Premieres, Revivals

In an annual rite of passage, the talented students of Ballet Academy East's Pre-Professional Division delight audiences with both new works and beloved ballets in four performances May 20-22. The production features five works by three choreographers presented at Gerald W. Lynch Theater: Coppélia Act III, de l'innocence, Sans Nuages, TO BE CONTINUED..., and Gossec's Gavotte.

Coppélia Act III is choreographed by Roger Van Fleteren, Alabama Ballet's Associate Artistic Director, after Arthur Saint-Léon with music by Léo Delibes. Act III is the joyful wedding celebration featuring a cast of forty-two dancers. This great comedic ballet provides students with the opportunity to showcase their technical and dramatic strengths. With enchanting sets and costumes from London designed by Peter Farmer and a cast of 42, Coppelia will delight audience members of all ages.

de l'innocence is choreographed by guest choreographer Alan Hineline and premiered at BAE in 2003. It has since been performed throughout the country. A choreographic gem, de l'innocence creates a series of images through which the dancers paint vibrant pictures of the music. Pianist Steven Mitchell will perform Franz Schubert's 16 German Dances live.

Sans Nuages is a world premiere choreographed by Alan Hineline and set to Serenade for Strings in E, Opus 22 by Antonín Dvo?ák. Danced by an ensemble of 15 ladies and gentlemen, Sans Nuages rhapsodically evokes feelings of luxuriating under a cloudless sky.

Two new ballets by Jenna Lavin display the students' musical and artistic aplomb. Gossec's Gavotte is a neo-classical ballet with music composed by François-Joseph Gossec. TO BE CONTINUED..., Jenna Lavin's second work on the program, with music by composer Henry Purcell, embraces the endless circle of inspiration Lavin receives from her students.

Julia Dubno, Founder and Director of Ballet Academy East, explains that "providing performing opportunities is a critical component of BAE's mission to encourage the personal and professional success of its students."

"The comedic playfulness of Coppélia, the demanding physicality of Hineline's creations, and the lush musicality in Lavin's works combine to entertain audiences and provide an important vehicle for the growth of our students," says Artistic Director Darla Hoover.

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Friday, May 20th at 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 21st at 2:00 PM - Special Family Matinee performance, includes the full program plus an array of family activities during intermission

Saturday, May 21st at 7:00 PM

Sunday, May 22nd at 2:00 PM

THEATER AND TICKET INFORMATION

The Gerald W. Lynch Theater is located at 524 W. 59th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Tickets are $40-$60, and can be purchased online at www.ticketcentral.com, by phone at (212) 279-4200, or at the Ticket Central Box Office at 416 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues (hours: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM).