Christopher Wheeldon News

The Miami City Ballet opens its 28th season in October with Romeo and Juliet. This season brings about many changes to the ballet. Artistic director Lourdes Lopez has asserted her vision with increasing authority since she took over two years ago from founder Edward Villella.

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 20th anniversary of calling Chicago home in the 2014-15 season and its annual fall engagement brings the Joffrey Premiere of a newly envisioned Swan Lake to Chicago for the first time, choreographed by one of ballet's most acclaimed choreographers, Christopher Wheeldon. Continuing Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater's endeavor to bring re-imagined story-ballets to Chicago audiences, this performance represents the first time The Joffrey Ballet has ever performed a Swan Lake in its almost 60-year history. Swan Lake is presented at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, in 10 performances only, October 15 - 26.

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 20th anniversary of calling Chicago home in the 2014-15 season and its annual fall engagement brings the Joffrey Premiere of a newly envisioned Swan Lake to Chicago for the first time, choreographed by one of ballet's most acclaimed choreographers, Christopher Wheeldon. Continuing Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater's endeavor to bring re-imagined story-ballets to Chicago audiences, this performance represents the first time The Joffrey Ballet has ever performed a Swan Lake in its almost 60-year history. Swan Lake is presented at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, in 10 performances only, October 15 - 26.

On September 9th 2014, opening night of the NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA's six-day run at the Koch Theater in Lincoln Center presented by the Joyce Theater Foundation, I found myself enchanted by most of Christopher Wheeldon's choreography for the evening-length production of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". I was also delighted overall with the inventive score by Joby Talbott as well as the elaborate costumes and sets by Bob Crowley. The dancing was first rate, too. What wasn't so wonderful was the silly love story that dramaturge Nicholas Wright felt compelled to introduce into Lewis Carroll's deservedly iconic childhood tale of a plucky young heroine off on her own for a great adventure in dreamland.

New York City Center's 11th annual Fall for Dance Festival will feature free performances in Central Park and 24 acclaimed dance companies and artists from around the world, in six unique programs in September and October 2014. In keeping with the Festival's commitment to make dance accessible to everyone, the Festival will kick off with two FREE evenings of dance at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, in association with The Public Theater, today and tomorrow, September 12 and 13 (rain date, September 14) and will continue at City Center from October 8 - October 19 with all tickets at $15. The Festival's many free pre-show events will include dance lessons and panels by choreographers, artists and dance educators. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, September 14 at 11 a.m.

BalletBoyz are to present theTalent 2014 in a brand new triple bill at the Linbury Studio Theatre in September as part of Deloitte Ignite 2014, the contemporary arts festival curated by The Royal Ballet and Minna Moore Ede of the National Gallery.

Classes for Kids and Teens are back this September at The Ailey Extension in conjunction with the new school year and National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Starting Sunday, September 7th, tailor-made classes will bring dance and fitness to young people, including: Tiny Steps, a unique experience for 2-year-olds, Hip-Hop 4 Kids (ages 7-11), and the Teen Extension Series (ages 12-17), with ballet, jazz or hip-hop. Weekly classes are taught in a “no-pressure” environment allowing students to gain confidence not only in their dancing abilities, but in themselves.

The Joyce Theater Foundation and The National Ballet of Canada today announced the casting for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, having its New York premiere at the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center today, September 9 - 14, 2014.

From September 18-28, 2014, Houston Ballet offers up its fall mixed repertory program titled From Houston to the World with ballets choreographed for Houston Ballet dancers. Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo brings wit and humor to the extreme virtuosity that he demands in ONE/end/ONE. Edwaard Liang's deeply spiritual ballet Murmuration also returns. Closing the program is Stanton Welch's vivid and exciting interpretation of the third act of Paquita, showcasing a breathtaking display of technique and classical skill. Houston Ballet will give six performances of From Houston to the World at Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. Tickets start at $20, and may be purchased at www.houstonballet.org, or by calling 713 227 2787.

CHICAGO (September 3, 2014) – Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, is pleased to announce the addition of three dancers to the Joffrey's international roster for the 2014-2015 season: Artur Babajanyan (Armenia), Edson Barbosa (Brazil) and Brooke Linford, a former Joffrey Academy of Dance Trainee (Alpine, Utah). The three new dancers officially began rehearsing with the company July 21.

This September and October 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized as a vital "American Cultural Ambassador" to the world and New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the New York City Center stage for the 43rd consecutive year from December 3, 2014 - January 4, 2015. The Company will present 39 performances during an exciting annual season that has become a joyous holiday tradition.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized as a vital "American Cultural Ambassador" to the world and New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the New York City Center stage for the 43rd consecutive year from December 3, 2014 - January 4, 2015. The Company will present 39 performances during an exciting annual season that has become a joyous holiday tradition.

In the coming months, Broadway will welcome a fresh crop of productions- many of which will mark the Broadway debuts for a slew of talented actors. Whether they are fresh faces or established stars, these Broadway babies will soon take their very first bows on the grandest stages in the world. Meet all of the Great White Way's newest stars below, and be sure to let us know who you're most looking forward to seeing onstage!

For the first time, The Joffrey Ballet offers the public a rare glimpse into the rehearsal studio when it streams live, via its online YouTube channel, a rehearsal of Swan Lake. Internationally renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldonwill coach the dancers on his re-imagined production, which will have its Chicago Premiere by The Joffrey Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress Parkway), October 15-26. Seeing the master at work and watching the impeccably trained dancers of the company is a one-day-only opportunity, today, August 21,11:30 am - 3 pm.

Colorado Ballet opens its 54th season with A Midsummer Night's Dream, September 26-October 5, 2014 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The production features choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and a score by Felix Mendelssohn, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and the Colorado Children's Chorale.