Latest news with #ColoradoBallet
CBS News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Colorado Ballet performs rarely seen Masterworks
The spring performance at Colorado Ballet is picked by the repertory. This year, the company has the rights to perform three rarely performed ballets. "They're some of the greatest ballets," said Alexandra Wilson, soloist with Colorado Ballet. The performance includes George Balanchine's Serenade , Jirí Kylián's Petite Mort , and Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room . "They're protected by trusts, so we're super fortunate to be able to get the rights to do these kinds of ballets and some people will never have the opportunity to," Wilson explained. Serenade was choreographed in 1880 specifically for American audiences who had not been widely exposed to ballet before. It is a very traditional, classic ballet with increasing levels of difficult technique. "It challenges us to really grow our artistry," Wilson said. Petite Mort premiered in 1991 and is much more contemporary. "In Petite Mort , I'm one of six couples. My partner and I perform the six pas de deux," Wilson said. Serenade is ethereal with it's soft lighting and blue tutus. In the Upper Room is a sharp contrast. "What's really special about that ballet is that it starts with dancers in sneakers, and then there's a group of dancers that are called 'the Ballet People,' and they're in typical pointe shoes and stuff. I get to do both," Wilson said of In the Upper Room . The differences between the three ballets allows the dancers to explore and expand their skills. Not only is it a great honor for the dancers to perform these ballets, it's an unexpected treat for Denver audiences. They highlight the depth and diversity of Colorado Ballet. LINK: For Tickets & Information about Colorado Ballet's Masterworks Colorado Ballet's Masterworks runs from April 11 to April 20, 2025 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
CBS News
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The magical ballet of Alice (in Wonderland) comes to the Colorado stage
Colorado Ballet has a magical production of Alice (in Wonderland) on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. This is an adventure that should not be missed. When Alice follows a white rabbit down his rabbit hole, adventure is sure to follow. "It honestly is like a crazy dream," said Leah McFadden, who dances the role of "Alice" in Alice (in Wonderland). McFadden soars into the air, dozens of feet above the stage as Alice tumbles into Wonderland. "It's the closest thing you can get to magic without it really being magic," McFadden said of flying in the air. Magic is a good description for Colorado Ballet's production of Alice (in Wonderland). Colorful and action packed, it will entertain both children and adults. "Everybody is just having a blast on stage. It's high energy all the way around," McFadden added. The ballet is bigger than life, just like Alice herself. "The most stressful part for me is the harness quick changes. There is a certain time limit that you have to get it on and then get it back off," McFadden added. No production of Alice in Wonderland would be complete without the egotistical, ruthless "Queen of Hearts." "It's a lot of fun because you get to act on all of those impulses that you never would," said Jennifer Grace of dancing the role of the "Queen of Hearts." Her dance is not typical ballet. It's mostly lifts and sauté. "I would probably classify it as a neo-classical ballet because it really does draw on our technique and what we do, but it also pulls from Cirque and more contemporary structure," Grace explained. There is a lot of whimsy and fun in Alice's adventure through Wonderland. Audiences will enjoy the ride. Colorado Ballet will perform Alice (in Wonderland) through March 16 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.
