California Theatrical Youth Ballet Celebrates 10th Year of The Snow Queen
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2007-12-21 00:01:49
Veterans Performing Last Show Before Going Pro & Special Effects, Highlights for 2007
La Canada, CA (OPENPRESS) December 21, 2007 -- For 10 years, the California Theatrical Youth Ballet annual production of the original ballet "The Snow Queen" has been raising the bar on entertaining the community, and this year will be no different. For Erin Holt, artistic director and choreographer, the 2007 production of the annual The Snow Queen will be marked by veteran dancers in their last performance before starting professional careers, a visiting principal dancer from the Czech Republic and enhanced special effects.
This year's production marks the 10th annual presentation of a great holiday fairy tale, with original choreography by Erin Holt set to an original score by composer Randall Michael Tobin. For three days, Friday through Sunday, December 21-23, 2007, the CTYB will perform at the Glendale Community College's theater. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on December 21 and 22 and matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 22 and Sunday, December 23. Advance tickets are $22 for adults and $16 for students and $24 for adults and $18 for students at the door. For tickets or information, call 818-790-7924.
Ten years ago, Holt's choice of the refreshing holiday presentation of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen" as an alternative to the standard Nutcracker fare was the first hint that her shows are a departure from tradition. The story is about the struggle between good and evil as taken on by a little boy and girl, Gerda and Kai.
Holt says, "We have come so far since performing at the Lanterman Theater in La Canada. I had only two months to choreograph the ballet using just a basic beat for each section. My purpose has always been to create a full length ballet which would enable young dancers to perform well. As the featured talent has improved over the years, so has the choreography. It is a charming winter tale, professionally done, which is affordable to the entire community."
Veteran dancers Ryan Morrison and Alyssa Thompson will perform their last Snow Queen show. Morrison was offered a position in the Moravian & Silesian National Theater - Ostrava Ballet in the Czech Republic, while Thompson was offered an apprenticeship with the company. Guests will enjoy Morrison as the Prince and Thompson as the Snow Queen before their departure to Europe.
Rebecca Eberhard, who began at the age of 4 in her first Snow Queen production ten years ago, will play the role of Gerda this year.
Each summer Holt takes a group of CTYB dancers for an intensive workshop. This past summer the group traveled to the Czech Republic. While there she met 18-year-old Filip Stanek, who will be featured for the role of Kai. He attends the famous Janacek Conservatory in Ostrava.
The 2006 sold-out production delighted audiences with its first aerial special effects allowing the Snow Queen to fly, enhancing the story line and adding a thrilling aspect to the ballet, and this year plans are to enhance the special effects even further.
California Theatrical Youth Ballet is the non-profit organization of California Dance Arts. CTYB features the talent of dedicated pre-professional dancers accompanied by professional alumni and guest artists. Erin Holt's choreography comprises nearly all of the company's entire repertoire. Director Erin Holt has been teaching modern dance and classical ballet for more than 25 years and is a certified dance educator and member of Dance Masters of America. For more information on The Snow Queen, go to http://www.snowqueenballet.com
