Festival City Ballet will debut with its original, full-length production of “Alice in Wonderland” on Monday, Sept. 14 and Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center Theater.
Founded by Artistic Director Christine Mills, Festival City Ballet is a nonprofit, community-based ballet company that brings nearly 100 dancers from local studios of all different backgrounds together.
“We felt like dance is for everyone, and it can bring joy to every person, whether you dance professionally or not,” said Elisha Church, vice president of Festival City Ballet. “It’s important to create arts opportunities for the whole population.”
The production gives younger and older dancers the opportunity to perform alongside one another, with the age of the participants ranging from 4 to 70.
“We wanted to create something that gave even a non-dancer, or a new dancer, whether they’re elderly, young or somewhere in the middle, a chance to experience being in a ballet and to experience being in that culture,” Church said.
The company’s first production also offers a fresh interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” With original choreography by Christine Mills, Laura Nelson, Jennie Grimes and Kristena Hunsaker, the show blends different styles of dance, such as tap and soft shoe dancing.
The production also incorporates modern and contemporary dance, including a scene featuring about 20 dancers portraying the caterpillar.
“It’s a bit broader than a strict ballet show,” Church said. “The artistry is more expansive, and more diverse.”
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. More information about the production can be found on Festival City Ballet’s website.
Author: Charlee Steed
Photo: Courtesy of Lori Backlund
Editor: Payson Davis
arts@suunews.net
