Today, The Kennedy Center 2019-2020 Ballet + Contemporary Dance season was announced. Below are details only about the ballet performances, all which are accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.
Click on the images or listings below to find out more information about each production including show times.
MARIINSKY BALLET
Paquita
Based on Cervantes’ novel La gitanilla, Yuri Smekalov has created a ballet telling the Spanish tale of a girl stolen and raised by gypsies. Paquita is not often seen as a full-length ballet, but rather a series of variations. Thus this U.S. premiere (Smekalov created his version in 2017) is sure to be a unique experience.
ATLANTA BALLET
The Nutcracker
Yuri Possokhov choreographed his vision of The Nutcracker for Atlanta Ballet in 2018. This series of performances marks the first time this version will be seen in Washington, D.C. and audiences will enjoy a multimedia production filled with new sets, costumes, and video projections.
NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA
The Sleeping Beauty
Repertory Program
The company will showcase both their classical and contemporary talent in two distinct programs. Rudolf Nureyev‘s The Sleeping Beauty has been set by Artistic Director Karen Kain – this production’s original Aurora. The repertory program features works by William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, and Alexei Ratmansky.
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
Giselle
The epitome of romantic classical ballet, Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie‘s staging of Giselle will return to The Kennedy Center after 15 years. This two-act ballet will feature the well-known Peasant Pas, Wilis, and tragic love story between Giselle, Albrecht, and Hilarion.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET
2 Repertory Programs
One program will feature Stravinsky Violin Concerto by George Balanchine and Liturgy by Christopher Wheleldon. The other, Principia by Justin Peck and Firebird by Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Both will also have other works to be announced at a later date.
SCOTTISH BALLET
The Crucible
Helen Pickett‘s The Crucible debuts at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2019 and will have its U.S. premiere at The Kennedy Center. Set to a newly-composed score by Peter Salem, the ballet is based on Arthur Miller’s story about the 17th-century Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts.
BOLSHOI BALLET
Romeo and Juliet
Returning to The Kennedy Center after six years, the company will perform Alexei Ratmansky‘s version of Romeo and Juliet. Sergei Prokofiev’s famous score will accompany the dancers as they tell the tragic love story between the famous star-crossed lovers.
Source for The Kennedy Center 2019-2020 Ballet Season: The Kennedy Center | Featured Photo of Sarah Lane and Daniil Simkin in American Ballet Theatre’s Giselle © Erin Baiano
