Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s 24/25 season culminates in a breathtaking Spring Gala, blending the enchanting worlds of ballet and opera. In the final program of the season, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida takes an operatic journey through dance, where the worlds of ballet and opera intertwine to create an unforgettable evening. This spectacular production will be on the stages of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on April 26th and the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 27th . The Spring Gala promises to captivate and enchant, celebrating the enduring power and beauty of these timeless art forms.
The company will showcase “Markitanka” (La Vivandière), choreographed by Saint Leon to the delightful music of Cesare Pugni. Although not related to the opera theme, this piece adds a touch of vivaciousness and charm to the evening, delighting audiences with its classical style and lively spirit. The highlight of the evening is the exquisite pas de deux from “La Traviata” set to Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic score. This poignant ballet piece captures the tragic beauty of Verdi’s opera, showcasing the emotional depth of Issaev’s choreography.
Following the operatic theme, in collaboration with The Opera Atelier, the show also features excerpts from Vladimir Issaev’s “La Favorita” from Donizetti’s beloved opera. The tragedy and passion shines through in every step. The performance illustrates the drama and romance of the original opera, enriched by the virtuosity of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s exceptional dancers.
This exquisite program ends with “Harlequinade” a lively one-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to the music of Riccardo Drigo. This charming piece recreating the Italian commedia-del-arte presents the whimsical tale of Harlequin and Columbine as they outwit Columbine’s father who wishes to keep the lovers apart. It follows the delightful story of true love triumphing over all obstacles with the aid of the Good Fairy. Adapted as a ballet in 1900, Harlequinade fell out of trend in European companies until it was revived by Russian American choreographer George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet in 1965. Harlequinade has long been a “forgotten” ballet, with only a few restorations within the past hundred years. However, thanks to Vladimir Issaev’s extensive research, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s production of the ballet represents the original storyline, and upholds the classical style in which it was first choreographed, while still maintaining a fresh and exciting atmosphere.
The company will showcase “Markitanka” (La Vivandière), choreographed by Saint Leon to the delightful music of Cesare Pugni. Although not related to the opera theme, this piece adds a touch of vivaciousness and charm to the evening, delighting audiences with its classical style and lively spirit. The highlight of the evening is the exquisite pas de deux from “La Traviata” set to Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic score. This poignant ballet piece captures the tragic beauty of Verdi’s opera, showcasing the emotional depth of Issaev’s choreography.
Following the operatic theme, in collaboration with The Opera Atelier, the show also features excerpts from Vladimir Issaev’s “La Favorita” from Donizetti’s beloved opera. The tragedy and passion shines through in every step. The performance illustrates the drama and romance of the original opera, enriched by the virtuosity of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s exceptional dancers.
This exquisite program ends with “Harlequinade” a lively one-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to the music of Riccardo Drigo. This charming piece recreating the Italian commedia-del-arte presents the whimsical tale of Harlequin and Columbine as they outwit Columbine’s father who wishes to keep the lovers apart. It follows the delightful story of true love triumphing over all obstacles with the aid of the Good Fairy. Adapted as a ballet in 1900, Harlequinade fell out of trend in European companies until it was revived by Russian American choreographer George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet in 1965. Harlequinade has long been a “forgotten” ballet, with only a few restorations within the past hundred years. However, thanks to Vladimir Issaev’s extensive research, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s production of the ballet represents the original storyline, and upholds the classical style in which it was first choreographed, while still maintaining a fresh and exciting atmosphere.