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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

“FROZEN” INSPIRATION COMES TO LIFE @ PRINCETON YOUTH BALLET PERFORMANCES

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Princeton Youth Ballet presents

THE SNOW QUEEN

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21, at 4 PM.
WHERE:
Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 151 Moore St., Princeton NJ
TICKETS: $20 for adults and $15 for children, students, and seniors, when purchased in advance online at www.PrincetonYouthBallet.org or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults, and $20 for children, students, and seniors.
For group discounts, email info@princetonyouthballet.org or call 609-948-8065.

The ballet is based on the same Hans Christian Andersen story that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. “Ours is a much more accurate telling of the original story,” says Artistic Director and choreographer Risa Kaplowitz, “but the theme of love’s ability to triumph over evil is pervasive in both.”

clip_image001[5]The production begins with best friends Gerda and Kai living happily in a tiny Scandinavian village. During Christmas Eve festivities, shards of a mirror enchanted by the devil lodge in Kai’s eyes so that all he sees is ugliness in his heart, which causes it to turn cold and cruel. The once loving boy soon mocks the townspeople and spurns his longtime friend. Kai is abducted by the beautiful yet wicked Snow Queen, who revels in his callousness. Gerda embarks on a quest to save her erstwhile playmate, braving sorceresses, robbers, and the Snow Queen's army of Ice Maidens in order to rekindle Kai’s inner flame of kindness.

The Snow Queen is the perfect introduction to classical ballet,” says PYB board president, Kathy Azaro. “It has a compelling story, gorgeous costumes, and of course beautiful dancers. Children absolutely fall in love with this show—and seeing their mesmerized faces is enormously gratifying for us all.”

Instead of the traditional backdrop, the performance features state-of-the-art projections, created by David Haneman, which transport the audience to another world: from a small Scandinavian village during Christmas time, to a midnight forest, to an ice castle in the mountains. "Projection is a wonderful tool to help tell a story that has many scenes," says Ms. Kaplowitz. "It adds movement to the entire production and really takes the audience on a thrilling ride."

Princeton Youth Ballet is thrilled to announce that alumna Jillian Davis will be reprising her role as The Snow Queen. Ms. Davis, a current member of the famed Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company, trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet on full scholarship after graduating from Princeton Dance and Theater Studio and Princeton Youth Ballet (then DanceVision). Ms. Kaplowitz reflects, "Jillian was made for this role. At over six feet tall, she is a fierce and stunning dancer. The audience is in for a real treat." Also returning this year is Max Azaro, a Princeton Dance and Theater alumnus who won a full scholarship to study at the American Ballet Theatre JKO School. “One of our missions at Princeton Youth Ballet is to give talented and well-trained young dancers the chance to perform principal roles in professional-quality performances,” says Ms. Kaplowitz. “Another is to encourage a love and appreciation for classical ballet through inspired storytelling, magical productions, and uncompromising artistry.” 

Princeton Youth Ballet is selling a limited number of VIP tickets for the Sunday performance which include admission to a special Snow Queen Tea. Guests will be treated to delicious treats, a special gift, and a visit from the Snow Queen herself, along with other principal cast members.

Princeton Youth Ballet also offers special discounts to Girl Scouts, as well as a “Dancer” badge workshop specifically for Brownies. All Scouts receive a goody bag with a custom PYB fun patch. For more information email info@princetonyouthballet.org.

Princeton Youth Ballet is registered as a not-for-profit  501 (c)(3) organization in New Jersey.

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