The Snow Queen in the Los Angeles Times

 
If you are not yet convinced that the Snow Queen is the hit production of the holiday season, see what the Los Angeles Times has to say!

 

Culture Monster
ALL THE ARTS, ALL THE TIME
'The Snow Queen': It's not 'The Nutcracker'
December 18, 2009 | 9:38 am

Poor Tchaikovsky.
It’s not the great Russian composer’s fault that his miraculous, sparkling and tuneful ballet score dating from 1892 percolates incessantly from shopping mall PA systems to lubricate December spending.
Nor can we blame dear departed Pyotr Ilyich for the myriad “Nutcracker” ballet productions that procreate with alarming fecundity each passing year. This season, The Times counts 21.

Holiday alternatives do exist for the imaginative ballet master. Why not stage ballet versions of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “A Christmas Carol” or “Miracle on 34th Street”?

One smart coach, Erin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet, who grew up dancing “The Nutcracker,” decided she had had enough. Holt developed a vehicle that provides all-things-Nutty: an innocuous family outing, exposure to classical ballet for kids and a big-tent approach to casting. Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” And she’s been doing it for 12 years.

Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.

In sticking with an original and proprietary ballet, Holt and her Snow Queen Strategy scores high marks with local area arts funders and consultants.
-- Debra Levine

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

The Snow Queen in the Los Angeles Times

If you are not yet convinced that the Snow Queen is the hit production of the holiday season, see what the Los Angeles Times has to say!

 

Culture Monster                                                                 
ALL THE ARTS, ALL THE TIME
'The Snow Queen': It's not 'The Nutcracker'
December 18, 2009 | 9:38 am

Poor Tchaikovsky.
It’s not the great Russian composer’s fault that his miraculous, sparkling and tuneful ballet score dating from 1892 percolates incessantly from shopping mall PA systems to lubricate December spending.
Nor can we blame dear departed Pyotr Ilyich for the myriad “Nutcracker” ballet productions that procreate with alarming fecundity each passing year. This season, The Times counts 21.

Holiday alternatives do exist for the imaginative ballet master. Why not stage ballet versions of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “A Christmas Carol” or “Miracle on 34th Street”?

One smart coach, Erin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet, who grew up dancing “The Nutcracker,” decided she had had enough. Holt developed a vehicle that provides all-things-Nutty: an innocuous family outing, exposure to classical ballet for kids and a big-tent approach to casting. Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” And she’s been doing it for 12 years.

Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.

In sticking with an original and proprietary ballet, Holt and her Snow Queen Strategy scores high marks with local area arts funders and consultants.
-- Debra Levine
 

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

The Snow Queen 2010

Once upon a time, there was a wicked magician. He fashioned a mirror with the power to create all that was good and beautiful when it was reflected within, to look mean and wicked. Alas, the unthinkable happened… the mirror was shattered into a million tiny pieces, swept up by the wind, and spread throughout the land; affecting the unsuspecting townsfolk. The Snow Queen, creator of the winter wind and snow, was also profoundly affected, as the tiny slivers of mirror lodged into her very soul. Dark times soon followed…

Welcome to California Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen, a magical ballet and an incredible tale of the now jealous and cold hearted Snow Queen and two dear friends torn apart by her wrath.

Embark on the incredible journey and meet the fascinating characters who bring the classic tale to life. Meet the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl, Gypsy Boy, Crows and enjoy the Prince and Princess as they perform a grand pas de deux. Experience the thrill of perilous obstacles, rejoice in the celebration of a town freed at last from the mirror’s evil spell, and follow the journey to its surprising finale.

Performed by a professional principal cast, the stellar career dancers of California Contemporary Ballet supported and accompanied by the California Contemporary Youth Ballet members who train and perform at the highest caliber. The entire company of dancers performs with remarkable power and passion making a bold statement on stage that transforms you to another world- the world of The Snow Queen.

Brought to life by the creative vision of the company's Artistic Director and choreographer, Erin Holt, the Snow Queen ballet is presented complete with brilliant lighting and set design, custom hand sewn costumes, an original moving musical score by Randall Michael Tobin.

Already a hit with its seasonal performances, California Contemporary Ballet’s tale of goodness vs. evil by Hans Christian Andersen has become a winter-time classic which you will surely fall in love with. The Snow Queen Ballet is redefining its genre; it’s a must see! Allow California Contemporary Ballet to give you a memorable and moving experience as they take you on a journey to the inner realm of the Snow Queen.

Performed at Glendale Community College on December 17,18,and19. Follow the link and be sure to get your tickets on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets or through our store  http://www.ccballet.net/pages/3119/store.html  and visit us at www.SnowQueenBallet.com and at www.ccballet.net . Call us for information at 818-790-7924

 

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog