GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS A NEW PRODUCTION
OF “CINDERELLA” ON MARCH 29th AND 30th
AT THE GWINNETT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Holley Calmes reports
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will present a beautiful new production of the ballet “Cinderella” on Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. The beloved fairy tale is enjoying a restaging in both choreography and costuming. Sumptuous new tutus, ball gowns and other costumes will be worn by GBT’s dancers. The choreography by Artistic Director Wade Walthall will provide a family friendly event of the highest artistic quality.
Performances will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 30th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $11-$20 and can be purchased through www.gwinnettcenter.com or by calling1-888-929-7849.
Cinderella will be performed to the music of Ottorino Respighi, an Italian composer famous for his melodic orchestral works of the early 20th century.
Mr. Walthall says, “This production of ‘Cinderella’ was restaged for Gwinnett Ballet Theatre in 2012. The current production is updated with new costumes and a fresh new look.”
Costumes are being created by Barbara Mock who has been producing stunning designs for Atlanta performing artists for over 35 years.
“It is so much fun to work on a fairy tale ballet,” she says. “I am having a ball making ball gowns! There is glitter in my house everywhere. I am going to be sparkling for a month.”
Ms. Mock has been hand dyeing fabrics to produce a magical palette of fairy tale pastels.
“We are using brocades, antique lace, old jewelry, and hundreds of yards of tulle,” Ms. Mock continues.
“I am also using over 3,000 crystals to be hand sewn on the costumes.”
The cast for Cinderella includes approximately 35 young artists of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Dancing the lead role as Cinderella and Prince Charming will be GBT dancer Abigrace Diprima and Ricardo Runa of the National Ballet Conservatory of Portugal. Abigrace was recently named as a finalist to participate in the New York City Finals for Youth American Grand Prix . She is currently auditioning at many of the finest ballet companies in the country and internationally.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is also collaborating with Medieval Times. The public is invited to a special event on Sunday, March 30th at 12:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center where a knight in armor on a Friesian steed will bring the Cinderella glass slipper to the theatre. However, to see if the slipper fits, you need a ticket to the ballet!
For further information about “Cinderella,” Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, or kids ballet classes and summer intensives, please visit the web site at www.gwinnettballet.org or call 770-237-0046.
Photos by Richard Calmes
Richard Calmes has evolved into one of the most prominent dance photographers in the United States. Over the past five years, he has traveled from coast to coast, capturing the beauty of some of the most gifted dancers in America, and his work has met with appreciation world-wide.
Whether setting up his equipment in studios, or wading through the warm surf of the Pacific Ocean, Richard has employed his discerning eye to create amazing images. His travels have taken him from New York City’s graffitied neighborhoods to the historic sites of Washington D.C. with glorious dancers in tow. From urban streets to Appalachian meadows, Richard is always excited to display dancers in unexpectedly interesting surroundings.
His images have graced the covers and the interiors of numerous periodicals, and several feature stories have been written about his approach to his art. He has also been featured in many gallery exhibitions from Great Britain to Atlanta, as well as the preeminent digital photography publication in China.
