Huntsville Ballet’s presentation of “The Firebird” set for this weekend

Performances dedicated to the people of Ukraine and Kyiv City Ballet dancers

HUNTSVILLE — The Firebird is a spellbinding story of heroism, magic, and love to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

“Huntsville Ballet dedicates this production to the Ukrainian people whose heroism and love of country and fellow countrymen have been on display for the world,” said Phillip Otto, Artistic Director for Huntsville Ballet. “Our hearts go out to our fellow dancers at Kyiv City Ballet. We plan to accept monetary donations at each production. Funds will be donated directly to the Kyiv City Ballet fundraiser dedicated to their safe shelter and eventual return home.”

Huntsville Ballet is thrilled to bring this important work to the stage. “George Balanchine’s 1949 recreation of The Firebird brought a young New York City Ballet to international attention and set the course for ballet in America,” said Otto, who himself worked and trained with Balanchine. “Balanchine heavily influenced my own creative work.”

Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes premiered The Firebird in Paris in 1910. However, it was Balanchine’s production in 1949 in collaboration with lifelong friend and composer, Igor Stravinsky that placed The Firebird firmly at the foundation of American ballet repertoire. It featured scenery, sets, and costumes by artist, Marc Chagall and America’s first prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief as the firebird. Huntsville Ballet’s production gives center stage to principal company dancer, Abby Callahan as the firebird. “Abby was born to dance this role,” Otto said of her performance.

Based on Russian folklore, the ballet tells the story of Prince Ivan who enters an enchanted forest to hunt. He comes upon the firebird and is so mesmerized by her beauty, he spares her life. In return, the firebird gives him one of her magical feathers. Prince Ivan uses the feather to break the spell that has kept the thirteen princesses imprisoned in the forest by the evil sorcerer, Kostcheï.

Along with Callahan, the production will feature the Company’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a cast comprised of over 40 pre-professionals and students from Huntsville Ballet School.

Huntsville Ballet will also present the world premieres of works by local contemporary choreographers, Gina Guerrera and Jere Hunt. Guerrera said her new work, Ti Voglio Bene “expresses raw moving images of the heart’s greatest desire and joy.“ Hunt’s Danse à la Bell Musique is a playful, abstract piece in five movements inspired by the music of accomplished violinist, Joshua Bell.

Showtimes and Ticket Information

To purchase tickets visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call 256-970-0917.

Showtimes are as follows: Opening Night: Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m.

About Huntsville Ballet

Patrons from across Alabama and the Tennessee Valley travel to Huntsville to enjoy the artistry of Huntsville Ballet’s 10 professional dancers, complemented by the work of pre-professional and junior company members and guest artists. Audiences enjoy the art of classical ballet in performances like Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as other dance genres featured in newer works like Stage Door Canteen and The Tumbleweed Symphony. The Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker affords students from Huntsville Ballet School the opportunity to audition and perform alongside the professional company. Huntsville Ballet’s performances and community outreach programs are designed to appeal to a broad audience and bring the art of ballet to everyone from the art lover to those new to the experience. Huntsville Ballet Company and School operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a non-profit member of the state and local Arts Councils, incorporated in 1964.