Ballet Hartford Poised for Exciting Spring with Performances, Programs

It’s May, and Ballet Hartford is primed for an exciting spring with performances and programs for families, youth and audiences of all ages, beginning this week.

May kicks off with Open Artist's Day on Wednesday, May 3, from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm at The 224 EcoSpace (224 Farmington Avenue, Hartford). Local artists, led by Resident Visual Artist Aubrey Feliciano, are welcomed into Ballet Hartford's studio to explore their artistic discipline as the dancers rehearse and practice. To strengthen the relationship between artists of different mediums, the event ends with open dialogue between visual artists and dancers. There is no admission charge.

With professional dancers from across the United States, Ballet Hartford produces engaging programs that uphold tradition and celebrate innovation, highlighted by technically and artistically diverse choreographic works. The company has received national and international recognition, and continues to grow in stature with increasing acclaim from local and regional audiences.

Preparation is continuing for this year’s story ballet - the classic Peter and the Wolf, with three performances taking place in Greater Hartford this month. The featured performances will be:

• Friday, May 12, 6:30–8:00 PM, 224 EcoSpace, Hartford
• Sunday, May 14, 12:00–2:30 PM - Mother’s Day Brunch, Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown
• Friday, May 19, 6:00–7:30 PM, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford

The delightful story – engaging for the entire family – will feature choreography by Duncan Noble and adaptations for Ballet Hartford by former New York City Ballet soloist Claire Kretzschmar. Tickets are now available for the performances, at www.ballethartford.com.

“We are grateful for this support, and excited to share with audiences our upcoming Spring performances,” said Leyna Doran, Artistic Director of Ballet Hartford. “Our company is hard at work developing an entertaining and invigorating program, bringing our talents and creativity to the timeless adventure of Peter and the Wolf.”

Later this spring and summer, Ballet Hartford is offering Summer Intensives for youth. For ages 10+, there will be ballet, jazz and contemporary dance June 19-23, welcoming New York City Ballet’s Daniel Ulbricht, Danielle Diniz, Garet & Co, & more. Email hbush@ballethartford.com for audition information. The Young Dancer Summer Intensive, for children ages 7-10, will be held June 19, 21 and 23, with a focus on technique, character, performance and rehearsal, in three half-day sessions. Both Summer Intensives will be held at the 224 EcoSpace in Hartford.

In recent weeks, Ballet Hartford has participated in the New England Inspirational Dance Festival in Milford, New Hampshire, and Project Dance in New York City, The three-day event gathered professional, pre-professional and aspiring dancers, for an open air dance concert that was free to the public, featuring local and international dance artistry.

Ballet Hartford company members live and work throughout the Greater Hartford community; many have come to the region from elsewhere around the country (and beyond) attracted by the reputation of Ballet Hartford. Company members include 15 talented professionals, apprentices and trainees, and some performances include young students attending the School of Ballet Hartford.

Accompanied by its affiliate school, the School of Ballet Hartford, the company strives for excellence with joy in all of its performances and offerings to the public. The School of Ballet Hartford includes a Young Dancer Program for ages 3-5, Pre-Professional Division for students with professional aspirations, an Open Program with a flexible schedule, and an Adult Program with classes for the beginner/intermediate dancer.

Ballet Hartford's home at the 224 EcoSpace holds great significance within the Connecticut dance community as this facility once housed the Hartford Ballet. From spacious studios to sprung floors and intimate, in-person performances, the building enables Ballet Hartford to carry on its mission of providing high-caliber art for audiences in the Greater Hartford region and beyond. Overseen by Reverend Lydell Brown, the 224 EcoSpace is a premier arts, health and wellness social enterprise located on Farmington Avenue in Hartford.

For more information about Ballet Hartford, visit www.ballethartford.com.