Ballet Hartford To Perform A Ceremony of Carols in West Hartford

Ballet Hartford, Connecticut's premier ballet company, will return to the University of Saint Joseph to perform A Ceremony of Carols on Saturday evening, November 30, 2024. The program features two original ballets: Holiday Happenings, choreographed by Executive Director Leyna Doran and set to beloved Vince Guaraldi Trio music, and A Ceremony of Carols. The latter debuted on the same stage one year ago, and with choreography by Artistic Director Claire Kretzschmar, it marks a significant milestone in the company's fall season.

Claire Kretzschmar, who began her tenure as Ballet Hartford’s Artistic Director this year, is a former New York City Ballet Soloist and accomplished choreographer. Set to Benjamin Britten's composition of the same name, A Ceremony of Carols masterfully blends music and movement to create a captivating holiday experience.

“We are honored to bring our love for ballet to the Greater Hartford community, and beyond. With each performance, we strive to create an experience that resonates, inspiring joy and contemplation through the beauty of dance," Kretzschmar said.

The performance highlights the nativity story using an angelic cast of 13 women. Kretzschmar's expert choreography and musicality usher in the holiday season, making this event a rapidly emerging holiday tradition. Following the performance on November 30 at 7:30 in West Hartford, A Ceremony of Carols will go on tour to three cities this holiday season, accompanied by Kretzschmar’s newest ballet, Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas Tree):

• Monday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm – New York City (Symphony Space)

• Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm - Philadelphia, PA (Performance Garage)

• Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 pm - Winston-Salem, NC (Reynolds Auditorium)

On Nov. 30, Ballet Hartford is also pleased to share the stage with its growing school. “Students from the School of Ballet Hartford and our satellite location at The Master’s School join the company in Holiday Happenings,” shares Leyna Doran, director of the School of Ballet Hartford. “It is inspiring for our students to watch the company dancers perform and spurs their own growth and training.”

Tickets and information are available on the Ballet Hartford website, www.ballethartford.com.