Princeton Youth Ballet Brings The Snow Queen to Life in December

The Princeton Youth Ballet brings the story that inspired Disney’s Frozen to life with a performance of “The Snow Queen” at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center (151 Moore Street, Princeton, NJ) on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, 4 p.m.

The ballet is based on the same Hans Christian Andersen story that inspired the hit Disney movie, Frozen.

The production begins with sisters Gerda and Kayla living happily in a tiny Scandinavian village. During Christmas Eve festivities, shards of a mirror enchanted by the devil lodge in Kayla’s eyes so that all she sees is ugliness in her heart, which causes it to turn cold and cruel.

The once loving girl soon mocks the townspeople and rejects her sister. Kayla is abducted by the beautiful yet wicked Snow Queen, who revels in Kayla’s callousness.

Gerda embarks on a quest to save her beloved sister, braving sorceresses, robbers, and the Snow Queen’s army of Ice Maidens in order to rekindle Kayla’s inner flame of kindness.

“Ours is a more accurate telling of the original story, but the theme of love’s ability to triumph over evil is pervasive in both,” Princeton Youth Ballet Artistic Director and choreographer Risa Kaplowitz said.

Now in its 5th season, “PYB’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’ has quickly become a holiday tradition for many families,” according to Princeton Youth Ballet Board of Trustees President Catherine Piontek. “It’s the perfect introduction to classical ballet, with a compelling story, gorgeous costumes, and of course beautiful dancers. Children absolutely fall in love with this show – and seeing their mesmerized faces is enormously gratifying for us all.”

As opposed to a traditional backdrop, David Haneman created projections transport the audience to another world: from a small Scandinavian village during Christmas time, to a midnight forest, to an ice castle in the mountains.

“Projection is a wonderful tool to help tell a story that has many scenes,” Kaplowitz said. “It adds movement to the entire production and really takes the audience on a thrilling ride.”

Princeton Youth Ballet alumna Jillian Davis will reprise her role as The Snow Queen.

Davis, a current member of the famed Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company, trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet on full scholarship after graduating from Princeton Dance and Theater Studio and Princeton Youth Ballet (then DanceVision).

“Jillian was made for this role,” Kaplowicz said. “At over six feet tall, she is a fierce and stunning dancer. The audience is in for a real treat.”

Max Azaro, a Princeton Dance and Theater alumnus who won a full scholarship to study at the American Ballet Theatre JKO School, also returns for the performance.

“One of our missions at Princeton Youth Ballet is to give talented and well-trained young dancers the chance to perform principal roles in professional-quality performances,” Kaplowitz said. “Another is to encourage a love and appreciation for classical ballet through inspired storytelling, magical productions, and uncompromising artistry.”

Princeton Youth Ballet is offering a limited number of VIP tickets for the Sunday performance which include admission to a special Snow Queen Tea. Guests will be treated to treats, a special gift, and a visit from the Snow Queen herself, along with other principal cast members.

Princeton Youth Ballet also offers special discounts to Girl Scouts, as well as a “Dancer” badge workshop specifically for Brownies.

All Scouts receive a goody bag with a custom Princeton Youth Ballet fun patch.

For more information, email info@princetonyouthballet.org.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students, and seniors, when purchased in advance online at www.PrincetonYouthBallet.org or by phone at 1-800-838-3006.

Tickets at the door are $25 for adults, and $20 for children, students, and seniors.

For group discounts, email info@princetonyouthballet.org or call 609-948-8065.

The attached images were provided by Princeton Youth Ballet