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Spring production also offers "Caught in Dance" and "Concerto" pieces
The Greater Niagara Ballet Company, well known for its traditional holiday production of "The Nutcracker," is adding a spring ballet to its repertoire this year. "Peter and the Wolf," "Pas de Quatre," "Caught in Dance" and "Concerto" will be presented at the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre at Niagara University.
Performances will be held on Friday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 19, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors, are now on sale. Purchase passes by calling 716-745-3837, or at D'Amico Music, 2701 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls.
The GNBC's spring ballet showcases dancers and character performers under the direction of artistic director Beverley A. Feder, FISTD, CUSA.
Story/Lead Cast
"Peter and the Wolf" is the story of a young, somewhat naughty boy - Peter - and his friends: a foolish duck, a sneaky cat and a lovely bird. When one of their companions is gobbled up by the nefarious Wolf, Peter and company launch a plan of attack.
Performers include Nathan Andrew Miller of Amherst as Peter, and Serena Feltrin (Niagara Falls, Ontario) and Alexa Luczak (Lewiston) as the Wolf. Peter Nagy and Paul Thomas, both of Lewiston, will split time as Grandfather. "Peter and the Wolf" is set to Sergi Prokofiev's score, narrated by Sting, and staged by Lori Pietrangeli.
"Pas de Quatre" showcases four lead dancers: Aniko Nagy of Lewiston, Katie Welch of Buffalo, Grace Gruarin of Youngstown, and Mary Schnepf of Buffalo. Originally choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1845, this ground-breaking ballet brought together the top four female ballerinas of the time: Lucile Grahn (Nagy), Carlotta Grisi (Welch), Fanny Cerrito (Gruarin) and Marie Taglioni (Schnepf). The competition brought out the best in each performer - and drew spectators including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The modern piece, "Caught in Dance," and the GNBC's own "Concerto" both feature an ensemble cast. Dancers include Madison Cichocki, Katrina Copeland, Destiny Cronkwright-Langelaan, Olivia Duke, Mariette Feltrin, Serena Feltrin, Grace Gruarin, Grethe Gruarin, Aniko Nagy, Schnepf and Victoria Wagner.
About the Greater Niagara Ballet Company
The GNBC is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation dedicated to providing local dancers the opportunity to develop their talents in a professional theatrical setting; work with professional dancers from all parts of the world; build an understanding and appreciation of the ballet arts through ongoing educational workshops and performances; and participate in dance projects that establish the Niagara region as a high-quality ballet center.
GNBC productions are open to all ballet students by audition.
For more information, visit www.niagaraballet.org.