American Repertory Ballet: Classic Beauty

Visit the ballet performance calendar to view dates of all showings of this program.

SWAN LAKE Act II
Staging: Harriet Clark (after Marius Petipa)
SLEEPING BEAUTY Act III
Staging: Calvin Hilpert (after Marius Petipa)

◆ American Repertory Ballet
◆ Swan Lake
◆ Sleeping Beauty

American Repertory Ballet returns to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center with an all-Tchaikovsky program featuring excerpts from two of classical ballet’s most iconic works – Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.

“I have steadily watched every individual dancer continue to evolve and elevate their ballet technique, while simultaneously finding further texture and depth in their interpretation of iconic roles in the classical idiom,” says Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel. “This program offers both the ARB dancers and audiences a chance to enjoy renowned music and today’s classical ballet, with a skillful approach and truly expressive characterizations.”

The performance opens with Act II of the majestic Swan Lake where audiences will be enchanted by Odette (a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse) alongside Siegfried (the prince who falls in love with her), as well as her fellow enchanted swans. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s poignant score, ARB brings to life this enduring tale of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. “The role of Odette, the Swan Queen, is probably the most challenging role for any ballerina, as it demands a full display of both feminine strength and resilience,” comments Harriet Clark, one of the Rehearsal Directors for the company.

Rounding out the program is the spectacular Act III of The Sleeping Beauty which showcases the grand wedding of Princess Aurora and her Prince complete with a cast of colorful characters, like Puss-in-Boots and Little Red Riding Hood.

Featured Photo for American Repertory Ballet’s Classic Beauty program of Clara Pevel. Photo by Harald Schrader.