Ballet Ariel rounds out its Silver Anniversary celebration season with a performance featuring “An American in Paris,” “Appalachian Spring,” and “Dances from Le Corsaire,” April 13, 27 and 28.

After successful Fall and Winter productions, Ballet Ariel completes its 25^th season with three ballets at venues in Denver and Lakewood.

“An American in Paris,” Ballet Ariel-style, combines Gershwin’s sweeping orchestral classic with a charming storyline to create a narrative ballet about a young American woman’s first visit to Paris. She is transformed by the magic and vibrancy of the beautifully historic and undeniably romantic city. Her awakening to life and its possibilities is exhibited in the jazzy undertones of Gershwin’s score. Ballet Ariel’s Director Ilena Norton, and Ballet Ariel’s choreographer Gregory Gonzales, have created whimsical dances that capture the joy of Paris.

“Appalachian Spring,” as explored by Norton, is a fresh interpretation of the music composed by Aaron Copland for modern dance pioneer Martha Graham. The ballet depicts the wedding day at a Pennsylvania farmhouse in the early 20^th century. The young couple experiences a range of emotions over the course of the day many couples can relate to – apprehension, excitement, and finally, serenity. Ballet Ariel brings new life to the American classic from one of the great contemporary composers of the 20^th century, incorporating classical movement and a dramatic narrative. Performed on pointe, Norton’s ballet includes choreography from Gregory Gonzales, whose contemporary style integrates wonderfully.

“Le Corsaire” (The Pirate) selected dances will also be part of Ballet Ariel’s Spring program. In its full three acts, the ballet is the story of Conrad who falls in love with the beautiful Medora during the Ottoman Empire. She and the three Odalisques are purchased by the Pasha for his harem. Conrad rescues her and they sail off for their life ahead, together. Dances from the ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa are staged for Ballet Ariel by Oleg Dedogryuk, assisted by Patricia Renzetti.

The Silver Anniversary Dance Collections run the following dates and locations:

April 13, 7:30pm at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, 119 Park Ave. W., in Denver.

April 27, 7:30pm and April 28, 2:00pm at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.

Tickets are $25-$35 with discounts for seniors, students and children.

For information on purchasing tickets, please visit the Ballet Ariel website at www.balletariel.org or call 303-945-4388.

ABOUT BALLET ARIEL

Ballet Ariel was founded in 1998 by Artistic and Executive Director Ilena Norton. Now entering its 25th year of performance, Ballet Ariel has evolved into a laboratory for developing original classical ballets, a collaborative environment where the beauty of classical ballet comes together with narrative storytelling and a contemporary vision. This professional company is known for its graceful and elegant, yet dynamic, choreography and staging.

Located in Denver at the Denver Dance Center, 2496 W. 2^nd Ave., #3, the company employs ten professional dancers under Rehearsal Director Oleg Dedogryuk and Ballet Master Patricia Renzetti. Ballet Ariel’s repertoire features original ballets such as “Ballerina by Degas,” “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” and “Tale of Molly Brown” along with classical works including “Konservatoriet,” “La Fille Mal Gardee,” an “Aurora’s Wedding” from “Sleeping Beauty.”

Ballet Ariel receives funding from Denver, Jefferson, Adams, and Douglas Counties through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Colorado Creative Industries, and Denver Ballet Guild. The Covid Relief Fund received from Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and The Denver Foundation help to make this production possible.

For more information, visit www.balletariel.org or call (303) 945-4388.