Joni Mitchell world premiere ballet postponed

CALGARY, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Joni Mitchell world premiere ballet set to debut in May 2014 has been postponed. Alberta Ballet is delighted to announce the world premiere of a new ballet creation, CLASS ACTS - A Tribute to Hollywood Musicals, which was originally scheduled to premiere in 2013.

CLASS ACTS - A Tribute to Hollywood Musicals will pay tribute to the magical era of Hollywood musicals from the 1930s and 1940s, featuring the legendary recordings of some of the greatest artists of all time, including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Nat 'King' Cole, and Chet Baker. Travel back to Hollywood's golden era and be dazzled by the fantastical world of iconic Hollywood musicals as a maverick movie director is followed filming a series of breathtaking dance sequences. These dynamic and upbeat dance creations will feature large Hollywood inspired ensemble numbers, powerful solos and romantic duets.

Joni Mitchell has come to the conclusion that she cannot produce a song list that encompasses all that she needs to say about the theme of love in one ballet. Joni Mitchell has never been known for compromising when it comes to her art and music, and this is no exception. Alberta Ballet fully understands and respects her decision, as her extraordinary integrity is exactly what has brought her to the forefront of the most innovative and uncompromising art of the past century.

"Joni and I believe we have a superb production in the making but that we will need more collaboration for our ballet on love to be properly produced. We will honor this decision as we believe that all artists should be given the freedom to make such decisions, especially artists of the caliber of Joni Mitchell," says Jean Grand-Maître, Artistic Director.

Along with the outstanding talents of Scott Reid on set design, costume design by Anne-Seguin Poirier, lighting design by Pierre Lavoie and stunning video projections by Adam Larsen, this new ballet choreographed by Jean Grand-Maître promises to be spectacular.

About Alberta Ballet
Alberta Ballet is currently celebrating its 47^th season as Canada's second largest dance company. Under the artistic leadership of Jean Grand-Maître, choreographer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, the company is at the forefront of the national and international arts scene. This season includes the world premiere of CLASS ACTS - A Tribute to Hollywood Musicals, the exciting company premiere of Giselle and a mixed bill performed by Ailey II. Comprised of 32 classically trained professional dancers, this is the year to Be Moved by Alberta Ballet.

SOURCE: Alberta Ballet

Danielle Bartha, Publicist and Promotions Officer
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