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Review​​​ ​​by Betsy Schwarm In the world of classical music, The Firebird is a familiar title, though perhaps more as an orchestral suite than as a choreographed work. Ballet Ariel’s spring production (two more performances remaining) gives audiences a chance to see it more as Stravinsky intended.   Moreover, being paired with Minkus’ Paquita (1881), Firebird (1910) is presented in a […]

A review by Betsy Schwarm Production photographs by David Andrews New productions of standard ballets are not unknown.  Especially this time of year, many choreographers dream of putting their own touch on an old classic.  However, Ballet Ariel’s fall production features two works based upon compositions not originally intended for dance.  Carnaval was conceived in […]

By Marc Shulgold Whether in spacious ballrooms, crowded nightclubs or in the privacy of our living rooms, we love to move in time to music. We also like to watch trained dancers set their lithe bodies in motion. With fall approaching, our local companies are limbering up for another season of performances. It’s also worth […]

A review by Robin McNeil Saturday afternoon, May 10, I attended the matinee performance of the ballet Coppélia, by the French composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891). This exciting performance was presented by the Ballet Ariel, under the directorship of ballet dancer and choreographer, Ilena Norton. The performance was held at the Lakewood Cultural Center which seemed […]

A preview by Marc Shulgold Unless we’re talking about Trisha Brown and that pioneering choreographer’s love of moving to silence, dance is — and always has been — about our response to musical inspiration. In these days of tight budgets and skyrocketing costs, most dance troupes (even major ballet companies) must often settle for recorded […]

A review by Gwen Gray As dance companies look for innovative ways to reach new audiences, two approaches seem to be gaining traction in today’s dance landscape: collaboration and relevant storytelling. Ballet Ariel’s Sunday evening production at the Lakewood Cultural Center fell smartly in line with these strategies during the program’s two original ballets: Ilena […]

By Marc Shulgold Well, the leaves have finally turned, which means that fall is finally upon us, bringing a bevy of performing arts events. Here’s a sampling of programs that proudly embrace the unusual, the unexpected, the uncompromising. In other words, typical Tier III stuff. PHAMALy Theatre Company I hear the same reaction from audience members all the time,” […]

A Review of The Birth of Rock and Roll by Robin McNeil  Thursday evening, August 8, I attended a performance at the Arvada Center Amphitheater given by the Ballet Ariel with the music provided by the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. This was a different ballet performance in that it depicted the history of pop music and […]

By Marc Shulgold Talk about strange bedfellows—Classical ballet and classic rock. Imagine Elvis crooning, “You can do anything but lay off of my pink point shoes.” But then, the Joffrey has danced to Prince songs, Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe enjoys a Beach Boys soundtrack. Locally, Ballet Nouveau Colorado has danced to Queen, among others. So […]