Cinderella comes to Halifax with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen and Symphony Nova Scotia!

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“A classic refreshed.” – The National Post

“A honey of a production – one that brings magic back to the ballet stage.” – The Hamilton Spectator

“Ballet Jörgen makes Cinderella sparkle.” – The London Free Press

Experience the drama and romance of Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella live in Halifax!

This breathtaking production, presented by one of Canada’s premier ballet companies, has been showcased in cities across Canada to critical acclaim. Critics have called it “a classic refreshed” (National Post) that’s “destined to live happily ever after” (The Globe and Mail).

And now, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is bringing Cinderella to Halifax for two spectacular performances with Symphony Nova Scotia on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Featuring over 16 dancers, lavish costumes, elegant sets, and the live accompaniment of Symphony Nova Scotia playing Prokofiev’s brilliant score, this production is an exhilarating event for the entire family.

“We want to spark people’s imaginations,” says Bengt Jörgen, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Artistic Director.

“We want to open up a whole other dimension with art – that’s what it’s all about. Live music and dance touches people… when it’s done right, there’s nothing like it.”

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s version of this timeless tale includes the many familiar themes that are beloved by audiences around the world – including deliciously wicked stepsisters, enchanting fairies, a miraculous trip to the ball, and a whirlwind fantasy romance that ends with true love.

However, this retelling also includes some elements that hearken back to the story’s earliest beginnings.

“Cinderella is a timeless story that has been with us since the Pharaohs of Egypt,” says Jörgen.

“Over the ages, it has been re-told and re-shaped by cultures around the world. I was struck and inspired by the simple beauty and common themes of the many versions of Cinderella, and I’ve tried to capture some of the qualities from earlier stories in our production.”

A special treat for Halifax audiences will be the appearance of Dartmouth native Hannah Mae Cruddas, who will be dancing the role of the Lead Fairy. Hannah Mae has danced with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen since 2011, and is very familiar to Halifax audiences through her multiple performances here at home. Most recently, Hannah Mae danced the role of Clara this past December in Symphony Nova Scotia’s annual production of The Nutcracker.

Each performance of Cinderella will also feature four young local dancers, chosen as part of Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Local Participant Program. These dancers are assembled from local area students, based on either recommendations or auditions, and will dance the roles of Ballroom Attendants and Tree Fairies. Applications can be submitted online here, and the deadline for applications is Friday, April 3.

Cinderella will also be performed for local schools with a special Student Matinee on Friday, April 17 at 10:30 am. Tickets are $12.75 each for students, and are available at 902.494.6406. For more information, click here.

Other local community engagement by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen will include classes at local dance schools, including Coastal Dance, the Maritime Conservatory, and Maritime Dance Academy. Halifax Dance will also host ten master classes for interested students on Sunday, April 19. To register, please click here.

Both performances of Cinderella will be conducted by American conductor Arthur Post, and will feature Symphony Nova Scotia’s full orchestra performing live in the orchestra pit at the Rebecca Cohn. This will be the orchestra’s first performance of Cinderella since 2005.

“We are so happy and delighted about our involvement with Symphony Nova Scotia and the Halifax community,” says Jörgen.

“Cinderella is one of our most successful works, and to be able to do it live with Symphony Nova Scotia is a wonderful experience. I would encourage anyone to take the opportunity to see this production.”

This performance is made possible with the generous support of Ballet Jörgen’s Season Sponsor, RBC Wealth Management, and Cinderella’s National Presenting Partner, BMO Financial Group.

Tickets are available now! Prices range from $35-69 (HST included). Or, you can pick up a ticket package and save up to 30%. Call 902.494.3820 or visit symphonynovascotia.ca.

About Canada’s Ballet Jörgen
Canada’s Ballet Jörgen builds communities across Canada through the shared experience of professional ballet. Reaching every province with over 600 events annually, we ensure communities large and small, urban and rural have access to a ballet experience that is recognized for its innovation, warmth, and beauty. Inspiring and connecting with Canadians for over 25 years, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen makes ballet and Canadian choreography a meaningful part of Canadians’ lives through performance, education, and community engagement.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 15,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is one of the most broadcast orchestras in the country, with over 20 commercial releases and multiple East Coast Music Awards. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or get tickets today!

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For more information, please contact:
Heidi MacPhee, Director of Communications and Marketing, Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.1300 x. 226 or [email protected]

 

 

From Bengt Jörgen, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Jörgen
“Canada’s Ballet Jörgen began 27 years ago with the desire to nurture creativity and perform original classical ballets that are accessible to all. Today, as we reach out across Canada, we believe more than ever in the power of classical ballet to communicate with contemporary audiences.

“I am very pleased to present one of our most popular ballets – Cinderella.
“Cinderella is a timeless story that has been with us since the Pharaohs of Egypt. Over the ages, it has been re-told and re-shaped… as with all great fairytales, good transcends evil and love is ‘forever after.’”

 

Get your tickets today!
Seating is limited for these performances, so contact the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office today.
Here’s how you can order tickets:

  • Phone: 902.494.3820 or 1.800.874.1669
  • Online: click here
  • In person: 6101 University Ave, Halifax
  • Hours: 12 pm to 6 pm weekdays

We hope to see you there!