California DanceArts Blog

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING!

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING!

A heavy snow storm is expected to hit Glendale, California THIS WEEKEND. The wrath of the Snow Queen (Alyssa Thompson) is great and mighty, and the weather center announced today that we may be in for one of the longest-running storms in history, lasting many years!

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Snow Queen is under the alluring spell of a mystical and magical mirror that was created by an Evil Sorceress (Kayla Stepanian). The storm will begin with tiny delicate snowflakes, gathering momentum before the flooding begins to overtake the River (performed by California Contemporary Youth Ballet). We predict that the floods will be very strong and we advise the Enchantress (Amanda Hart) to protect her garden and to take extra care of the delicate Rose (Ellery Bute).

Flights are restricted to the north and any aircraft and particularly birds, such as The Crow (Zsolt Banki) and his Sweetheart (Holly Pace), are advised to remain grounded until show time. To the northeast, below-zero temperatures may cause widespread mischief, and any gypsy man, Gypsy Woman (Kayla Stepanian) or Gypsy Girl (Julia Houser) should take cover. There is also much concern about Forest Nymphs (Monika Beuzet) and forest creatures, particularly the smaller delicate animals. However, many of the ferocious Wolves, Panthers and Bears are well-clothed, and they should prove strong enough to adapt to such conditions.

While travel advisories are in place, animals such as our Reindeer (Zsolt Banki and Holly Pace) certainly will not be affected by the cold and experts agree that such animals provide good protection and ideal companionship if forced to travel during the storm. There is much discussion in the village regarding sightings of two Guardian Angels--the Angel of Guidance (Kate Bonham) and the Angel of Enlightenment (Ellie Peterson). Fearing the storm, many are praying that the Guradian Angels will find a way to protect the entire village and deliver us all from the storm as soon as possible.

While taking steps to secure the castle, the Prince (Nick Zerman) and Princess (Isabella Bunting) are rumored to be optimistic that the storm will avoid the area... since the sun always shines at the castle. The royal couple has already sent invitations to all of their constituents throughout the countryside to take cover at the castle, just in case any townsfolk need a safe haven. Invitations delivered personally by the Coachman (Alex Cordebard) include a celebration, once the storm breaks. 

During the storm, Randy Tobin's newly enhanced musical composition will provide dramatic thunder bolts, while we hope Erin Holt's choreography will deliver enough magic and love between our new sweethearts, Gerda (Kelinda White) and Kai (Rob Westin) , enabling them to brave through and eventually defeat the storm. We all know that the power of love is very strong and can defeat anything.

Don't miss The Snow Queen 2011!

Presented by California Contemporary Ballet

Performed at Glendale Community College
1500 N. Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208

December 16 at 7:30pm
December 17 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
December 18 at 2:00pm

Tickets can be purchased at www.snowqueenballet.com. Tickets purchased in advance: $25 for adults, $20 for child; tickets purchase at the door: $30 for adults, $25 for child. Group rates available. For more information, call California DanceArts 818-790-7924 or visit www.calballet.com.

The 14th Seasonal Presentation of California Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen

Once upon a time, there was a wicked magician. He fashioned a mirror with the power to make all that was good and beautiful reflect in the mirror as mean and wicked.

Alas, the unthinkable happened…the mirror was shattered into a million tiny pieces, swept up by the wind, and then spread throughout the land, affecting the unsuspecting townsfolk. The Snow Queen, creator of the winter wind and snow, was also profoundly affected as the tiny slivers of mirror lodged into her very soul. Dark times soon followed….

Welcome to California Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen!

Embark on an incredible journey of two dear friends, Kai and Gerda. Discover fascinating characters as the classic tale is brought to life. Meet the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl, Gypsy Boy, Crows, and enjoy the beautiful dance of the Prince and Princess, performing a grand pas de deux. Follow Gerda as she experiences perilous obstacles, and in the end, rejoice in the celebration of a town freed at last from the mirror’s evil spell. Open yourself to the world of the Snow Queen who reverses the old tragedy and brings tears of joy to an entire village!

Performed with the power and passion of California Contemporary Ballet, it's an extraordinary blend of aerial arts, gymnastics, and a rich variety of classical ballet and contemporary dance that spin the emotional story to its surprising and delightful conclusion.

Brought to life by the creative vision of the company's Artistic Director and choreographer, Erin Holt, The Snow Queen Ballet is presented with an original, moving musical score by Randall Michael Tobin.

Los Angeles Times raves,“California Contemporary Ballet's show stands out… Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.”

Now in its 14th season, The Snow Queen has become the newest ballet tradition. Its seasonal performances already a hit with audiences, California Contemporary Ballet’s version of this Hans Christian Andersen tale of goodness versus evil has become a wintertime classic with which you will surely fall in love.

Performances are Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 17 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 18 at 2:00pm at the Glendale Community College Theater (1500 N. Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208). Tickets can be purchased at www.snowqueenballet.com. Advance tickets: $25 adults/$20 children; At the door: $30 adults/$25 children. Group rates available. For more information, call California DanceArts 818-790-7924.

Winter Is Coming: California Contemporary Ballet Presents The Snow Queen

What people are saying...

Los Angeles Times raves,“California Contemporary Ballet's show stands out…Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” “Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.”

The Snow Queen was enthralling! It was delicious, technically spellbinding, a holiday miracle of beauty for the senses and the soul! I've attended each and every year's ballet, but this year topped them all! What was already perfect was retained but the improvements were truly icing on the cake. The music is gorgeous, the dancing took my breath away. Christmas doesn't start until we see The Snow Queen! --C.W.

I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed the show. The professionalism of the company is awesome. No one holds back, from the tiniest Snowflake to the most mature Snow Queen. I loved the character Gerda's performance. She was totally alive, like a light throughout...not one dull spot, always creating the essence of the character, always glowing. The Prince and Princess set a standard of excellence in classical technique that rivals the best of companies in the world. --A.P.

Experience the magic of the Snow Queen, the creator of winter wind and snow. Based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, this wintertime tale can’t be missed!

Bring the entire family to experience the adventures of young Gerda as she persists to save her best friend Kai. Meet the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl, Gypsy Boy, Crows and enjoy the Prince and Princess as they perform a grand pas de deux. Open yourself to the world of the Snow Queen as she reverses an old tragedy and brings tears of joy to an entire village.

With an extraordinary blend of Aerial arts, gymnastics and a rich variety of classical ballet and contemporary dance that spin the emotional story to its surprising and delightful conclusion--from the most distinguished Princess to the tiniest Snowflake, the 2011 cast performs with power and passion.

The Snow Queen, now in its 14th season, has become the newest ballet tradition. Allow California Contemporary Ballet to give you a memorable and moving experience as they take you on a journey and transform you to the inner realm of The Snow Queen.