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Michigan Ballet Academy will present ‘Don Quixote’ on April 13-14
By Adrienne Warber
Abigail Batts in “Don Quixote” – Photo by Dave Burgess, 616 Photography
West Michigan is home to many dance schools that offer opportunities for student dancers to perform in high quality productions. Michigan Ballet Academy, a classical ballet school specializing in the Vaganova method, is known for performing some of the community’s most impressive shows. Michigan Ballet Academy will present “Don Quixote,” in three performances on April 13-14 at Jenison Center for the Arts in Jenison, MI. Tickets are on sale now.
Michigan Ballet Academy’s ‘Don Quixote’
Dance fans of all ages should enjoy seeing Michigan Ballet Academy’s “Don Quixote.” This 50-minute long version of the famous ballet is restaged by Michigan Ballet Academy Artistic Director Irina Vassileni who adapted the choreography based on the original Marius Petipa choreography for Bolshoi set to the music of Ludwig Minkus. The original full-length “Don Quixote” ballet, based on the Novel “Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel Cervantes, was first performed by the Bolshoi Ballet at the Imperial Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia in 1869. Vassileni’s experience as a former Bolshoi Ballet dancer, as well as the school’s Vaganova Method specialty should help recreate the beauty of the original Petipa choreography. The show will feature colorful costumes, energetic dances, the beauty of Spain, and an entertaining story of mistaken identity with fascinating characters like a wayward knight and strong-minded maiden. Even the youngest members of the family should enjoy this short, lively version of the popular ballet.
Abigail Batts in “Don Quixote” – Photo by Dave Burgess, 616 Photography
The cast of 50 dancers are current Michigan Ballet Academy pre-professional students. The students have been preparing for this show since January. Teachers and parents have all worked together with the students during many long hours of rehearsals, costume creation and hard work to create an entertaining production the showcases cast talent.
Michigan Ballet Academy’s Classical Ballet Training
Michigan Ballet Academy performances truly demonstrate their high quality classical ballet training. Many members of the West Michigan community come out to their shows because they deliver enjoyable productions with lovely dancing. The Grand Rapids area school’s focus on the Vaganova methodology and syllabus with annual level tests provide strong classical ballet training. The Vaganova Method was developed by Russian ballerina and teacher Agrippina Vaganova in the early 1900s, and combines elements of French, Italian and Russian ballet techniques. Michigan Ballet Academy is one of a small number of classical ballet schools in the country that specialize in the Vaganova Method of classical ballet training. The Vaganova Method is the primary classical ballet style taught in Russia and danced by the Bolshi Ballet. The Artistic Director Irina Vassileni’s experience as a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and former Bolshoi Ballet dancer, guide the school’s strong classical ballet training and professional quality shows.
The school’s curriculum is divided into a Children’s Division for ages 3-8, a Pre-Professional Division for ages 9-19, and an Open Division for a more flexible schedule of classes. They also offer all boys ballet classes as well as character dancing, jazz and contemporary classes. There are currently about 100 students enrolled at Michigan Ballet Academy.
Abigail Batts and Francis Lawrence in “Don Quixote” – Photo by Dave Burgess, 616 Photography
Show Time and Ticket Information for ‘Don Quixote’
Michigan Ballet Academy will perform three shows of “Don Quixote” on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm, and Sunday, April 14 at 2:30 pm. The show will take place at the Jenison Center for the Arts, located at 8375 20th Ave Jenison, MI. The school will also hold a special event, the Don Quixote Tea Party on Sunday, April 14, at 1:00 pm. Tickets are available online for the shows and tea. For more information, please visit the school’s website or call the school at (616) 710-1666.