Spring Production: The Little Mermaid

December 18, 2018 by Canyon Concert Ballet

Immerse yourself in a mystical underwater world! Canyon Concert Ballet’s beautiful new ballet will re-imagine the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and take you on a journey beneath the waves. Blending Andersen’s poignant tale of longing and sacrifice and today’s popularized children’s version, adults and children alike are sure to be entertained.

Choreographed by Artistic Director, Alicia Laumann, and set in Renaissance Denmark (Anderson’s home country) Laumann’s unique contemporary ballet movement will be accompanied to an eclectic classical and Renaissance score befitting the story. You won’t want to miss this brand new lavish production!

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/little-mermaid

Lincoln Center Mainstage, 417 W. Magnolia Street

Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2pm and at 7pm

Saturday, April 28, 2019 at 2pm

Nutcracker 2018: Guest Artists Spotlight

November 19, 2018 by Canyon Concert Ballet

Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to introduce our 2018 guest artists for The Nutcracker, playing the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier:

Julia Erickson

Julia Erickson, originally from Seattle, received her training on scholarship with Pacific Northwest Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School. She has toured to Europe and Asia with PNB and danced with Texas Ballet Theater for two seasons prior to joining Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 2001. A longtime Principal Dancer with the company (she was promoted to Soloist in 2004 and to Principal in 2009) she recently left her position at PBT in November of this year to explore other opportunities. Among her principal roles, Julia has performed Swan Lake (Odette/Odile), La Bayadère (Nikiya), The Sleeping Beauty (Aurora, Lilac Fairy, Carabosse), La Sylphide (the Sylph), Le Corsaire (Gulnare), Diana and Acteon, and Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Western Symphony (4th Movement), Who Cares?, Prodigal Son, Sylvia Pas de Deux, Agon, and Serenade. She has also danced the roles of Lady Capulet in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, Myrtha in Giselle, “An Episode in his Past” in Antony Tudor’s Jardin Aux Lilas (Lilac Garden), the Wife in Jerome Robbins’ The Concert, Anita in his West Side Story Suite, and featured roles in Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena, Hyppolita), The Four Temperaments (2nd Theme) and Divertimento Number 15. Her contemporary repertory includes Paul Taylor’s Company B; Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Nine Sinatra Songs, and Octet; Robbins’ In The Night and Fancy Free; the Sylvie Guillem role in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort and Sinfonietta. In 2018 she was invited to perform at the Suzhou Ballet Gala in Suzhou, China. Julia has also been a member of Santa Monica, CA-based Barak Ballet since 2017 and has toured with them to the Joyce Theater in New York. She is the recipient of the 2014 BRAZZY Award for outstanding female dancer and is an entrepreneur and writer.

Christian Tworzyanski

Christian Tworzyanski was born December 8, 1984 in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. When he was two years old his family moved to South Carolina. He discovered his love for dance while attending Calvert Brodie Studios. At the age of fifteen he moved to New York City to study full time at the School of American Ballet. Upon graduating he was engaged as an apprentice with the New York City Ballet, and after a year he joined the company as a member of the corps de ballet. During his eleven years there he danced featured roles in numerous Balanchine and Robbins’ ballets. He also had the opportunity of working alongside choreographers including Christopher Wheeldon, Alexei Ratmansky, Benjamin Millepied, Wayne McGregor, Douglas Lee, Mauro Bigonzetti, and Justin Peck. In the fall of 2013 Christian joined Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, under the direction of Jean-Christophe Maillot, and within a year he was promoted to soloist. During his time with the company he had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Marco Goecke, Nacho Duato, Natalia Horecna, Jeroen Verbruggen, and Jean-Christophe Maillot. After spending five valuable years with the company, Christian has decided to return to New York where he will explore the world of freelancing. This is his fourth year to work as a répétiteur for Justin Peck and it has been a great and fulfilling experience doing so!

About The Nutcracker!

The Nutcracker follows a young girl, Clara, through her adventures on Christmas Eve during a party visited by her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. Life size dolls and toy soldiers create an evening that grows even more fantastical as she falls asleep and witnesses toy soldiers battling mice and rats. A journey through the Land of Snow leads her to a world led by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and filled with dancing candies and sweets performing for her and her soldier prince.

“We are so excited to present The Nutcracker once again for the Northern Colorado community”, says executive director, Jenna Riedi, “And in addition to our usual fabulous weekend of performances, we are including two additional opportunities to enjoy and celebrate this amazing holiday tradition: an abbreviated Nutcracker for those looking for a shorter experience, and a Nutcracker Tea!”

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents: 37^th Annual The Nutcracker

Lincoln Center Main Stage

Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7pm
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2pm and at 7pm
Sunday, December 9 at 1pm and at 6pm

Tickets: $28 – $35

Canyon Concert Ballet presents their 37th annual production of The Nutcracker ballet. With a dazzling score by Tchaikovsky performed by the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, this is a rare chance to see a classical ballet accompanied by a live, full orchestra in Fort Collins. This iconic holiday story is sure to please audiences of all ages with mystery, battles, and beautiful ballerinas in sparkling tutus. In addition to the Fort Collins Symphony, Canyon Concert Ballet also welcomes guest artists to play the Sugar Plum and her Cavalier.

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-37th-annual

Bundle with The Little Mermaid and save! https://www.lctix.com/ccb-season-package

In additional to the full production, Canyon Concert Ballet has added two exciting new opportunities around this fabulous holiday tradition:

Educational The Nutcracker Matinees

Lincoln Center Main Stage

Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11am and at 2pm

Tickets: $15 – $20

Experience The Nutcracker in one hour in these condensed matinee shows for the young and young at heart! These performances are perfect for young families, those who have never experienced a ballet production before, and anyone who would enjoy a shorter show that still tells the beautiful story of Clara and her Nutcracker! Please note, these shows will not feature the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-educational-matinee

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Tea

Lincoln Center Columbine Room

Saturday, December 8 from 12:30-1:30pm

Tickets: $20 – $25

Enjoy an afternoon High Tea with music, photos with Nutcracker dancers, prize drawings, and of course and assortment of pastries, fruit, cakes, and wonderful teas provided by Happy Lucky’s Teahouse. Guests are encouraged to dress up and bring their favorite doll to join them. Bundle with The Nutcracker performance at 2pm for a discount!

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-tea

Bundle with The Nutcracker Ballet and save: https://tickets.lctix.com/BundlePurchase_Qty.asp?BundleID=71

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents: 37th Annual The Nutcracker

October 22, 2018 by Canyon Concert Ballet

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents: 37^th Annual The Nutcracker

Lincoln Center Main Stage

Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7pm
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2pm and at 7pm
Sunday, December 9 at 1pm and at 6pm

Tickets: $28 – $35

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-37th-annual

Bundle with The Little Mermaid and save! https://www.lctix.com/ccb-season-package

In additional to the full production, Canyon Concert Ballet has added two exciting new opportunities around this fabulous holiday tradition:

Educational The Nutcracker Matinees

Lincoln Center Main Stage

Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11am and at 2pm

Tickets: $15 – $20

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-educational-matinee

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Tea

Lincoln Center Columbine Room

Saturday, December 8 from 12:30-1:30pm

Tickets: $20 – $25

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.lctix.com/nutcracker-tea

Bundle with The Nutcracker Ballet and save: https://tickets.lctix.com/BundlePurchase_Qty.asp?BundleID=71

Ballet & Beer: Collaboration with Larimer Chorale

October 7, 2018 by Canyon Concert Ballet

Singers from Larimer Chorale and pianist Alice Crawford will be performing the “Court of Love” from Carmina Burana at our Second Annual Ballet & Beer production on Thursday, October 11. We are so honored to partner with them! We sat down with Larimer Chorale Artistic Director, Michael Todd Krueger, to learn more about Carmina Burana, why it is a must experience, and some fun tidbits about him!

You have directed the Larimer Chorale in “Carmina Burana” quite a few times over the years. What makes Carmina a regular part of your repertoire?

Audiences love the energized, pulsating rhythms of the piece. Many of the movements slowly build to raucous conclusions and the audience is caught up in that inertia! It’s so exciting!

What does it feel like to stand in front of your 120 person chorus while you are directing Carmina?

It’s an amazing feeling … the power of all of those voices … each unique and wonderful in their own way. It’s one of the best jobs anyone could have!

What is your favorite section of Carmina – if you had to choose?

It’s hard to choose. Probably, No. 10 – Were diu werlt alle min: “If all the world were mine from the sea to the Rhine, I would do without it if the Queen of England would lie in my arms. Hey!” It’s so incredibly joyful and serves as the finale to Part I … I love it.

Aside from Carmina, what is your favorite piece to direct?

I have a real fondness for Brahms so I would answer Brahms Requiem.

What is your favorite restaurant in Fort Collins?

Coopersmith’s. I love their beer and their pub food AND their desserts! For a more traditional restaurant, I really like Blue Agave.

More about Michael Todd Krueger:

After a distinguished career teaching at the college and university levels, Michael Todd Krueger has dedicated himself to the cause of the adult, avocational singer. He currently serves as conductor and artistic director of the Larimer Chorale, music director of Voices West (formerly Littleton Chorale) and as minister of music at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada. Through his work with these choruses, he is known for his healthy, inspiring and unique approach to singing for adults

Dr. Krueger earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Luther College and the Master of Music degree in trumpet performance and jazz studies from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley (UNC). He subsequently earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting and vocal studies from the University of Illinois. He has served on the music faculties of Ithaca College, Morningside College, Millikin University, and the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Krueger is a former resident member of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Shaw Festival Singers. He has also performed with the Grammy-nominated UNC Axidentals Vocal Jazz Sextet directed by the legendary jazz educator, Gene Aitken. He has conducted all-state, honor choir, and choral festival performances for singers of all ages throughout North and South America and Europe and has led numerous concert tours to the many cultural centers of Europe.

Ballet & Beer: Guest Artists Feature

October 3, 2018 by Canyon Concert Ballet

CSU Dance Faculty, Madeline and Matthew Harvey, will be performing their piece “Temptation” at our Second Annual Ballet & Beer production on Thursday, October 11. We are so honored to partner with them, read on to learn more about their dance experiences, life in Fort Collins, and fun tidbits about how they prepare for a show!

You are both new to Fort Collins, in your 2nd year teaching and dancing in Fort Collins at CSU. Where did you move from and how has the transition been? How are you enjoying your new dance lives here in NoCo?

We moved to Fort Collins after spending the last nine years in South Carolina. We love the culture here – everyone seems so friendly and sincere. While I (Matthew) appreciate a winter more similar to those of my childhood in Pennsylvania, Madeline is still adjusting to the colder weather. We feel lucky to have found a place where we can teach, choreograph and perform. We have so much respect for local dance companies and are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists in the NoCo community!

How long have you both been choreographing together? Can you tell us something about your process?

Despite having choreographed more than one hundred works combined, and having performed in each other’s choreography, we have only co-created a handful of pieces. So far, our collaborative processes have been seamless. In fact, it is often difficult to distinguish who is responsible for specific movement vocabulary or ideas. I think having partnered together for over twelve years helped to build this intuitive understanding of one another in the studio.

What’s your favorite thing about working together?

The dedicated time to connect on such deep mental, physical, and emotional levels. The camaraderie is great too! If only we had an outtakes reel… some of the most memorable studio moments are when something totally unpredictable happens that sends us from intense concentration into hysterical laughter.

Aside from one another, who would you most like to have the opportunity to dance with?

Madeline – I would secretly love the opportunity to share the stage with Judy Bejarano, Artistic Director of IMPACT. It is inspiring to watch her create and demonstrate her choreography – I think it would be great fun to perform a duet with her one day. Matthew – I can’t say there is any specific person I would like to perform with, just some repertoire and styles that I would enjoy workshopping.

How do you prepare the day of a performance?

Madeline – Most of my performance days are spent trying to remember to breathe. I find comfort in a set order of events – I like to do my hair first, then make-up, then warm up. For some reason I like to eat a breakfast sandwich on show days, and I can usually be found wearing my sock monkey onesie backstage. Matthew – Whether it’s songs that energize or relax me, I have to listen to music on show days. I don’t get outwardly nervous, but I prefer to stay more meditative while preparing before a performance. I eat, brush my teeth, do my make up, wash my hands, then put on my costume. I come to the theatre packed for the week and then slowly move out over the course of the run.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Fort Collins?

There are so many excellent restaurants in Fort Collins, but Lucille’s (especially for their beignets) is at the top of my (Madeline’s) list. Matthew loves Snooze!

Spring Production: The Little Mermaid