The Hampton Ballet Theatre School To Present Eclectic Mix Of Performances This Spring

Springttime is finally here, which means it’s time for the Hampton Ballet Theatre School (HBTS) to present their annual Spring 2019 ballet performance. The eclectic mixed program will include Les Sylphides, Mendelara, and the Littlest Mermaid. Shows will take place on Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. at Guild Hall’s John Drew Theater in East Hampton.

“Our HBTS Spring Ballet performance is an eclectic mix of dance styles,” Sara Jo Strickland, HBTS Director, noted. “We have three ballets. Les Sylphides is a ballet ‘blanc’ which premiered in 1909. Mendelara is a contemporary ballet, all pure dancing, challenging and en pointe. Both these ballets will feature the more advanced dancers in the school.”

Les Sylphides is a short non-narrative romantic ballet, a “ballet blanc” originally choreographed by Michael Fokine with music by Frederic Chopin. The ballet premiered in 1907 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg by the Ballets Russes. Strickland has staged this ballet with the Professional Level 6 and 7 students of HBTS and guest artist Nick Peregrino.

Mendelara is a modern ballet en pointe choreographed by Strickland’s mentor and teacher, Aras Ames, and is staged for the Professional Level 7 students of HBTS.

The Littlest Mermaid is a ballet originally conceived and choreographed by Strickland and features all the students of the Hampton Ballet Theatre School, as well as guest artist Nick Peregrino. The story takes place in a kingdom under the sea, featuring a mermaid princess, seahorses, sharks, crabs, merwitches and all types of wondrous sea creatures that bring Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale to life. Apart from the phenomenal acting, there will also be memorable whimsical costumes that are designed by Yuka Silvera. Luminescent lighting, designed by Sebastian Paczynski, will stun and a seaworthy set design is by Strickland.

“As director, I am so excited that we are able to showcase these older dancers’ incredible talents,” Strickland noted. “The Littlest Mermaid will include all levels of HBTS and will delight everyone with the jazzy type dancing and colorful costumes. This Spring performance will be the most unique of HBTS’ Spring ballets.”

These performances are perfect for all ages, including children from age 3 and older. Advanced ticket prices range from $15 to $45 and day of performance prices range from $20 to $50 depending on the section. Premium orchestra, box and balcony seating and group rates (10 or more) are available for all performances.

Guild Hall’s John Drew Theater is located at 158 Main Street, East Hampton. To reserve tickets, visit hamptonballettheatreschool.com or call the ticket hotline at 1-888-933-4287.