NYTB's 'Once Upon a Ballet' Series to Feature THE NUTCRACKER, ALICE-IN-WONDERLAND FOLLIES and More

New York Theatre Ballet announces the 2017-18 Once Upon a BALLET Series. Based on beloved children's stories, these one-hour ballets are the perfect way to introduce children to the wonderful worlds of dance, music, visual art, and literature. In the intimate setting of Florence Gould Hall, audiences truly become part of the action!

The 2017/2018 series includes three of the company's most popular ballets:

Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th Street, NYC

December 15-17, 2017

From clockwork imps to a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks, this timeless, re-imagined classic bursts with energy and excitement. This holiday ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, is set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907 with innovative choreography by long-time NYTB choreographer, Keith Michael; set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith; and costumes by Resident Costume Designer of the Metropolitan Opera, Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan.

Mother GOOSE! at Florence Gould Hall

February 10 & 11, 2018

The wit, wisdom, and whimsy of a lively baker's dozen of Mother Goose characters. They literally leap from the page to the stage to stir the imagination of the young and the young-of-heart - just as they have for centuries! Choreography by Keith Michael.

The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies at Florence Gould Hall

April 28 & 29, 2018

Follow Alice's adventures through Wonderland as she meets some of the most beloved characters in children's literature. Presented in a vaudeville setting, this eclectic ballet draws on many different dance forms - from Irish Step Dancing to African Juba to classical ballet - all of which combine to make a highly entertaining show. "...there is no more delightful or charming production to be found in New York City." -Broadway World. Choreography by Keith Michael.

Tickets are available at nytb.org/calendar-and-tickets.

New York Theatre Ballet (NYTB), founded in 1978 by artistic director Diana Byer, has been hailed by The New York Times as "an invaluable company." NYTB is dedicated to inspiring a love of dance in diverse audiences through performances of chamber ballet masterpieces and bold new works, as well as innovative one-hour ballets for children, all at affordable prices.

By pairing the ballets of legendary creators with those of contemporary visionaries, NYTB brings a new understanding and appreciation of dance. The approach to live performance for children is groundbreaking and unique. New York Theatre Ballet offers an annual series of hour-long ballets tailored to the attention span of young audience members, while offering high production values and clever choreography sophisticated enough for discerning parents.

NYTB is committed to reaching underserved audiences by performing in small cities throughout the U.S. Its professional school provides ballet training based on the Cecchetti syllabus. Classes are offered at affordable prices. Scholarships are awarded to talented homeless and underserved children along with support for well-rounded learning.