FIRST LOOK: LA Ballet Announces its 2016/2017 Season

Los Angeles Ballet's history-making 2015/2016 tenth season enjoyed sold-out, critically acclaimed performances, and the dance troupe became the first American company to present famed choreographer's Sir Frederick Ashton's "Romeo and Juliet" in the United States.

It was a momentous production and a perfect way to end the season of classic romantic ballets presented with intricate choreography, glorious costumes, and technically perfect performances by all lead dancers. And of course you wish Juliet would wake up five minutes sooner to save Romeo from taking his life, fully knowing that will never happen. Even so, their failed romance remains one of the greatest love stories ever told.

LA Ballet's upcoming 2016/2017 Season launches their second decade and embraces the full-length classical ballets, the Balanchine repertoire that so revolutionized the dance world, and the commitment to identify, nurture and present both emerging and world-renowned choreographers. Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary have announced the next season includes two full-length story ballets, the family-friendly comic ballet "Coppelia" and the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" and two mixed bill programs, "Modernists /Directors' Choice" and "Balanchine/Master of the Dance." The upcoming season will also reintroduce pre-performance discussions, hosted by Christensen and Neary and their guests (at select performances).

Continuing LAB's mission to offer world-class professional ballet to greater Los Angeles, its programs are performed at LAB's home theaters: UCLA's Royce Hall, Glendale's Alex Theatre, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Modernists / Directors Choice
October 8-29, 2016

Balanchine and Stravinsky make 'modern' eternal in Stravinsky Violin Concerto, plus Los Angeles Ballet premieres works by Aszure Barton and Alejandro Cerrudo, two of today's most compelling contemporary choreographers. Performances take place at the Alex Theatre Saturday, October 8 at 7:30pm, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm, and Royce Hall, UCLA Saturday, October 29 at 7:30pm

The Nutcracker - An LAB Original Production
December 2016

An L.A. tradition, "The Nutcracker" is perfect for children, family and friends! Set on Christmas Eve in L.A. in 1912, Clara dreams of faraway lands, snow-covered landscapes and a most memorable Mouse King. Special appearances by dancers and Santa Claus at each performance. Performances take place at the Alex Theatre on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 4 at 2:00pm; the Dolby Theatre on Saturday, December 10 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm Sunday, December 11 at 1pm; Royce Hall, UCLA on Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm Saturday, December 17 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday, December 18at 1:00pm and 5:00pm; and the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Thursday, December 22 at 7:30pm Friday, December 23 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 24 at 11:00am and 3:00 pm.

Coppelia - An LAB World Premiere
March 2017

Based on E.T.A. Hoffman's enchanting story of an eccentric toymaker and his lifelike mechanical doll, "Coppelia" is filled with humor and expressive mime. Love triumphs over all in this comedy of mistaken identity. The finale is the breathtaking marriage of Swanhilda and Franz. Performances take place at the Alex Theatre on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30pm; the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 18 at 7:30pm; Royce Hall at UCLA on Sunday, March 26 at 2:00pm.

Balanchine - Master of the Dance
May/June 2017

George Balanchine captures Mozart in the crystalline Divertimento No. 15, an LAB Premiere, and expresses the playful spirit of Gershwin in Who Cares? Haunting in its beauty and pathos, Prodigal Son is as meaningful today in its debut for the Ballets Russes in 1928. Performances take place at the Alex Theatre on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30pm, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 27 at 7:30pm; Royce Hall at UCLA on Saturday, June 3 at 7:30pm.

Tickets for all performances run $31.00 - $99.00, with students, children, seniors, and military receiving a 20% discount. Early Purchase Subscriptions on sale beginning May 23, 2016. Single Tickets and Regularly-Priced Subscriptions on sale June 20, 2016. Box Office Phone: 310-998-7782; Website http://www.losangelesballet.org

Order your tickets now and share the incredible artistry of the Los Angeles Ballet with your entire family. It's never too early to appreciate the beauty of classic ballet onstage!

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