BWW Previews: Alexandra Ballet Performs GISELLE at the TOUHILL This Weekend
By: Chris Gibson Feb. 21, 2015
St. Louis will celebrate ballet legend Miss Alexandra Zaharias this weekend, February 21-22 with A Sapphire Celebration and the masterpiece of the Romantic Era, Giselle, at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. The Saturday, February 21st celebration will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with alumni followed by a World Premiere viewing of the documentary tribute: Miss A. The Gift of Grace: A Documentary before Alexandra Ballet Company's (ABC) endearing performance of Giselle (view the trailer here).
Returning to St. Louis to reprise the title role, is professional dancer, actress and ABC alum Georgia Reed. Ms. Reed is also the director of the documentary premiering during this weekend event. She is returning to perform the role of Giselle on stage after suffering a debilitating injury before she was originally scheduled to perform the very same role in 1999. "I never gave up on my dream that one day, I might get another chance to perform this beautiful role." While researching for the role of a blind dancer in 2013, she realized "There's no excuse not to dance." After a successful crowd-funding campaign, she began training to take the stage as Giselle, "one of the most challenging and magical roles in ballet." It is Ms. Reed's hope to "inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter what others may say."
Miss Alexandra's illustrious career has included: studying with the American Ballet in NYC under the legendary George Balanchine; attending National Academy of Ballet; receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Regional Dance July 2014; receiving the Hellenic American Achievement Award in 1991; acting as President of National Society of Arts and Letters (STL chapter) & Regional Dance America/Mid-States as well as the Historian for their National Board; acting as a dance panelist for the Missouri Arts Council & Regional Arts Commission of STL; being honored by the Arts & Education Council of Greater STL in 1999 (more info here).Miss A. The Gift of Grace: A Documentary shows how one woman changed the lives of thousands of students through the art of dance - all from a small studio in St. Louis, MO. Miss A has been training dancers since 1949 from her studio in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. While many of her students have gone on to become professional dancers all over the world, many more have gone on to other career paths - but the education, discipline, music appreciation, grace, and good posture Miss A. taught at her school affected each and every one of her pupils. She made a positive contribution not only to her community, but to the world, through the art of dance. Those interviewed in the documentary regarding her influence include principal dancers from several major dance companies across the country (ie: American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Metropolitan Opera NYC), a California Superior Court judge, Broadway actress and Quincy, IL native Christina Saffran and many more.
Giselle - February 20-22, 2015
Touhill Performing Arts Center
Tickets are: $10-45
The talented dancers of Alexandra Ballet will present this masterpiece of the Romantic Era at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. This poignant story is about an innocent peasant girl who grants protection and mercy to the man who betrays her. Music by Adolphe Adam and restaging by internationally-renowned choreographer Marek Cholewa. Performing the feature role of Giselle will be Alexandra Ballet Alumna Georgia Reed. Special guest artist Brian Grant will dance the role of Albrecht.
The weekend also includes "A Sapphire Celebration", honoring Ms. Zaharias's 65th year of teaching. This special evening begins with a meet-and-greet with scores of Alexandra Ballet alumni from around the world. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, then watch the debut screening of the documentary tribute, Miss A. The Gift of Grace: A Documentary chronicling her incredible journey to this career milestone, featuring photos and interviews with many of her former students, dancers and colleagues, followed by Alexandra Ballet's endearing performance of Giselle. Reservations for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration can only be made by calling Alexandra Ballet at 314.469.6222 before February14th. Ticket and reception cost $45. You won't want to miss this memorable evening, so don't delay, call today!
A school performance is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday, February 20. Please call the studio at 314.469.6222 to reserve seats for your school.
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