The Huntsville Ballet kicks off its 2022-2023 season with HBC Unplugged, scheduled for October 21 through October 23 and performed at the Rock Family Worship Center’s Dream Theater. This program features the world premiere of the Tumbleweed Suite. Inspired by George Balanchine and choreographed by Artistic Director Phillip Otto, this energetic new piece of choreography captures the spirit of the old west while infusing classical ballet with traditional western themes and American folk dancing.
Also featured in HBC Unplugged is Cafe Stories. Choreographed by Huntsville Ballet alumna Hannah Box, Café Stories takes a nostalgic look back at the coffee shop culture of the 1990s, exploring one coffee shop’s cast of characters during an open mic night. Inspired by childhood years spent listening to ‘90s alternative and grunge with her mother in the car, Cafe Stories is Box’s ode to the “raw but refined” energy of the ‘90s alternative scene that has been so personally influential.
Additional works will include the world-renowned pas de deux from Paquita, as well as Le Corps, an original work performed by Huntsville Ballet’s junior company. In 1847, Paquita was staged for the first time in Russia for the Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg by Marius Petipa and Pierre-Frédéric Malavergne, making it the first work ever staged by Petipa in Russia. Le Corps, a new modern work danced by Huntsville Ballet’s junior company, is choreographed by Cathy Curry, Huntsville Ballet’s Director of Outreach and Education, and set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky.
SHOWTIMES AND TICKET INFORMATION
- Friday, October 21 – 7:00PM
- Saturday, October 22 – @ 2:00PM and 7:00PM
- Sunday, October 23 – 3:00PM
To purchase tickets, click here or call 256-539-0961.
The Dream Theater is at 3401 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL 35816. Parking is free.
For more information, contact Huntsville Ballet at 256-539-0961 or by email at [email protected].
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Cathy Curry, Director of Outreach and Education for Huntsville Ballet, began her dance training in Huntsville. After being awarded a full scholarship, Ms. Curry received a BFA in Dance from Florida State University where she had the opportunity to study and perform with renowned faculty such as Suzanne Farrell, Buglisi/Foreman, Doug Varone, and Jowole Zollar, the director of Urban Bush Women.
Phillip Otto has served as Artistic Director for the Huntsville Ballet since 2008. Born in New York, Mr. Otto trained at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre School, and the Joffrey School, among others. As a child, Mr. Otto was a member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Children’s Chorus and danced with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, London’s Royal Ballet, the Stuttgart Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet. As an adult, Mr. Otto danced principal and soloists roles with Milwaukee Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Hannah Box is a proud alumna of Huntsville Ballet and is thrilled to return to Alabama for this creative endeavor. Hannah is currently pursuing her Master’s in Dance Teaching Artistry at Wayne State University. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BFA in Ballet Performance with Honors College distinction – Summa Cum Laude in 2019. Hannah is a member of the Dance Faculty at the Patel Conservatory (directed by Philip Neal) and is an Outreach Instructor for the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. She is also a freelance teacher, choreographer, and performer in the Tampa Bay.