Coming off its highly successful 50th Anniversary celebration, Orlando Ballet announces another big, bold season of dance loaded with drama, romance, heartbreak, and live music as favorites like Romeo & Juliet and Jorden Morris’ Peter Pan deliver another extraordinary season of dance.
Our October opening begins with the world’s most beloved love story — Romeo & Juliet in a new collaboration with choreographer James Sofranko, artistic director at Grand Rapids Ballet. Sofranko’s captivating production of this lush and tragic love story will be accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in their live performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s musical score.
Central Florida’s holiday season will be especially bright because of Morris’ new and highly acclaimed family favorite The Nutcracker, to be performed throughout the month of December, followed in February by the highly anticipated return of Morris’ whimsically charming Peter Pan. In March, Orlando Ballet presents a celebration of American classics in its mixed repertoire program which includes an elegant nod to the 100th anniversary of the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company and the iconic choreographer’s signature Maple Leaf Rag. Graham’s visually stunning creation features a musical score by Scott Joplin and costumes designed by Calvin Klein.
This celebration of American choreography continues with George Balanchine’s Divertimento No.15, choreographed to music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whom Balanchine revered. Balanchine believed the pairing of his intricate choreography to Mozart’s music delivered a sense of peace and harmony to audiences. Amplifying the excitement, Alysa Pires, one of the most sought-after creators in ballet today, will present Skyward featuring 11 dancers who focus on movement and discipline – showcasing the very heart and soul dance.
And just as it will start, the new season will end with another classic favorite; Giselle, a tale of love gone really wrong. When young Giselle dies, she is remembered by ghosts and evil spirits, keeping love alive no matter what. Also alive will be the fittingly haunting music of composer Adolphe Adam whose score will be performed live with the return of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Thanks to growing demand, three Uncorked programs — the intimate behind-the-curtain event with OB dancers — have been scheduled throughout the season.
Orlando Ballet is also thrilled to announce that Jorden Morris has agreed to a new contract for three more seasons with plans to lead the artistic company through even more imaginative and dynamic performances.
The company’s 50th season has served as an important benchmark for the organization.
“We are here because we dream big and we are operationally disciplined,” said Jonathan Ledden, president of the Orlando Ballet Board of Directors. “Orlando Ballet is poised for a strong and stunning future and eloquently represents the power and value of thriving performing arts in a growing community. So much of the credit goes to Jorden’s imagination and ability to execute. We really could not be happier about his past three seasons and even more so for the three new seasons ahead.”
Morris’ enthusiasm for the new season is clear. “Central Florida’s audience has continued to evolve with more people experiencing and enjoying the variety and marvel of ballet and dance for the first time,” Morris said. “Dance is for everyone. That’s pretty obvious on social media, which is why I want people to know that everyone is welcome here to experience all kinds of remarkable dance and artistry. It’s just good fun.”
SEASON SCHEDULE:
Romeo & Juliet
October 17 – 20, 2024
With special guest: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Choreography: James Sofranko
Score: Sergei Prokofiev
The Nutcracker
December 6 – 23, 2024
Choreography: Artistic Director, Jorden Morris
Score: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Peter Pan
February 20 – 23, 2025
Choreography: Artistic Director, Jorden Morris
Score: Various Artists
Mixed Repertoire: American Classics
March 27 – 30, 2025
George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15
Choreography: George Balanchine
Score: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Martha Graham’s Maple Leaf Rag
Choreography: Martha Graham
Score: Scott Joplin
Alysa Pires’ Skyward
Choreography: Alysa Pires
Score: Nico Muhly, Robert Honstein, Bryce Dessner, David Lang
Giselle
May 1 – 4, 2025
With special guest: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Staging: Orlando Ballet Artistic Team
Score: Adolphe Adam
Uncorked
September 26, November 7, January 3
Experience an up-close encounter with the Orlando Ballet Company Dancers and Artistic Leadership in a not-so sneak peek behind the curtain. Enjoy a glimpse into the world of professional dancers and choreographers as they construct a ballet work in real time, right before your eyes, all through an informal “behind the curtain” setting at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre.
Season subscriptions are on sale now at www.orlandoballet.org.
