It’s September fifth and we’re sharing the top five things you should know about our first production of the 21/22 season, The Jungle Book!
#1 Created by Eugene Ballet
The Jungle Book Ballet was inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s book and developed by Eugene Ballet’s Artistic Director, Toni Pimble. From start to completion the ballet took over three years, premiering in April 2013. Toni extracted the main storyline from Kipling’s book to create a streamlined synopsis that would be simple enough to convey the story in dance.
#2 Over 70 costumes 50 masks and 2 puppets
Eugene Ballet Company assembled a design team to create the scenery, costumes, masks, puppets, props, and lighting for this production. They created set designs for eight scenes and designed over 70 costumes, 50 masks, two large-scale puppets, the Mowgli child puppet as well as large-scale costumes such as Mao the peacock.
#3 Sensory Friendly performances
Orlando Ballet is thrilled to offer a Family & Sensory Friendly performance of this extraordinary production. The one-hour performance is specially designed for people of all ages and abilities. Adjustments to sound and lighting effects, including keeping the house lights dimly on, will be made. View the social story here.
#4 Intricate Masks
There are several incredible masks throughout The Jungle Book. These masks were inspired by the headdresses of the temple dancers of Thailand. The molds for the masks were created in clay and the final versions were formed out of a lighter material. They are worn like baseball caps giving the dancers uninhibited vision.
#5 Transforming the stage into a Jungle
The scenery throughout The Jungle Book creates a forest with moving set pieces to create a changing environment for the Council Rock, Wolf Den, Lost City, Indian Village, and Gorge. These sets were inspired in part by the work of Austrian artist, Hundertwasser.
Don’t miss The Jungle Book, October 7-10th at the Dr. Phillips Center. Purchase your tickets here.
See what else is happening at Orlando Ballet this month!
September 10 – Gentle BeMoved® is Orlando Ballet’s newest Community Enrichment dance program, designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. It is tailored to participants with limited mobility due to age, health, or injury. We are thrilled to bring this program to several City of Orlando community centers and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre! Orlando Ballet’s GentleBeMoved® program is generously sponsored by the City of Orlando. Classes at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre will be held every Friday through the month of September and ending October 1, from 9-10am. Classes are free of charge.
September 14 -Tickets still remain for the first Uncorked of the season. See our artistic team and a few Orlando Ballet dancers choreograph a new piece of work right in front of you. Get tickets here.
September 26– Registration is now open for a modern style Classe D’Excellence with Francie Huber! Francie is a former principal dancer with Paul Taylor Dance Company and has performed with other companies including Twyla Tharp Dance as well as her own solo works. This class is open to dancers ages 11+. Register.
