Submitted. Shakespeare’s play is delightfully re-imagined in new, full-length ballet Coastal City Ballet, a pre-professional ballet company established in the fall of 2011, presents a newly commissioned choreographic vision of Shakespeare’s
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, May 5 at 7:30pm at The ACT in Maple Ridge and May 7 at 7:30pm at The Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. Set to Felix Mendelssohn’s beautiful music, the enchanting full-length ballet is choreographed by Irene Schneider, former Artistic Director of Germany’s Magdeburg Ballet, and features students from throughout the Lower Mainland.
“Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is among his most beloved plays,” says Li
Yaming, CCB Artistic Director. “His beautiful words dance on the page with their depictions of impassioned lovers, graceful fairies, and harrowing forest chases. With this production, we aim to translate the elegance of his language into the joyous, expressive form that is dance.”
Perfect for families and children of all ages, Coastal City Ballet’s full-length version of the adventurous tale features lavish sets, spritely costumes, and Felix Mendelssohn’s utterly enchanting score.
The ballet will be brought to life by the Coastal City Ballet company dancers, as well as local dance students from throughout the Lower Mainland.
The ballet’s story is one of magic, mischief, and mistaken identities.
Two sets of lovers have fled the city for the forest where they become entangled in a lover’s quarrel between the Fairy King and Queen.
Matters swiftly become more complicated with the introduction of the incorrigible Puck, a haphazardly applied love potion, and a crew of rough craftsmen attempting to rehearse a play. In the end, naturally, love conquers all and each character enjoys their happy ending.
To create the playful, magical work, Coastal City Ballet has commissioned Irene Schneider, former Artistic Director of Germany’s Magdeburg Ballet. Schneider previously worked with Coastal City Ballet when she created last year’s production of Hansel and Gretel, which played to audience acclaim in Maple Ridge and North Vancouver.
An Interview With Miguel Nguyen
TM: What would you say you get out of dance? Why is it rewarding?
Miguel Nguyen
Miguel Nguyen: Dance is an art form that is very difficult but equally as rewarding as it offers the opportunity to express oneself in a very aesthetically pleasing fashion. I would say the best reward is the one that comes on the side of all the hard work; the effects outside of the classroom. All the hard work put in the classroom ends up reflecting on your physical appearance and in your personality and, hence, your confidence level is enhances and you just, put simply, feel good.
TM: Why ballet and not jazz, contemporary or hip hop?
MN: Ballet is an art form that will never die. It is the only dance style that has lasted time and history. I believe in preserving history, and as an artist I can best show this through classical dance. For example, Justin Bieber is a megastar for our generation but in 20 years, people may forget him but for ballet, we keep the same choreography and music that was set centuries ago, this preserving history and remembering/refreshing an elegant art style.
TM What do you like most about Coastal City Ballet
MN: It’s one of the best pre-professional ballet schools in Canada, with many helpful teachers and a great repertoire, the experience here is incomparable. It also helps the experience when everyone is friendly and kind…and also good looking! Best collection of beautiful people in B.C.
TM: If you could say anything you want to the world what would you say?
MN: Just do ballet…you’ll realize how awesome it is once you try it…and also I guess I can personally say Canada is pretty awesome!
Cover Photo: Langley’s Kaela Willey
About Coastal City Ballet
Coastal City Ballet is a pre-professional ballet company located in Vancouver, BC,
providing young aspiring dancers with professional-level performance and training
opportunities in preparation for a career in dance.
Company members maintain a rigorous training schedule modeled on that of professional ballet company with daily class, rehearsals, and scheduled performances throughout the season.
Coastal City Ballet’s repertoire includes neoclassical and classical ballet commissions, as well the development of story ballets, and contemporary works.
The artistic staff is led by Artistic Director Li Yaming, and is comprised of well-known and highly respected dance professionals from throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Coastal City Ballet is honored to have Johnny W. Chang, of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, among others, on its Artistic Advisory Committee.