A Tribute to Classical Ballet 2018
"The Awakening of Flora"




The performance is dedicated to the 200th anniversary
​of French-Russian Choreographer Marius Petipa.
  
The Classical Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents A Tribute to Classical Ballet on Sunday, June 3rd to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of French/Russian choreographer Marius Petipa.  Beginning at5:00 PM at the Jim Rouse Theater in Columbia,  the show features the United States Premiere of Petipa’s The Awakening of Flora, as well as Jules Perrot’s Grand Pas De Quatre.  Under the direction of Founding Artistic Directors Svetlana Kravtsova and Vadim Pijicov, the program includes over 17 dances, including variations from Petipa's Le Corsaire, Talisman, Harlequinade and La Bayadere.
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This performance of   The Awakening of Flora provides a rare glimpse into excerpts from a Russian ballet never performed in this country.  Based on Greek and Roman mythology, Flora was originally choreographed in 1894 by Petipa to celebrate the marriage of Russian royalty in St. Petersburg.  Later, Anna Pavlova toured with the ballet around the world.  It was revived 11 years ago in Russia and is now restaged by Svetlana Kravtsova and Vadim Pijicov, with the ‘Pas de Quatre’ section restaged by Yuri Burlaka.  L'Etoile students had the special opportunity to learn and interpret this ornate and exquisite ballet.  L’Etoile graduate Grace Zhang is dancing as Diana, with graduating high school seniors Ashley Xu as Aurora, Andrea Fox as Hebe, Caroline Linehan as Flora, and Sophia Cangialosi performing in the Waltzes.​

Also on the program is the Grand Pas De Quatre.  It created quite a stir when it premiered in London in 1845, since it showcased the world’s foremost prima ballerinas --- Marie Taglioni, Fanny Cerrito, Carlotta Grisi and Lucile Grahn.  Choreographer Jules Perrot dealt with the fiery temperaments of the dancers, by arranging their solos from youngest in age to oldest.  Queen Victoria and Prince Albert even attended one of the illustrious performances.  Anton Dolin restaged the ballet in 1941.  At this performance, the Classical Ballet Theatre ballerinas Andrea Fox, Caroline Linehan, Ashley Xu and Grace Zhang will dance the shortened version of the piece.
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The stellar Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff is also highlighted at this event.  The emotions of his Elegia are echoed in Kravtsova’s choreography and performed by Andrea Fox, Demcy Grill, Caroline Linehan and Ashley Xu.  Rachmaninov’sVocalise is a solo danced by Ashley Xu and choreographed by Maria Cotto and Kravtsova, in honor of Svetlana Kravtsova’s mother.
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Book CBTMD for your Next Event

The Classical Ballet Theatre of Maryland, 
the official ballet company of L'Etoile -The Russian Ballet Academy,
is available for performance bookings!
We offer short programs (shortened Nutcracker or mixed repertoire) for schools, non-profit groups,  community organizations, and festivals. 
Performances of this nature are 30-35 minutes in total length.
If you would like information on rates, performance requirements, and availability,
please send an email to officerbam@gmail.com. Booking must be made at least one month in advance. 
We look forward to performing at your event!

Testimonials

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"Amazing show, one of the best performances I have ever seen in my life!"
"Fantastic performance, backdrops, costumes, and choreography! Thank you!" 
"Very high level of professional ballet training and coaching!"

Guest Benefit Performances

Click the pictures for more information 
New Year’s Tree celebration at Russian Embassy
The Russian Embassy in Washington, DC welcomed children at a New Year’s Tree celebration, where guests enjoyed The Nutcracker ballet.
WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2016
WHERE: Russian Embassy, DC 
Dancing for Divas
Celebrating 50 years of Columbia’s Art and The Women Who Made It Happen 
WHERE: Smith Theatre, Howard Community College
WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2016
With honored royal guests at the Dancing for Divas benefit performance in Columbia, MD.
The Pushkin Ball
The Russian Embassy in Washington, DC held their
Pushkin Ball, where the guests enjoyed historical court dance excerpts from Onegin and Susanin Operas.
WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 2017
WHERE: Russian Embassy, DC