L: Livan Gonzalez as Prince Siegfried and Nicole Ramirez as Odette R: Sierra Stipetich as Odile
The Hylton Performing Arts Center was the site of much activity and appreciation on Friday, March 20. The Virginia National Ballet staged their Swan Lake ballet with music by none other than Tchaikovsky.
I volunteered to manage the silent auction in the main lobby while the performance awed the audience in the theater. I heard loud applause, “Oohs and ahhs,” and a very long curtain call.
During intermission, I observed members of the audience emerge from the theater with smiles on their faces. When they visited the auction tables, I asked for their feedback. “It was amazing,” said one man. “This is my first ballet and now, I want to see more,” said another patron. A third guest shared that they drove from Danville, Virginia for this performance.
The silent auction was well attended and bidding seemed brisk.
With the auditorium doors closed, I heard a roar of applause and ovations. When the doors opened, the guests emerged happy and animated. Back at the auction tables, I asked more questions. One woman volunteered that she has watched the Moscow and Mariinsky Ballets and that performance was just as good, if not better.
The White Swan and the Black Swan emerged in full costumes. The squeals from their fans were loud and loving.
The Virginia National Ballet Benefit Silent Auction is live online until April 1. You can bid on jewelry, art, libations, adventures, services, and travel, among many other delightful items.
A few tickets for the March 28 performance at Capital One Hall are still available. This is an incredible opportunity to watch world-class ballet at very reasonable prices.
Congratulations to the company, the dancers, and staff!
Love was in the air on Valentine’s Day when the curtain rose on the Virginia National Ballet’s “Snow White.” Their timing was perfect – what better way to celebrate the season of romance than with one of the most beloved fairytales of all time?
Snow White (Nicole Ramirez) and The Prince (Livan Gonzalez) surrounded by the Woodland Creatures performed by VNB Students
The audience came to engage and enjoy with much sparkle and finery. My party consisted of my friend and her young ballerina daughter. We arrived after battling Friday evening rush hour in full sparkle and pink regalia. I caught myself smiling throughout the performance.
Under the direction of award-winning choreographer, Rafik Hegab, the production transformed the classic Disney fairytale into an endearing ballet for audiences of all ages. The choreography presented seamless imagery while highlighting the talents of the dancers. The dancers brought to life themes of love’s victory over darkness, bonds between friends, and a pure heart’s ultimate success.
The sophisticated staging and beautiful costuming served as the perfect canvas for the company’s masterful artistry. They truly transported the viewer into an enchanted realm. The lush backdrops created a mysterious forest, a cold castle with a “live” mirror, and the dwarves‘ adorable cottage. The lyrical musical score of Bogdan Pavlovsky sounded familiar yet refined while featuring tunes from the movie. The multiple layers of nostalgic charm, eye-opening scenery, and excellent storytelling through professional ballet made this production sparkle. The inclusion of ballet school students as the woodland creatures gave the audience and the dancers a taste of preparation and performance. The stage of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia made a perfect setting for the ballet.
The joyful Dwarves, each with unique choreography brought peels of laughter from the audience
The company’s international ensemble of twenty dancers brought elegant depth to this performance. The diverse cast represents talent from eight countries including the USA, Brazil, Cuba, Japan, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Nicaragua, and Canada. Each dancer imbued the production with a rich tapestry of artistic excellence. Their technical accuracy and emotional expressiveness brought each character beautifully to life – from Snow White’s impressive graceful innocence to the exquisitely menacing Evil Queen and her “Shadows,” to the mysterious Huntsman and the beguiling Prince, and of course, the Dwarves . . . pure joy! My favorite? The Queen.
The Evil Queen (Sierra Stipetich) and the Huntsman (Leonardo de Almeida)
The company’s decision to present “Snow White” during the Valentine’s season reflects their culture of bold programming. They have been voted the Best of Prince William County in Inside Nova’s Best Of for three years 2022-2024. The Virginia National Ballet pushes artistic boundaries while honoring classical traditions. Under the leadership of Managing Director Elysabeth Muscat and Artistic Director Rafik Hegab, the Company has earned their place among Virginia’s premier ballet institutions. The company performs a broad variety of ballet from “Led Zepllelin” last April to the holiday favorite, Nutcracker, at Christmastime. This is a company with a “two edged” sword. It is not surprising that almost every seat was taken.
For those seeking an affordable quality ballet experience, this one will put a smile on everyone’s face. There is one more chance to enjoy this production on March 1 at Capital One Hall. Visit the website for tickets. Here is a brief video from an earlier season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF2mSJ_irlc.
As a first-time viewer and a bit of a ballet sceptic, I was delighted by the authenticity, technical accuracy, and charming emotional storytelling by the company. This production has made me eagerly anticipating the company’s April 27thBohemian Rhapsody , at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
I wish Virginia National Ballet the best as they prepare for their exciting NYC debut of Bohemian Rhapsody in May at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City.
*Photo Credit: Photos by Dave Pearson – courtesy of Virginia National Ballet Company
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