The Sleeping Beauty
Variations
The Sleeping Beauty
Variations
Rudolf Nureyev put The National Ballet of Canada on the map when he staged his own version of Marius Petipa’s The Sleeping Beauty for the company in 1972. Showy and opulent, it set off an unprecedented period of international touring and acclaim for the young company and its dancers, and it remains a jewel in the National Ballet repertoire today. The Sleeping Beauty is a classical showpiece, and its many brilliant variations and pas de deux are often performed as standalone pieces in international galas, competitions and festivals.
Rudolf Nureyev trained in Leningrad before joining the Kirov Ballet, gradually distinguishing himself as one of the great male dancers of his generation. After defecting from the Soviet Union, he formed an historic partnership with Margot Fonteyn. He was Artistic Director of the Paris Opéra Ballet from 1983 to 1989 and its Principal Choreographer until 1992.
The late 19th century Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created some of the most popular works in the classical repertoire, particularly his three full-length scores for ballet: Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. His body of work includes full-length operas, multiple symphonies and concertos.
Karolina Kuras is an internationally renowned photographer and filmmaker based in Toronto, Ontario. A versatile artist, she blends the worlds of fashion, dance, and fine art into ethereal photographs in her signature style. As an avid world traveler she has worked with dancers, companies and publications around the globe, including The National Ballet of Canada, English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet.
Princess Aurora
Sonia Rodriguez
Prince Florimund
Naoya Ebe
1st Variation
Jaclyn Oakley
2nd Variation
Miyoko Koyasu
3rd Variation
Tina Pereira
4th Variation
Tirion Law
5th Variation
Koto Ishihara
6th Variation/Lead Fairy
Kathryn Hosier
Bluebird Pas de Deux
Bluebird
Siphesihle November
Princess Florine
Tina Pereira
Pussycats
Clare Peterson and Jack Bertinshaw
Produced, originally staged and with additional choreography:
Rudolf Nureyev, after Marius Petipa
Staged by:
Karen Kain, C.C., LL. D., D.Litt., O Ont.
Costume Design:
Nicholas Georgiadis
Music:
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Original Lighting Design:
David Hersey, adapted by Jeff Logue
Répétiteurs:
Peter Ottmann and Christopher Stowell
Guest Rehearsal Assistants:
Rebekah Rimsay and Piotr Stanczyk
The Sleeping Beauty is made possible by generous contributions from Margaret Fleck & Jim Fleck, C.C., The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Gretchen Ross and Nancy Pencer & Michael Benjamin.
Lead philanthropic support for Spotlight Series provided by The Walter Carsen New Creations Fund, with additional support from the Producers' Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin Garland & Roger Garland, C.M., Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Anna McCowan Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Jerry & Joan Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., The Harry & Lillian Seymour Family Foundation, Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan and The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation.
Photos:
Sonia Rodriguez in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Artists of the Ballet in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Tina Pereira and Skylar Campbell in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
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