Emily Kramm of Old Lyme Dances Lead Role of Sophie the Swan
Sophie the Swan is danced by Emily Kramm of Old Lyme.
On Sunday, May 19, Eastern Connecticut Ballet will perform a double-bill at The Garde in New London, comprising the world premiere of Ballerina Swan and a new take on an old favorite, Carnival of the Animals.
Little Sophie the Swan wants to be a dancer more than anything in the world. In her dreams she is a lovelyballerina with a golden tiara perched on top of her head. But, alas, poor Sophie is only a swan, with very uncooperative bright orange webbed feet. Will she ever realize her dreams and become a Ballerina?
Fly with Sophie as she leaps from the pages to the stage in Eastern CT Ballet’s World Premiere of a delightful ballet based upon Allegra Kent’s new award winning children’s book, Ballerina Swan. Kent is one of NYC Ballet’s most celebrated ballerinas and illustrator Emily Arnold McCully has won many prestigious awards including the Caldecott Medal. Original choreography has been crafted by Gloria Govrin, Eastern CT Ballet’s Artistic Director and acclaimed NYC Ballet soloist.
Laugh and cry as Sophie follows her dream, leaving the safety of her home on the water to humorous escapades in the ballet classroom. Will she fit in? Will she earn a role in her school’s production of Swan Lake? The ballet concludes with breathtaking variations from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, the perfect fusion of a whimsical children’s tale and the magical beauty of classical ballet.
The lead role of Sophie is performed by Emily Kramm of Old Lyme and more than half of the remaining dancers are from Lyme, Old Lyme or East Lyme.
The animals are having a Carnival! Lions, birds and fish will frolic on stage in Carnival of the Animals, completing this unique, double-bill family event. One of Camille Saint-Saën’s most famous musical masterpieces has inspired Govrin to create her own special vision of the ballet. Each musical selection describes a comical animal that comes alive when introduced with a witty narrated poem. Carnival of the Animals is a perfect children’s introduction to classical music and dance.
These two dynamic ballets, performed by ECB’s talented, professionally trained Company, will be performed at the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 19 at 2 pm. For tickets call 860 444-7373 or online at gardearts.org.
Following both ballets, Allegra Kent, will be at the theater to autograph copies of her book. Guests at the ballet are invited to meet this world acclaimed Balanchine ballerina and other cast members while enjoying free Rita’s of New London ices. For your convenience, copies of Ballerina Swan will be available for purchase.
Based on the book, Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent, Holiday House © 2012, illustration copyright © 2012 by Emily Arnold McCully and sponsored in part by the Garde Arts Center, special group, senior and military discounts are available.
Eastern CT Ballet is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Photo credit: Thomas Giroir.