Category: News

Tulsa Ballet cancels The Nutcracker, reimagines their 2020|2021 fall season with socially distanced performances under the guidance of COVID Consultant.

Continue reading TULSA BALLET CANCELS THE NUTCRACKER, HOLDS SOCIALLY DISTANCED PERFORMANCES THIS FALL

Tulsa Ballet to reschedule the American premiere of Vendetta, a Mafia Story to March 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Continue reading TULSA BALLET POSTPONES VENDETTA, A MAFIA STORY

FRIDAY, JULY 31st FROM 4:00PM CDT TO MIDNIGHT

Age of Innocence: a ballet Marcello Angelini calls “love at first sight” and one of choreographer Edwaard Liang’s “all-time favorites.” Join us for happy hour on Friday, July 31^st where we premiere the pre-recorded live stream of the 2015 Tulsa Ballet performance of Age of Innocence at 4:00 pm CDT with a live chat. This performance will be available to view until midnight!

While out traveling in 2008, Liang was spending his downtime reading Jane Austen novels, perplexed by a woman’s place in society at that time; mostly the struggles, lack of education, and lack of any voice at all. That’s when the inspiration for Age of Innocence struck. Women during the 19^th century might only see men at social gatherings, like at a dance or ball. This is where the opening scene of this ballet takes place, the rest of the performance focuses on the relationship of these women with the opposite sex, how they are thrown into arranged marriages, where sometimes they work out…and sometimes they don’t.

In an interview from 2013, Liang’s stager, Suzanne Lopez, explained that Edwaard wanted his audience to be able to step back into time and feel as if they were attending one of these dances today, feeling the stories and hearing what the walls would have to say today. Beautifully haunting music by Philip Glass helps paint a picture with the dancers on stage as if they really are in the early 19^th century.

Be sure to RSVP HERE so you receive a reminder email one hour to the performance so that you don’t miss out.

If you haven’t already, be sure to hit the ‘bell’ icon at our YouTube channel so that you receive a notification the moment we go live.

We are proud to be able to offer this live stream free of charge, and we are navigating a difficult situation right now, so if you are able to please consider making a donation to our Critical Support Fund.

_________________________________

IF YOU’D LIKE TO STREAM THE PERFORMANCE THROUGH YOUR SMARTTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!

FRIDAY, JULY 10TH AT 7:00PM CDT & SATURDAY, JULY 12TH AT 12:00PM CDT

Tulsa Ballet is excited to offer a free live stream viewing of the 2013 recording of Rite of Spring by Adam Hougland for two showtimes: Friday, July 10^th at 7:00 pm CDT and Saturday, July 11^th at 12:00 pm CDT. This performance is 45 minutes long and can only be viewed on Tulsa Ballet’s YouTube channel during its live stream time slots. (Please note that this ballet may be unsettling in nature to some viewers.)

The Rite of Spring is a ballet and orchestral concert work by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky with a very unique history. When first performed in 1913 in Paris, the performance caused somewhat of a riot within the theatre. This reaction was likely caused by the unsettling combination of Stravinsky’s avant-garde score and radical choreography from Vaslav Nijinksy, who were both considered experimental for their time.

Though there are many interpretations, Rite of Spring’s original concept celebrated the advent of spring, using primitive rituals, a young girl being the “Chosen One” as the sacrifice for the celebration.

In an interview about his interpretation, choreographer Adam Hougland said he wanted to use the lack of human relationship to the natural environment as the concept for his version of Rite of Spring, the Chosen One, “…representing everything that is alive, youthful, and beautiful.” Hougland’s interpretation of this early 20th-century work, “…remains just as powerful as ever.” (James Watts, Tulsa World) and we are excited about its virtual encore performance.

If you haven’t already, be sure to hit the ‘bell’ icon at our YouTube channel so that you receive a notification the moment we go live.

We are proud to be able to offer this live stream free of charge, and we are navigating a difficult situation right now, so if you are able to please consider making a donation to our Critical Support Fund.

_________________________________

IF YOU’D LIKE TO STREAM THE PERFORMANCE THROUGH YOUR SMARTTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH AT 7:00PM CDT & SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH AT 12PM CDT

We’ve all heard the beautifully tragic tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. We’ve read about the years of feuding between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s that lead to their forbidden love. And we’ve seen the movies with the heart-wrenching ending we all know is coming…

Yet, Romeo and Juliet is still a beloved classic love story, even after over 400 years. Maybe it’s forbidden love. Or maybe it’s the timeless story. But for the critics who watched Tulsa Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, it was, “…a masterful work of dance theater, one that tells the story of Shakespeare’s ‘star-crossed lovers’ with an economy and artistry that delivers all the thrilling beauty of ballet and all the emotional power of drama.”  -James Watts, Tulsa World

_________________________________

If you’d like to stream the performance through your SmartTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!

FRIDAY, MAY 15TH AT 7:00PM CST & SATURDAY, MAY 16TH AT 12PM CST

Come for the dancing…stay for the costumes! And the romance. And the humor. And the drama.

Tulsa Ballet returns with a virtual theater experience like no other, this time with a full-length ballet performance of The Merry Widow, one of the most successful story ballets of the 20^th century. With romance, humor, and stunning sets and colorful costumes, and live music by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, there is nothing about The Merry Widow not to love.

From British choreographer Ronald Hynd, also known for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Merry Widow is a tale larger than life with stunning sets and costumes from world-famous designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno and tells the tale of Pontevedro, a Balkan country on the brink of bankruptcy. Set in Paris 1905 at the Pontevedrian Embassy, the Ambassador (Baron Zeta) and his young French wife (Valencienne) receive news that a wealthy widowed Pontevedrian (Hanna Glawari) will be coming to Paris and is reportedly seeking a new husband.

Baron Zeta schemes to ensure that she marries a Pontevedrian so all of her wealth – all 20 million francs – benefits the country, so he decides that the First Secretary (Count Danilo) would be a suitable match. At the Pontevedrian Embassy’s ball, Count Danilo is presented to Hanna. They are shocked to recognize each other – they had had an affair in Pontevedro ten years prior when she was a peasant girl, and he had left her at the insistence of his aristocratic parents. From embassy balls, garden soirees, lavish waltzes to can-can girls, the story unfolds with the reunited lovers, political feuds, and secret affairs while the future of Pontevedro lies in the hand of The Merry Widow.

Our long time audience members will enjoy seeing dancers like Alfonso Martin, Yi Wang, Ma Cong, Alexandra Bergman, Beatrice Sebelin, and many more leading dancers in the cast who are now retired, most of them still working with Tulsa Ballet in various capacities.

You do not want to miss this online event, only available for two live stream times, Friday, May 15^th at 7:00 pm CST and Saturday, May 16^th at 12:00pm CST. These performances will not be available to view after they go offline, so be sure to RSVP HERE.

You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit that ‘bell’ icon so you get a notification the moment we go live.

Please consider donating to Tulsa Ballet’s Critical Support Fund to help us weather this storm during uncertain times. You can visit our Critical Support Fund web page to donate and find out other ways you can help support.

_________________________________

If you’d like to stream the performance through your SmartTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!

Everyone’s favorite young lad, Peter, and his charming forest friends are virtually making their way into your living rooms for your entire family to enjoy right from your couch!

And that’s not the most exciting news…you’ll get to watch them for a whole WEEK!

We’re streaming a performance of Peter and the Wolf on Tulsa Ballet’s YouTube channel from Thursday, May 7th from 10:00 am CST to Wednesday, May 13^th at 11:59 pm CST, so your family can experience this adorable classic whenever, wherever, and however many times you want. Go into the woods and experience this fantastic family production, a fun way for children to learn about ballet, music, and theatre, and perfect for both the young and young at heart. Choreographed by Tulsa Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Ma Cong, Peter and the Wolf features a cast of characters children know and love, amazing sets, and costumes, plus narration to help guide them through the story.

WATCH THE FULL PERFORMANCE HERE:

You can read the story of Peter and the Wolf before the performance here:
Story

And you can view a study guide here:
Study Guide

COLORING PAGES

After the performance, print out some of our coloring pages, color them as bright and fun as you want, post a photo of them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and tag us @TulsaBallet with #TulsaBallet for a chance to be featured on our Instagram and Facebook Stories!

Step 1. Click one of the photos below
Step 2. Once at the page, click ‘File’ at the top of your browser
Step 3. Click ‘Print’

If you haven’t already, be sure to hit that ‘bell’ icon at our YouTube channel so you get a notification the moment the video is available: YouTube.com/TbTulsaBallet.

Please consider donating to Tulsa Ballet’s Critical Support Fun to help us weather this storm during uncertain times. You can visit our Critical Support Fund web page to donate and find out other ways you can help support: https://tulsaballet.org/criticalsupport/

A special thanks to the Hardesty Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation, Stinson Family, and the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation in making this production possible.

______________________________________________

If you’d like to stream the performance through your SmartTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!

Tulsa Ballet is back with another double-bill ballet (the messages came in and you all LOVED being able to see two completely different styles of ballets in one evening, so we listened!). Join us over on Tulsa Ballet’s YouTube channel for yet another evening of performances from our archives.

The first piece you will see is Shibuya Blues by Belgium choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, an abstract piece about one of the busiest districts in Tokyo. In an interview about her first creation for Tulsa Ballet back in 2019, Annabelle described being inspired by entering an unknown city for the first time, feeling lost and overwhelmed by how the city works almost like a machine, taking the time to understand how the system works. Ochoa explains, “For this process, I knew that I wanted mechanical movements, and go from a mechanical phrase into phrases that would move into space.” (If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she is the choreographer of Vendetta, a Mafia Story, the piece that was set to make it’s US premiere in March 2020, but was rescheduled to October 2020)

Watch Annabelle’s full interview about Shibuya Blues below:

After a short intermission (we like to keep this experience as close to attending the theatre as possible during quarantine), you will get to watch Extremely Close by Alejandro Cerrudo, the newly appointed Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Resident Choreographer and one of the most-watched dance-makers of his generation. Originally created for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in 2007, the piece set to piano music by Philip Glass and Dustin O’Halloran begins with white feathers falling from the sky, filling the stage floor, and includes a solo performed without music, driving the notion of isolation. Tulsa World describes Extremely Close as a “…somber piece, dealing with the concept of loss, of death, of fragility, of memory.”

Get a taste of Extremely Close below:

These performances will only be available to watch while they are live, and will not be available to view online after (just like a real theatre performance), so be sure to follow us on all of our social media handles to keep up to date when we go live (this particular event will last about an hour, including intermission). Artistic Director Marcello Angelini will be available for questions during the May 1^st performance via the stream live chat.

Subscribe to Tulsa Ballet’s YouTube channel to get notified, via YouTube, the moment we go live (30 minutes to showtime).

You can also RSVP here to receive an email reminder one hour prior to the live stream so that you’re sure not to miss out.

______________________________________________

If you’d like to stream the performance through your SmartTV:

STEP 1: Download the YouTube App on the device you’ll use to tune in. You can find it by opening the App Store, Google Play, etc. If you have a smart TV, try pressing the “Home” or “Menu” button on your remote control. The YouTube app is likely already installed.

STEP 2: If you don’t want to download an app, simply open the internet browser on your device and enter YouTube.com/TBTulsaBallet

It should look something like this:

STEP 3: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the stream beginning, you will be able to bring it up to make sure your audio and video are working correctly.

You should see something like this:

Notice the “Live Now” in red? That’s how you’ll know which video to select. Click on it and you’re all set to enjoy the show!