It was our pleasure to attend Opening Night of American Ballet Theatre’s World Premiere of their new production, The Sleeping Beauty, performed at Segerstrom Center. This was my first live ballet experience, and it was remarkable!

Segerstrom Center: ABT The Sleeping Beauty – Diana Vishneva & Marcelo Gomes – photo Gene Schiavone

The ballerinas are elegant and graceful as they danced across the stage. The beautiful Princess Aurora, performed by Diana Vishneva, is playful and loved. Even the children are charming. My friend and I were enchanted by their every movement. The costumes and sets, designed by Richard Hudson (based on the historic work of Léon Bakst from 1921), are absolutely stunning and extremely detailed. The score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed live by Pacific Symphony, were in perfect harmony with the dancing. It’s beautifully choreographed by Marius Petipa with staging and additional choreography by ABT Artist in Residence, Alexei Ratmansky.

Segerstrom Center: ABT’s THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. Photo by Gene Schiavone.

Segerstrom Center: ABT’s THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. Photo by Gene Schiavone.

Segerstrom Center: ABT’s THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. Photo by Doug Gifford.

BRAVO! We loved ABT’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, because they kept it classic and easy to follow. The dancers are extremely talented and skillful. We had a delightful experience. If you’ve been waiting to experience a ballet performance, let it be a timeless classic!

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Pre-Show Activities:

Free lobby activities begin one hour before the show and are available during intermission.

• Preview Talks will be conducted by Elizabeth Kaye, author of American Ballet Theatre: A Twenty-Five Year Retrospective. They are held in the Orchestra Terrace seating of Segerstrom Hall one hour prior to curtain.

• Costume sketches and a set model designed by Richard Hudson will be on exhibit.

• Coloring stations for children will be available on the Orchestra Terrace Level, featuring Richard Hudson’s costume designs for Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré.

• Learn fun facts about The Sleeping Beauty such as the meaning behind the Lilac Fairy’s pantomime, and why the role of Princess Aurora is considered one of the most difficult roles in ballet.

American Ballet Theatre’s The Sleeping Beauty is now performing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts until March 8, 2015!

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, California. For more information, please call (714) 556-2787 or visit their website at www.scfta.org. Tickets start at $19.