Celebrating the end of the 2024-25 season, The Ridgefield School of Dance is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming performances of “Four Seasons” and “Shifting Colors” June 7-8. The performances, taking place at Ridgefield High School, promise a vibrant display of dance and music, showcasing a wide range of styles and featuring the school’s pre-professional division.
“Four Seasons” will be a highlight of the program, blending Antonio Vivaldi’s classic score with Max Richter’s intense recomposition. Artistic director Jessica Boelts’ and former teacher Danielle Santos’ original choreography, described as dynamic, artistic, athletic, and fresh, blends dancers and the music in this celebration of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
This performance is highly anticipated as the school’s 2021 premier of Four Seasons had a limited audience due to pandemic restrictions. “We can’t wait to share the ballet with a larger audience and with additional levels of dancers this time,” said Executive director Alison Brown. “Not only will pre-professional divisions be performing but also dancers from Ballet 2 through Ballet 5.”
Adding to the program’s variety, Pre-ballet and Ballet 1 levels will present “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” a ballet designed for the youngest dancers to showcase their developing talents. Set to Benjamin Britten's music and narration by Sean Connery, this playful symphony introduces the instruments and sounds of the orchestra as envisioned by teacher Violeta Katz and Ms. Boelts. Pre-professional dancers Lily Skirkanich, Bella Locatelli, Zoe Keenan, and Allie Bouleris, all of Ridgefield, will also contribute to this segment in the roles of Woodwind, Strings, Brass and Percussion.
Rounding out the evening and matinée performances, the Jazz department will present “Shifting Colors,” incorporating Jazz, Theatre Dance, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, and Fusion/Contemporary techniques. Choreographed by Stevi Van Meter and Jamie Rae Walker, "Shifting Colors" promises a diverse range of music and dance that will appeal to all.Showtimes for “Four Seasons” and “Shifting Colors” will be Saturday, June 7, at 6:30 pm (general admission) and on Sunday, June 8, at 1 pm (assigned seating), along with “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.”
For more information, theridgefieldschoolofdance.com/ or tickets at https://32782.danceticketing.com/r/events/.