The atmosphere at the Ridgefield School of Dance is getting a little fantastical as it prepares for its 24th annual spring show with a performance of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at The Ridgefield High School June 11-12.
Artistic director Jessica Boelts has worked her magic choreographing this comical romp through an enchanted forest filled with mischief and magic. Audiences will meet quarreling Oberon and Titania, king and queen of the fairies and their entourage of butterflies, bugs, fairies, and magical creatures. The mischievous sprite Puck is always looking for an opportunity to cause chaos and Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, is out for a midnight hunt. We also encounter star-crossed lovers Hermia and Lysander, Helena and Demetrius as well as Nick Bottom, an actor rehearsing for a play.
As the fairy world mixes with the human world, Puck tries to mend a lovers’ spat, identities are mistaken, pranks are played on unsuspecting characters, and chaos and comedy ensue!
Featuring the exuberant and well-known music of Felix Mendelssohn, choreography by Boelts, costume design by Danielle Santos, and lighting design by Adam Lobelson, this full-length ballet production will feature three of the studio’s veteran dancers: Ridgefield residents and high school seniors Sofia Garrett as Puck, Ingrid Karlson as Titania, and Karina Rao as Hippolyta. Guest artists joining the production are Micah Sell and Christian Butts, both students of SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, Will Valles of New York City, and Leo McGrath, performing courtesy of First State Ballet Theatre.
Immediately following the ballet, will be Journey, a presentation by the jazz department featuring original choreography for Lyrical, Contemporary, Theatre dance, jazz and tap technique.
In its third decade, The Ridgefield School of Dance provides pre-professional and recreational dance instruction focusing on classical ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap and musical theatre dance. With a complete schedule of day and evening classes for ages three through adult, the school offers the joy, discipline and artistry of dance, with a challenging curriculum at all program levels.
Tickets are on sale here or on the school website theridgefieldschoolofdance.com.
The Ridgefield School of Dance is at 66 Grove Street.
*Photo credit Marina White