Among Ballet Hartford’s plans for this season are En Plein Air, Behind the Ballet, The Nutcracker, and A Ceremony of Carols at a variety of venues, including the Hoffman Auditorium at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.

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This fall, Ballet Hartford invites audiences to experience a captivating season of artistry, elegance, and beauty across central Connecticut. With a stunning repertoire including The Nutcracker: Short & Suite and A Ceremony of Carols, a new Christmas tradition, it promises to be a memorable season.

Non-traditional spaces such as the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington and the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown provide intimate performances offering audiences a truly unique experience, and the Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford offers a comfortable and accessible venue that has proven attractive for families.

The Ballet Hartford performance schedule includes:

• Saturday, Oct. 5: Ballet Hartford En Plein Air – 200 Waterville Road, Avon, 4 p.m. Performance, 5 p.m. Cocktail Reception
• Saturday, Oct. 16: Behind the Ballet: A Ceremony of Carols – The Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington, 3 p.m. Open Dress Rehearsal, 7 p.m. Lecture/Demonstration
• Sunday, Nov. 24: The Nutcracker: Short & Suite – The Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 30: A Ceremony of Carols – University of Saint Joseph, Hoffman Auditorium, West Hartford, 7:30 p.m.

“This ballet season is a celebration of movement and storytelling. Each piece blends tradition with innovation. I hope that audiences can experience the unique and enduring power of dance to connect and inspire,” says Claire Kretzschmar, former New York City Ballet Soloist and Ballet Hartford’s Artistic Director. This is Kretzschmar’s first year as Artist Director of Ballet Hartford.

New this year, a formal partnership has been established between Ballet Hartford and Woodbury Ballet. Woodbury Ballet’s Artistic Director, Christine Harris, has recently been named Ballet Hartford’s Trainee Program Facilitator. Ballet Hartford’s Trainees have the opportunity to perform at Waterbury’s Palace Theater in Woodbury Ballet’s Nutcracker on Dec. 7.

More about Ballet Hartford’s upcoming performances:

Ballet Hartford En Plein Air – A scenic outdoor performance with dancers from Ballet Hartford and the School of Ballet Hartford, followed by a light reception for guests. The performance will include demonstrations of the ballet technique from beginner to advanced levels, a special coaching session with Artistic Director Claire Kretzschmar, and excerpts from the company’s upcoming shows.

Behind the Ballet: A Ceremony of Carols – Ballet Hartford and the Hill-Stead Museum kick-off a new series titled, “Behind the Ballet” which features an evening ballet demonstration and moderated discussion about the process of creating a ballet. Earlier in the day, audiences can watch as the dancers rehearse. Artists are invited to sketch, as well as children can also enjoy the interactive experience.

The Nutcracker: Short & Suite – Enjoy this abbreviated holiday classic wonderfully set inside the historic Wadsworth Mansion! After each performance, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with friends and family in a beautiful setting. Come dressed in holiday best to take a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy and pick-up a gift at Ballet Hartford’s boutique.

A Ceremony of Carols – A new Christmas tradition, A Ceremony of Carols highlights the nativity story using an angelic cast of 13 women. Set to the phenomenal composition of the same name by Benjamin Britten, Claire Kretzschmar’s masterful choreography and musicality ushers in the holiday season. Accompanying the ballet is Leyna Doran’s Holiday Happenings – a ballet of holiday moments incorporating the company and school to the recognizable music of Vince Guaraldi.

“The range of ballet performances this fall has something for everyone,” explained Ballet Hartford’s Executive Director Leyna Doran. “The programming offered combined with the quality of art under Claire’s vision is not to be missed.”

In December, Ballet Hartford, in association with Claire Kretzschmar Productions, will embark on a three-city tour – to New York City, Philadelphia and Winston-Salem – the most extensive in the company’s history. The performance will include A Ceremony of Carols, a new Christmas tradition featuring original ballets by Kretzschmar. The program begins with the world premiere of Weihnachtsbaum with music by Franz Liszt, and culminates in A Ceremony of Carols featuring twelve glorious songs by Benjamin Britten. Co-produced by Grammy Award-winning singer Katy Avery, this double feature is elevated by live piano, harp, and choral music. A full rehearsal, including live music, will be held in Hartford on Nov. 18.

About Ballet Hartford

Under the leadership of Claire Kretzschmar, Ballet Hartford is consistently growing into an essential part of the cultural hub that is Hartford. Ballet Hartford resides in rehearsal space at the 224 Ecospace on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. With a packed Fall schedule and an upcoming multi-state tour, it is safe to say that Ballet Hartford is on its way to earning a place on the national stage. For tickets and more information, go to ballethartford.com

With professional dancers from across the United States, Ballet Hartford produces programs that uphold tradition and celebrate innovation. Accompanied by its affiliate school, the School of Ballet Hartford, the company strives for excellence with joy in all of its performances and offerings to the public.

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